Vancouver International Airport (IATA: YVR, ICAO: CYVR) serves the Metro Vancouver region and is a major Pacific gateway for transpacific and North American travel. Located on Sea Island in Richmond, it is operated by the Vancouver Airport Authority and is known for Indigenous art and West Coast design in its terminals.

At a glance — Vancouver (YVR)
Operator Vancouver Airport Authority
Location Sea Island, Richmond, British Columbia (serves Metro Vancouver)
Codes IATA: YVR • ICAO: CYVR
Terminals Main terminal (domestic & international piers) • South Terminal (regional/charter/floatplane interfaces)
Security & border CATSA screening • CBSA • U.S. preclearance
Air navigation NAV CANADA (tower/terminal/en-route services)
Official site yvr.ca

Overview

YVR is a key hub for routes to Asia-Pacific, the United States, and across Canada. The airport supports significant cargo operations and specialized services for coastal and northern communities via the South Terminal.

Terminals and amenities

  • Main terminal: Domestic and international concourses, extensive retail/food, lounges, children’s play areas, and artwork throughout.
  • South Terminal: Regional and charter operations, including interfaces with floatplane operators.

Airport-wide services include special-assistance programs, pet relief areas, family spaces, and wayfinding in multiple languages.

Ground transport

  • Rail: The Canada Line rapid transit links YVR directly to downtown Vancouver and Richmond.
  • Buses: TransLink bus routes serve Sea Island and surrounding communities.
  • Road: Bridges connect to major routes; taxis, ride-hail, limos, rentals, and hotel shuttles operate at signed locations.

Security, border, and accessibility

CATSA screens passengers and baggage; CBSA processes international arrivals; U.S. preclearance is available for eligible flights. Accessibility services and infrastructure align with federal accessibility requirements (ATPDR) under CTA oversight.

Operations and airfield

YVR has parallel runways with high-capacity taxiways and de-icing facilities for winter operations. NAV CANADA provides tower, terminal, and en-route control; coastal weather and noise-management programs are actively communicated to the community.

See also

External links (official)