YVR gears up for World Cup surge with 88,000 daily passengers
Vancouver airport expects 2.7 million visitors during FIFA tournament, investing in biometric boarding and security upgrades.
Vancouver International Airport will welcome roughly 88,000 passengers a day during the FIFA World Cup — about 5 to 10 per cent above normal summer traffic — as the city prepares to host its first match in less than two weeks.
Andy Margolis, YVR's vice-president of operations, said the airport has spent nearly four years preparing for the influx, with a focus on innovation rather than new construction.
The airport invested in CT scanners at security checkpoints that let passengers keep large items and liquids in their bags, speeding up screening. YVR also expanded its biometric journey system, which has increased boarding speed by about 13 per cent and improved on-time performance.
Canada Border Services Agency officials are reminding travellers to arrive prepared with passports, IDs, and Nexus cards. Tickets to FIFA matches don't guarantee entry to Canada — visitors still need to meet standard entry requirements.
Margolis emphasized that the airport's role extends beyond logistics. "We wanted to make sure our service and guest experience would all be ready to welcome the world," he said. The airport will shape the first and last impressions of Vancouver for teams, officials, and fans arriving for the tournament.