YVR Cracks Top 10 of Global Airports, Best in North America for Record 15th Time

by Bruce Parkinson March 19, 2026

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) ranked 10th in the latest Skytrax list of the world’s top 20 airports, an increase of three spots from 13th in 2025, and up seven places from 2024.

The airport was also honoured as Best Airport in North America for the 15^th time in the past 17 years. It’s the only airport ever to receive the award 15 times.

Skytrax rankings were determined by votes cast by more than 13 million passengers around the globe.

As Canada’s second busiest airport and a critical hub as Canada’s Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond, YVR served a record 26.9 million travellers and moved more than 365,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025. These are the highest volumes in the airport’s almost 95-year history.

“For YVR to continue to be recognized as the Best Airport in North America while at the same time breaking records for passengers and cargo is something for our teams and our community to be proud of,” said Tamara Vrooman, Vancouver International Airport President and CEO.

“This honour is a tribute to the tireless work of our dedicated employees, our airline and partner agency teams, and of course the support of our passengers, customers, and the community that we are here to serve.”

Vrooman said that YVR contributes more than $15 billion annually to Canada’s GDP, and supports more than 26,000 jobs on Sea Island as well as more than 119,000 jobs across B.C.

“As Canada seeks to double exports to new and diverse global markets, YVR’s efforts to further grow air connectivity will play a critical role in getting more of Canada to the world while supporting jobs and economic growth here at home,” Vrooman added.

“Canada’s airports are vital gateways that connect our communities to each other and to the world while supporting trade, tourism and economic growth,” said The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Federal Minister of Transport.

“YVR’s continued recognition underscores the strength of our aviation sector and the important role our airports play in keeping Canada connected and competitive.”