Tag: Vancouver YVR

Porter Inaugurates Service at New Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET)

Opening represents a revitalized era of seamless travel and economic investment for Greater Montreal

LONGUEUIL, Quebec–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Porter Airlines is launching its first flights from Montreal Metropolitan Airport – MET, a significant, privately-funded national transportation infrastructure project, located in Longueuil on Montreal’s South Shore. The airport’s close proximity to downtown will meaningfully contribute to increasing air access for one of Canada’s most prominent cities. Four inaugural routes begin today: with Vancouver, Toronto-Pearson, Toronto-City, and St. John’s, N.L.

Over the next week, Porter is introducing flights to 11 airports across the country from MET, just in time for the summer travel season. Passenger traffic at MET is projected to hit one million in its first year, climbing to four million annually at full capacity.

MET routes*	Start date	Frequency
St. John’s (YYT) **	June 15	7x weekly
Toronto City (YTZ)	June 15	27x weekly
Toronto Pearson (YYZ)	June 15	20x weekly
Vancouver (YVR)	June 15	14x weekly
Edmonton (YEG)	June 16	7x weekly
Calgary (YYC)	June 17	7x weekly
Halifax (YHZ)	June 17	14x weekly
Charlottetown (YYG) **	June 18	7x weekly
Winnipeg (YWG) **	June 18	7x weekly
Moncton (YQM) **	June 19	7x weekly
Hamilton (YHM)	June 22	14x weekly
Note: MET’s official airport designation code is YHU *Seasonal route

Flights can be booked at www.flyporter.com and through travel agencies.

This launch marks a historic moment for Montreal’s air travel sector, offering Montrealers and visitors greater flexibility for travelling throughout Canada. Improved air connectivity also strengthens Montreal’s economic development, stimulating trade and business opportunities.

With new service from MET and continued operations at Montreal-Trudeau Airport, Porter is set to nearly double its capacity in Greater Montreal this summer, adding over 1,000 flights. Moreover, a partnership with Pascan Aviation will boost regional connections across Quebec, the Maritimes, and Porter’s broader North American network.

Porter is recognized as one of North America’s top airlines, known for its refined, attentive service and complimentary amenities. This includes premium snacks, a selection of beverages, including beer and wine served in glassware, and fast, free WiFi on its E195-E2 aircraft.

MET will be served by Porter’s fleet of De Havilland Dash 8-400s (78 seats) and Embraer E195-E2s (132 seats), which are among the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in their respective classes. Both feature a two-by-two seating configuration, with no middle seats, for enhanced comfort.

Quotes

“Starting new routes is something that we often do, but launching 11 at once from a new airport to transform a city’s connectivity is exceptional. This is truly meaningful for Montreal’s people, economy and tourism, and we’re proud to be a part of it. Demand is already exceeding our expectations, and as soon as travellers discover Porter’s unique offering, combined with MET’s comfort and convenience, they will have a new appreciation for air travel.”

– Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines

“This new terminal is the result of a collaborative process involving citizens and elected officials, a process that began long before the ground-breaking ceremony. Today, we are proud to see that 80% of the population on Montreal’s South Shore supports the MET project.”

– Simon-Pierre Diamond, interim president of MET – Montreal Metropolitan Airport

“We are proud to welcome Porter Airlines to YHU Terminal at MET- Montreal Metropolitan Airport and to support the expansion of its network in Greater Montreal. Together, we are offering travellers an experience that combines Porter’s renowned service with a terminal specifically designed to provide a faster, more seamless and more comfortable journey from curb to gate.”

– Charles Roberge, president and Chief Executive Officer, YHU Terminal

About Porter

Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves North America, including a coast-to-coast domestic Canadian network, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com

15 June 2026

Vancouver Airport Authority Assigned Aa2 Credit Rating by Moody’s Ratings

Moody’s highlights YVR’s very strong market position, robust and improving performance.

MUSQUEAM TERRITORY and RICHMOND, BC, June 8, 2026 /CNW/ – Vancouver Airport Authority, the private, non-shareholder capital corporation that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR), is pleased to announce that Moody’s Ratings has assigned the Airport Authority a first-time Aa2 issuer rating with a stable outlook.

Moody’s says the Aa2 rating reflects YVR’s very strong market position as Canada’s primary Asia-Pacific gateway and the country’s second-largest airport and key international hub. It also highlights the Airport Authority’s robust operating performance, prudent capital planning, and disciplined financial management.

The agency’s analysis notes YVR benefits from structurally strong passenger demand underpinning its long-term traffic resilience and continues to grow cargo volumes, which saw a record year in 2025 alongside the strongest passenger volumes in the airport’s history, reinforcing its position as a cargo hub. In addition, Moody’s calls out the Airport Authority’s exceptionally strong credit metrics with low leverage.

“Receiving an Aa2 public rating from Moody’s further validates the Airport Authority’s strong financial foundation, resilient operating performance, and our prudent long-term strategy,” said Clayton Buckingham, Vice President, Finance and CFO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “Together with existing ratings from S&P and Morningstar DBRS, this reinforces confidence in our credit profile, supports our long-term financing strategy and broader engagement with global capital markets, and also helps position the Airport Authority to continue investing to support trade, tourism and economic growth across British Columbia and Canada.”

The Moody’s public rating follows recent positive rating actions from S&P Global Ratings and Morningstar DBRS. In March 2026, S&P upgraded the Airport Authority’s long-term issuer credit and senior unsecured debt ratings to AA with a stable outlook, citing strong financial performance, robust passenger demand, and disciplined capital investment planning. In April 2026, Morningstar DBRS confirmed the Airport Authority’s Issuer Rating and Senior Debentures rating at AA (low) with Stable trends, supported by strong service area fundamentals, resilient traffic performance, conservative financial management, and comparatively low aeronautical fees.

As Canada’s Pacific Gateway to Asia and beyond, Vancouver International Airport is a strategic connecting hub and a key economic driver for the region and Western Canada. In 2025, YVR moved a record 26.9 million passengers and nearly 365,000 tonnes of cargo, up 7.4 per cent from the previous year. YVR was also recently named Skytrax Best Airport in North America for a record 15^th year as well as being rated in the top 10 of all airports globally.

About Vancouver Airport Authority

Vancouver Airport Authority is the non-share capital organization that manages and operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in service of the community and economy that supports it.

9 June 2026
Air Canada Expands Premium Airport Experience with New Café Openings in Montréal and Vancouver
- Second Air Canada Café at Vancouver’s domestic C concourse offers an expanded, 84-seat premium space, inspired by West Coast design and culinary culture
- New 62-seat Air Canada Café at in Montréal-Trudeau’s U.S. departures pier showcasing city’s iconic coffee culture and local flavours
- Both locations feature a full-service bar and menus highlighting locally sourced food and beverages, along with a selection of grab and go items
- Openings part of airline’s multi-year program to modernize its global lounge network
MONTRÉAL, April 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Air Canada today opened a new Air Canada Café at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), marking its second Café location for its Domestic customers, expanding its premium ground offering and continuing its investment in the customer experience. This follows the successful launch of a new Café at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in the Transborder sector.

“With our first Vancouver Café, we celebrated the spirit of the city, and we’re thrilled to deepen that connection with a second and larger Café space that adds more of the features our customers love,” said Jacqueline Harkness, Managing Director, Product & Services at Air Canada. “The new Vancouver and Montréal Cafés are key parts of our commitment to keep investing in the customer journey. Each is designed to capture the unique spirit of its respective city, and we look forward to welcoming our customers to these new spaces.”

New Café at Vancouver International Airport Channels West Coast Serenity

Opening its doors today, the second Air Canada Café at YVR is located on the C concourse near gates 50 and 51 and offers an expanded 84-seat, 4,489-square-foot space. Anchoring the premium experience is a full-service bar with specialty barista-made coffees, local craft beers on tap and a selection of local wines including Narrative Red and a sparkling rosé from our long-standing partner Okanagan Crush Pad in addition to an impressive selection of international wines and wines and crafted cocktails.

The menu draws from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients that reflect Vancouver’s vibrant culinary landscape. Customers can enjoy favourites such as warm char siu pork bao buns, vegan curry bao, freshly made vegetarian Kimbap and sweet treats from the iconic Granville Island institution, Lee’s Donuts.

The Café’s design, by Vancouver-based firm SmartDesign Group, is rooted in the city’s deep connection to the land. A sculptural ceiling evokes the shoreline of Stanley Park, while lighting from Vancouver lighting studio A-N-D recalls the organic forms of river rocks. The space is enriched by art from local artist Renée Van Halm and anchored by a custom piece, ‘Connections’, by Kelly Cannell, a Coast Salish artist from the Musqueam Nation.

New Café at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport Celebrates Local Culture

The Vancouver opening follows the March 24 debut of a new Air Canada Café in the U.S. departures pier at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, marking Air Canada’s second Café location at YUL. The 62-seat Montréal Café is inspired by the city’s renowned “third wave” coffee culture and offers U.S.-bound travellers a premium pre-flight experience.

The menu features iconic Montréal classics including smoked meat sandwiches, fresh bagels, and artisanal pastries like a delectable pistachio croissant alongside a vegan soup created by Sagamité Watso, a Québec-based, Indigenous-owned business. The beverage selection celebrates local Québec craftsmanship, with wines from L’Orpailleur Winery, gin from distillerie du Fjord and craft beers from Montreal’s RJ Brasseur brewery,

Investing in the Airport Experience

These investments form part of Air Canada’s program to modernize its global lounge network, with further openings and renovations planned for 2026 and beyond. Eligible guests who can access the new and existing Air Canada Cafés at YVR and YUL include Air Canada customers travelling in Business Class, Aeroplan 50K, 75K and Super Elite Members, Star Alliance Gold members, and Aeroplan premium co-brand cardholders.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Headquartered in Montréal, Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, with more than 10 million members worldwide. Members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada’s climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
10 April 2026

Air Canada Brings the Sun Next Winter! New Flights to the Canary Islands, Plus More Vacation Options from Coast-to-Coast

New flights from Toronto and Montréal to Tenerife, the only non-stop services between North America and the Canary Islands
New Air Canada destinations of Roatán*, Santo Domingo, Mérida*, and Mazatlán*
Significant expansion to sun markets from the West coast, plus more routes to Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico from across Canada
Expanded hotel and cruise offered through Air Canada Vacations

MONTRÉAL, April 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Air Canada announced today it has added several new winter vacation destinations for the Winter 2026-27 season to its global network, including the only non-stop flights from North America to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The airline has also added Roatán*, Santo Domingo, Mérida* and Mazatlán* as new destinations, plus several new non-stop flights to sought-after Caribbean and Mexico destinations to the airline’s winter network. Flights are available for purchase now at aircanada.com, and vacation packages will be available for purchase at aircanadavacations.com.

“We are further cementing Air Canada’s global network as one of the most far-reaching from the North American continent. The addition of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, reflects our continued ambition to offer our customers and Aeroplan members an exceptional, diversified array of unique Air Canada destinations. Enabled by the next-generation capabilities of our incoming A321XLR aircraft, travellers on the only non-stop service from North America now have convenient options to reach the island renowned for its stunning volcanic scenery, a rich array of bucket-list activities and year-round warm weather,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada.

“Air Canada is also expanding flights into Latin America from Vancouver, enabled by growing A220 and Air Canada Rouge bases that unlock sought-after, non-stop service to Costa Rica and Mexico, including to Mazatlán, a new Mexican destination. In addition, we are adding Roatán, Santo Domingo and Mérida to our global network, while introducing exciting new leisure options for our customers in Edmonton, Winnipeg, Quebec and Halifax. Together with our previously announced new services to Sapporo and Quito, and our new leisure options from Calgary to Mexico, Air Canada continues to deepen its industry-leading network, proudly connecting Canada globally,” he concluded.

The CEO of Tenerife Tourism, Dimple Melwani, said “The arrival of Air Canada with direct flights from Toronto and Montreal is a strategic boost for Tenerife, consolidating our destination as a global leader and bringing us closer to a high-value traveler for the island. This connection with Air Canada affords us the opportunity to give Tenerife a boost in these markets with growing demand, not only as a vacation destination, but also as a global hub in strategic sectors such as business and corporate tourism, the audiovisual and cultural industries, as well as cruise tourism with multi-stop itineraries.”

According to Melwani, “The island has spent several years working to improve its positioning in these markets, whose interest in Tenerife continues to grow, although there is still a long way to go. This direct flight makes it possible for Tenerife to reinforce our position as a gateway to Europe for North American travelers, while raising the profile of our cultural, culinary and leisure offering in priority source markets on the current roadmap. We are confident that this connection will increase the visibility of Tenerife as a comprehensive and competitive destination over other international options.”

Air Canada’s Tenerife flights will be operated with the airline’s brand-new Airbus A321XLR aircraft featuring lie-flat seats in the Business Class cabin, bringing a wide-body experience to a narrow-body jet. With capacity for 182 passengers in a configuration of 14 Signature Class seats and 168 Economy Class seats, the A321XLR also marks the beginning of the next era in Air Canada’s cabin interiors with the introduction of a new design standard for onboard experience.

Montréal-Tenerife flights**:

Flight	From	To	Departs	Arrives	Days of Operation	Season
AC956	Montréal (YUL)	Tenerife (TFS)	21:00	09:00+1 day	Sat	Oct. 31, 2026-Apr. 24, 2027
AC957	Tenerife (TFS)	Montréal (YUL)	10:55	14:10	Sun	Nov. 1, 2026-Apr. 25, 2027

Toronto-Tenerife flights**:

Flight	From	To	Departs	Arrives	Days of Operation	Season
AC954	Toronto (YYZ)	Tenerife (TFS)	20:35	09:00+1 day	Thu, Sun	Oct. 25, 2026-Apr. 29, 2027
AC955	Tenerife (TFS)	Toronto (YYZ)	10:55	14:50	Mon, Fri	Oct. 26, 2026-Apr. 30, 2027

New Destinations:

To	From	Days of Operation	Season**
Roatán, Honduras (RTB)*	Montréal (YUL)	Sat	Dec. 12, 2026-Apr. 10, 2027
Roatán, Honduras (RTB)*	Toronto (YYZ)	Sun	Dec. 13, 2026-Apr. 11, 2027
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)	Montréal (YUL)	Wed-Thu, Sun-Mon	Dec. 10, 2026-Apr. 18, 2027
Mérida, Mexico (MID)*	Toronto (YYZ)	Mon, Sat	Nov. 21, 2026-Apr. 17, 2027
Mazatlán, Mexico (MZT)*	Vancouver (YVR)	Tue, Fri	Dec. 15, 2026-Apr. 09, 2027

New Non-stop Routes:

From	To	Days of Operation	Season**
Vancouver (YVR)	Liberia (LIR), Costa Rica	Wed-Thu, Sun-Mon	Dec. 13, 2026-Apr. 12, 2027
Vancouver (YVR)	Monterrey (MTY), Mexico	Tue, Thu, Sat	Dec. 03, 2026-Apr. 24, 2027
Vancouver (YVR)	Puerto Escondido (PXM), Mexico	Mon-Tue, Fri-Sat	Dec. 07, 2026-Apr. 10, 2027
Montréal (YUL)	Aruba (AUA)	Sun	Dec. 06, 2026-Apr. 04, 2027
Calgary (YYC)	Cancun (CUN), Mexico	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun	Dec. 11, 2026-Apr. 11, 2027
Calgary (YYC)	Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Mexico	Tue, Thu, Sat	Dec. 10, 2026-Apr. 10, 2027
Edmonton (YEG)	Montego Bay (MBJ), Jamaica	Mon-Sun	Dec. 07, 2026-Apr. 04, 2027
Winnipeg (YWG)	Montego Bay (MBJ), Jamaica	Sun-Mon	Dec. 07, 2026-Apr. 05, 2027
Winnipeg (YWG)	Punta Cana (PUJ), Dominican Republic	Thu	Dec. 03, 2026-Apr. 08, 2027
Quebec City (YQB)	Pointe-a-Pitre (PTP), Guadaloupe	Thu	Dec. 17, 2026-Apr. 08, 2027
Halifax (YHZ)	Bridgetown (BGI), Barbados	Thu	Dec. 17, 2026-Apr. 01, 2027

*Subject to government approvals
**Schedule and times are subject to change

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Headquartered in Montréal, Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, with more than 10 million members worldwide. Members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada’s climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

6 April 2026

Porter Airlines to Be Launch Carrier at New Montreal Metropolitan Airport

12 nonstop routes from coast to coast starting June 15

original Porter Airlines to be launch carrier at new Montreal Metropolitan Airport

LONGUEUIL, Quebec–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Porter Airlines is transforming air travel in Montreal by bringing its elevated passenger experience to the revitalized Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET). Service begins on June 15, with 12 routes being introduced across Canada.

Passengers flying from MET will step into a unique, modern terminal featuring an open concept departure lounge with comfortable seating throughout. YHU Infrastructure Partners developed and operates the new terminal, focusing on creating a more enjoyable airport experience that puts passengers at ease. Its compact and efficient design saves travellers substantial time when departing or arriving.

Located in Longueuil on Montreal’s South Shore, the airport’s location offers a more convenient air travel option for greater than 50% of the region’s population and provides easy access to downtown and Montreal’s central neighbourhoods. MET, formerly called Saint-Hubert Airport, will be a significant boost for the local economy, including the travel and tourism sectors.

Porter’s inaugural MET flight schedule puts Montreal at the centre of a cross-country network. Twelve coast-to-coast routes are starting within a week:

New routes from MET*	Start date	Frequency
Quebec City (YQB)	June 15	7x weekly
St. John’s (YYT) **	June 15	7x weekly
Toronto City (YTZ)	June 15	27x weekly
Toronto Pearson (YYZ)	June 15	20x weekly
Vancouver (YVR)	June 15	14x weekly
Edmonton (YEG)	June 16	7x weekly
Calgary (YYC)	June 17	7x weekly
Halifax (YHZ)	June 17	14x weekly
Charlottetown (YYG) **	June 18	7x weekly
Winnipeg (YWG) **	June 18	7x weekly
Moncton (YQM) **	June 19	7x weekly
Hamilton (YHM)	June 22	14x weekly
*Note: MET’s official airport designation code is YHU
**Seasonal route

All flights are now available for booking at flyporter.com and through travel agencies.

MET will be served by both the 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 and the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2. There are no middle seats on any Porter flight.

Montreal has been a central part of Porter’s strategy since it began flying to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) when the airline was founded in 2006. MET’s opening allows for a rapid 91% expansion of Porter’s peak summer capacity in the region, including six new non-stop destinations. There are as many as 244 weekly departures from the city–138 from MET and 106 from YUL.

New flights at MET complement Porter’s continuing commitment to Montreal-Trudeau. By serving both airports, Porter is offering passengers more choice, flexibility, and convenience in selecting their flights and destinations.

In the last three years, Porter has introduced 52 E195-E2s into its fleet. This enabled rapid growth throughout North America, including transcontinental flights in Canada and the U.S., plus service to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The airline continues expanding its network, which currently includes 112 routes across 49 year-round and seasonal destinations.

Its arrival at MET is part of this plan to have an even stronger presence across Canada. A partnership with regional airline Pascan, based at MET, also provides improved connectivity throughout Quebec’s regions and the Maritimes. Passengers are able to purchase a single ticket that includes flights on both airlines, with seamless baggage connections.

Porter has earned recognition as a top airline within North America. It is celebrated for a refined and caring service culture, complementary premium snacks, a choice of beverages, including free beer and wine served in real glassware, plus free, fast WiFi on its E195-E2 aircraft. The airline’s generous service, combined with MET’s exceptional passenger experience, will elevate the art of travelling.

“The new MET terminal development represents an exceptional private investment in transportation infrastructure that Greater Montreal will benefit from for generations. Porter is bringing a wide range of flight options to the airport, along with a genuine commitment to the community. Our philosophy is to treat everyone with care and this is perfectly complemented by the overall travel experience passengers will enjoy at MET. We are eager to begin this journey with an unprecedented amount of new service.”
– Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines

“MET is very proud to count on Porter Airlines as a leading strategic partner in enhancing connectivity for Greater Montreal across Canada. With Porter’s strong presence at MET, the opening of the new terminal is built on solid foundations and promises a reliable and forward-looking future for the greatest benefit of passengers.”
– Yanic Roy, CEO, MET – Montreal Metropolitan Airport

“As Porter prepares to begin operations at MET, passengers will quickly notice a different kind of airport experience. The terminal has been designed to make every step before boarding simpler, faster and more comfortable — from arrival at the Terminal to the gate. With its compact layout and a simple, streamlined passenger flow, travellers can move through the terminal with ease and spend more time relaxing before their flight. Together with Porter’s elevated onboard service, this creates a seamless and refreshing travel experience.”
– Charles Roberge, president and CEO, YHU Infrastructure Partners

About Porter

Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves North America, including a coast-to-coast domestic Canadian network, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline^® in the World Airline Star Rating^®. Visit www.flyporter.com

24 March 2026

Vancouver YVR recognized as Best Airport in North America for record 15th year, 10th Best Airport in the World
Skytrax Award recognition as voted by millions of travellers follows record-breaking year for both cargo and passenger volumes

MUSQUEAM TERRITORY/RICHMOND, BC, March 18, 2026 /CNW/ – Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has once again been named Best Airport in North America as part of the Skytrax World Airport Awards announced earlier today in London, England. YVR also stood out amongst the top airports globally, ranked 11th in Skytrax’s list of the world’s top 20 airports, an increase of three spots from 13^th in 2025, and up seven places from 2024.

Skytrax is recognized as the world’s premier international airport and aviation awards, with winners determined by votes cast by more than 13-million passengers around the globe. YVR has earned the title Best Airport in North America 15 out of the last 17 years and is the only airport ever to receive the award 15 times.

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 high value or time sensitive cargo in 2025. These are the highest volumes in the airport’s almost 95-year history and are a testament to the strength of the airport’s operations, customer service, innovations, and overall passenger experience.

“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, President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport. “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.”

As a diverse hub and vital link in global supply chain networks, YVR is an economic engine that supports jobs, trade diversification, and connectivity for British Columbia and Canada, contributing more than $15 billion annually to Canada’s GDP, and supporting 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.

Additional quotes:

“Congratulations to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on being recognized by Skytrax as the Best Airport in North America. This distinction reflects the dedication of the entire YVR team and their commitment to providing an exceptional experience for travellers. Canada’s airports are vital gateways that connect our communities to each other and to the world while supporting trade, tourism and economic growth. YVR’s continued recognition underscores the strength of our aviation sector and the important role our airports play in keeping Canada connected and competitive.”
- The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
“Vancouver International Airport helps connect British Columbians to family, fun, and work. As part of our gateway to Asia Pacific, a world-leading airport is a major advantage in uncertain times. Congratulations to everyone who made this well-deserved recognition possible – from executive leaders to the frontline workers. Thanks for keeping B.C. moving!”
- The Honourable David Eby, Premier of British Columbia
“Congratulations to Vancouver International Airport on being recognized as the Best Airport in North America by Skytrax. This achievement reflects not only operational excellence, but our shared commitment to partnership and respect through the Musqueam-YVR Sustainability & Friendship Agreement. We continue to work together towards a long-term vision of joint prosperity by supporting education and training, creating pathways to employment, advancing economic opportunities, and sharing our culture and history with visitors from around the world.”
- yəχʷyaχʷələq, Chief Wayne Sparrow, Musqueam Indian Band
“As such a critical asset to our region and economy, it’s wonderful to see YVR once again recognized as the best airport in North America and one of the top airports worldwide. In addition to being a great airport for passenger travel, we also know the key role YVR plays in driving our economy by supporting global trade and connectivity, particularly at a time when businesses are looking to leverage British Columbia’s Pacific Gateway advantage to diversity trade and reach new global markets.”
- Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
About Skytrax

The Skytrax World Airport Awards are globally recognized and are voted on by air travellers via the single largest, annual airport customer satisfaction survey, covering more than 550 airports. The survey and awards are independent of any airport control or input. The survey evaluates customer experience across all frontline areas of airport service and facilities.

ABOUT YVR

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come together and thrive. We are motivated by supporting regional economic development and making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.
19 March 2026
Vancouver Airport Authority Credit Rating Upgraded to AA by S&P Global Ratings Based on Strong Financial Performance

MUSQUEAM TERRITORY/RICHMOND, BC, March 12, 2026 /CNW/ – Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) is pleased to announce that S&P Global Ratings has raised its long-term issuer credit and senior unsecured debt rating from ‘AA-‘ to ‘AA’ with a stable outlook. According to S&P, the upgrade to ‘AA’ reflects their assessment of Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) robust market position and the authority’s strategic approach to capital investment, which they believe will sustain healthy financial performance and a low debt burden. Additionally, S&P views YVR as a major hub and a key gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to strong long-term demand and future growth despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.

“Vancouver International Airport is ready now to support new and expanded air service, innovation and technology, and to make other strategic investments to further support trade, connectivity, and Canada’s economy,” said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority. “This rating reinforces our strategy that includes maintaining a superior financial footing while also keeping our carrier and passenger fees amongst the lowest of all major airports in Canada.”

Coming off YVR’s busiest year in the airport’s history in 2025 with record cargo and passenger volumes, the Airport Authority is leaning into its role as a global hub and Canada Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond, innovating and enhancing its operations to drive future economic growth for British Columbia and Canada while maintaining protection from market uncertainties.

“At Vancouver International Airport, our continued success is driven by making strategic investments that serve the community and the economy that supports it,” added Clayton Buckingham, Vice President, Finance and CFO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “Moving forward, we have strong confidence in our strategy to invest in growth areas to support our operations and the region’s success, particularly when it comes to seizing opportunities to grow service and trade connections with emerging markets in Asia, India, and beyond.”

About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) is the non-share capital organization that manages and operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in service of the community and economy that supports it.

12 March 2026

Air Canada Expands its Mexico Presence with New Montréal-Guadalajara Route and 18% More Capacity this Summer to Sought After Destinations, Supporting Canada’s Trade Diversification

New year-round flights to Guadalajara from Montréal starts June 2026
Montréal-Cancún increases to 11 weekly flights
Toronto-Monterrey increases to 4 weekly flights
Vancouver-Mexico City increases to 11 weekly flights
Vancouver-Puerto Vallarta increases to 2 weekly flights

MONTRÉAL, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Air Canada today announced it is strategically expanding its summer schedule to Mexico with 18 per cent more seat capacity over last summer. While Canada and Mexico are deepening ties, the airline is further strengthening its schedule to Mexico to support growing travel to and from Mexico. Highlights of Air Canada’s Mexican network growth include the addition of new, year-round flights from Montréal to Guadalajara, as well as increased frequencies to Cancún, Monterrey, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta, four in-demand destinations with Canadians and international travellers alike. Flights are available for purchase now at aircanada.com.

“We continue to expand Air Canada’s far-reaching and diversified global network with improved connectivity between our hubs and cities across Mexico. Since 1954, Mexico has been an important part of our global network, and this summer, Air Canada’s added capacity will further reinforce the long-standing tourism and commercial ties between our two countries. Taking advantage of growing passenger and cargo demand strength, new service between Montréal and Guadalajara will be offered year-round and we will increase capacity to other sought after destinations across the country,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada.

“Air travel facilitates tourism, trade and connectivity, and Mexico is part of Air Canada’s larger Latin America strategy of enabling fast, convenient passenger and cargo connections through our Canadian gateways to our comprehensive network across all six inhabited continents. We are proud to deliver compelling opportunities for our customers and Aeroplan Members to travel and ship cargo from almost anywhere in the world to Mexico,” concluded Mr. Galardo.

“As Canada leads one of the most important Team Canada Trade Missions in Canadian history, we are focused on helping Canadian businesses reach new markets and create new partnerships. Announcements like this one by Air Canada will further strengthen Canada-Mexico ties and enable our two countries to do even more business together,” stated The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy.

“As Canadian companies look to diversify trade and build new partnerships, direct connections matter,” said Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “Air Canada’s new direct route and expanded capacity across a range of others for Summer 2026 will make it easier for business leaders, entrepreneurs, tourists and investors to deepen relationships and pursue opportunities between our growing economies. Stronger connectivity helps turn ambition into real economic outcomes for communities in both countries.”

Air Canada’s flights to Mexico feature premium and economy cabins, free beer, wine, premium Canadian snacks, and complementary award-winning inflight entertainment for all customers, plus fast, free Wi-Fi for all Aeroplan Members*.

New Montréal-Guadalajara flights**:

Flight	From	To	Departs	Arrives	Days of Operation	Starts
AC1393	Montréal (YUL)	Guadalajara (GDL)	17:00	20:55	Tue, Thu, Sat	Jun 2, 2026
AC1392	Guadalajara (GDL)	Montréal (YUL)	08:05	15:30	Wed, Fri, Sun	Jun 3, 2026

Increased capacity for Summer 2026:

Route	Increase compared to summer 2025
Montréal-Cancún	4 additional flights: increasing to 11 weekly flights from 7 weekly flights in 2025
Toronto-Monterrey	1 additional flight: Increasing to 4 weekly flights from 3 weekly flights in 2025
Vancouver-Mexico City	4 additional flights: increasing to 11 flights per week starting Jun. 27
Vancouver-Puerto Vallarta	1 additional flight: Increasing to 2 weekly flights from 1 weekly flight in 2025

*Sponsored by Bell
**Schedule times are subject to change

Air Canada’s presence in Mexico
Air Canada first flew to Mexico in 1954 when flights were routed from Montréal and Toronto to Tampa to Mexico City.

Today, Air Canada connects Canada and Mexico year-round, increasing to 30 non-stop flights from eight Canadian cities to 11 destinations in Mexico during the peak winter season.

In addition to direct flights between Canada and Mexico, Air Canada conveniently connects Mexico globally to Europe and Asia through its hubs in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver.

For Summer 2026, Air Canada plans to operate ten daily flights from our three global hubs to 5 destinations in Mexico, representing 1,700 daily seats one-way, and an 18 per cent increase in seat capacity compared to Summer 2025.

About Air Canada

17 February 2026

YVR breaks all-time cargo and passenger records in 2025
Historic year included six new destinations, three additional carriers
as YVR strengthens role as Canada’s Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond

MUSQUEAM TERRITORY/RICHMOND, BC, Feb. 3, 2026 /CNW/ – Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomed more than 26.9 million travellers in 2025, marking a new all-time record with cargo shipments also reaching their highest volumes in the 94-year history of the airport.

This 2.7 per cent year-over-year increase in passengers is a testament to YVR’s tireless work with airlines, tourism organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen its position as a global hub and a critical gateway between North America, Asia, and beyond. The previous record of 26.3 million passengers was set in 2019.

By sector, domestic travel was up 3.8 per cent. Notably, for international travel, Asia Pacific passenger volumes increased 15.6 per cent year over year, while transborder traffic between YVR and U.S. destinations declined by 7.1 per cent amidst shifting global travel patterns.

On cargo shipments, 365,000 tonnes of goods moved through the airport, which represents a 7.4 per cent increase over 2024, reinforcing YVR’s key role in the local and national supply chain, particularly for high value, time sensitive, and perishable exports.

“Strong operations and customer service combined with globally recognized innovation generated record results in 2025,” said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport. “I recognize and thank our outstanding YVR and Sea Island employees, our partners at Musqueam, as well as our airline customers and passengers for contributing to this achievement.”

YVR’s 2025 passenger and cargo results reflect the airport’s position as Canada’s second busiest airport and its role as a critical economic engine, contributing more than $15 billion to Canada’s GDP each year. For example, a year-round wide-body international flight, such as T’Way Airlines’ service to Seoul, South Korea, which launched last July, is estimated to generate $39.8 million in economic output, $20.8 million in GDP, and 237 full time jobs in the province.

“Looking forward, YVR is ready to go to welcome additional flights and carriers to get more of Canada to global markets while at the same time creating jobs and opportunity here at home,” added Vrooman. “As governments look to sign new bilateral and trade agreements, we are on the ground in those emerging markets, engaged with our partners, building new relationships today to be ready for that additional growth tomorrow.”

YVR is now host to 57 airlines serving 129 non-stop destinations across the province and around the world.

Quick facts about YVR in 2025:
- Best Airport in North America: YVR was once again voted Best Airport in North America, the 14^th time in the past 16 years, and ranked 13^th in the world’s top 20 airports by the Skytrax World Airport Awards.
- Celebrating new airlines and destinations: YVR welcomed a variety of new and returning destinations and carriers including Air Canada to Manila and Beijing, China Southern to Guangzhou, China Eastern service to Shanghai, T’Way Airlines to Seoul, and WestJet to Liberia, Costa Rica, connecting even more of the province to the world.
- Providing a digital-first experience with Air Canada for travellers to Canadian destinations: YVR became the first airport in Canada to install e-gates for Air Canada’s Domestic Digital ID program, which is also being expanded to U.S. departures. This allows travellers to use biometric identity verification tools rather than show boarding passes and physical identification.
- Making security screening more seamless: YVR worked with Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to become the first airport to install Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray equipment at the airport’s Domestic screening facilities. The new technology allows passengers to leave large electronics, such as laptops, and liquids in their bags for a faster security screening experience.
- Delivering reliable and resilient operations: YVR continued to invest in its operations and assets, shoring up climate, digital, and physical infrastructure throughout the year, such as completing a $133 million upgrade to its North Runway.
A backgrounder document with more data is available upon request.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come together and thrive. We are motivated by supporting regional economic development and making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.
3 February 2026
Porter Airline Launches Its First Transborder Flight From West Coast

Porter Airlines is celebrating the launch of nonstop service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Porter Airlines is celebrating the launch of nonstop service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). This seasonal route is the airline’s first transborder route from Western Canada. Flights operate daily until April 19, 2026.

“Being able to give travellers more convenient options to travel from Vancouver is a pivotal moment for Porter,” said Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines. “This route makes Phoenix’s unique desert and mountain landscape more accessible to our passengers in the west, and offers travellers a seamless connection to additional destinations in the U.S., through our codeshare partner, American Airlines.”

Flights will operate on the airline’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, featuring a 132-seat configuration with no middle seats. All passengers will enjoy Porter’s elevated economy experience with free premium snacks, complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, and free, fast WiFi.

“We’re excited for Porter’s growth in the Phoenix market,” said Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. “Their partnership and commitment mean that travellers have more high-quality, convenient options between Phoenix and Canada. We look forward to welcoming travellers on Porter’s first transborder route from Vancouver.”

“We are pleased to support Porter Airlines’ growth at YVR and celebrate this additional new service from Vancouver,” said Russ Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development at Vancouver International Airport. “The new non-stop route to Phoenix strengthens connectivity for British Columbians, adds capacity for a key leisure and business destination, and supports economic activity while providing travellers with greater choice.”

For those looking for an all-inclusive package, the PorterReserve fare also includes fresh, healthy meals, extra legroom, flexible flight change options, two checked bags, and dedicated check-in. The same features can be purchased a la carte in the PorterClassic fare, for passengers wanting to customize their travel experience.

This is Porter’s third route to Phoenix, joining year-round service from Toronto Pearson and seasonal Ottawa flights. Connections are also available from Phoenix through Porter’s partner, American Airlines, to destinations such as Tucson and San Diego.

To view the full flight schedule, visit www.flyporter.com.

About Porter
Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves North America, including a coast-to-coast domestic Canadian network, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®.

2 February 2026