CYVR

CYVR is the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code for Vancouver International Airport, the primary airport serving Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Located on Sea Island, approximately 12 kilometres northeast of downtown Vancouver, the airport handles a wide range of domestic and international flights and is a major hub for Air Canada Express and WestJet Encore. It was originally built in the 1940s as a military airbase and was converted to civilian use after World War II. Over the decades, the airport expanded to accommodate rising passenger traffic and modern aviation demands.

The main terminal, opened in 1998, features two concourses and multiple gates, offering extensive services such as retail shops, food concessions, free Wi‑Fi, and a dedicated baggage claim area. The airport also operates a cargo facility serving major freight carriers and features a dedicated air traffic control tower operated by the Canadian National Aviation Management Centre. In 2018, CYVR introduced the Pacific Flight Academy for pilot training, and it has recently opened dedicated facilities for sustainable aviation research and electric aircraft testing.

CYVR ranks among the top airports in Canada in terms of passenger throughput, consistently handling over 10 million passengers annually. It acts as a critical gateway for travelers to Canada’s west coast, offering connections to Asia, Europe, and the United States, and supports the regional economy through tourism, business travel, and freight logistics.