YVR U.S. travel drops for 20th straight month as Asia-Pacific surges
While overall passenger traffic at Vancouver International Airport is up 6.3% year-over-year, travel to the U.S. has fallen for two consecutive years as Asia-Pacific routes grow nearly 19%.
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Air travel between Vancouver and the United States has declined for 20 consecutive months on a year-over-year basis, reflecting a broader reduction in B.C.-U.S. travel observed both by air and land.
In August, YVR handled 634,531 passengers bound for the U.S., down 5% compared to August 2025. Over the first eight months of 2026, YVR-U.S. passenger traffic totaled 4,169,147, down 4.4% from the same period in 2025. Despite the U.S. decline, overall YVR passenger traffic continues to climb: August 2026 saw passengers up 6.3% year-over-year, and the airport has recorded 18 consecutive months of overall growth.
Domestic and Asia-Pacific routes are driving the growth. In August, domestic passengers accounted for 1,453,331 travellers—51.6% of total traffic—up 8.9% compared to August 2025. Over the first eight months of 2026, domestic traffic totaled 9,372,196 passengers, up 5.7% year-over-year.
The strongest growth is coming from Asia-Pacific, identified as the airport's biggest growth market. August 2026 saw 440,869 Asia-Pacific passengers, up 18.6% from August 2025. Over the first eight months of 2026, Asia-Pacific passenger traffic reached 3,377,754, up 14.6% year-over-year.
YVR expects 32 weekly flights on 9 routes between Vancouver and mainland China in November, representing a nearly 40% increase from November 2025's 23 weekly flights. The increase is partly supported by a temporary policy allowing Canadian passport holders to travel to China visa-free through the end of 2026. In May 2027, Air Canada is scheduled to launch a new direct flight between Vancouver and Guangzhou.
The facts
How long has U.S. travel from YVR been declining?
YVR has experienced 20 consecutive months of year-over-year declines in passengers traveling to the United States.
How much did U.S.-bound passenger traffic drop in August 2026?
YVR handled 634,531 passengers bound for the U.S. in August 2026, down 5% compared to August 2025.
Which region is driving the strongest growth at YVR?
Asia-Pacific is YVR's biggest growth market, with 440,869 passengers in August 2026, up 18.6% from August 2025.
How many weekly China flights will YVR have in November 2026?
YVR expects 32 weekly flights on 9 routes between Vancouver and mainland China in November 2026, up from 23 weekly flights in November 2025.
