YVR ranked world's 27th most connected 'megahub' airport

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) may have fallen slightly in an annual ranking of the world’s most connected airports, but this has more to do with rising competition from other airports amidst a rapidly growing air travel market, even with YVR’s own remarkable growth.

Air travel intelligence company OAG published its 2018 rankings this week, providing YVR with a 27th ranking in the world and a 10th ranking in North America. Both placements are one spot lower than the airport’s ranking in 2017.

YVR earned a connecting index score of 159, less than half of London Heathrow, the top ranking airport for connectivity. Canada’s second busiest airport came just after Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (score of 166) and ahead of Rome–Fiumicino International Airport (score of 156).

In contrast, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) ranked fifth with a score of 271 and Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL) ranked 44th with a score of 114.

The analysis was based on global aviation data over the 12-month period leading to July 2018, with factors such as all the possible connections between inbound and outbound flights within a six-hour window and the minimum and maximum connection times.

It ranked the largest 200 airports in the world (based on the total scheduled number of seats in July 2018) and the largest 200 international airports (based on total international scheduled seats in July 2018).

Air Canada’s flights account for a fairly significant portion of the flights at each of Canada’s three largest airports; the carrier has a share of 60% at its main hub at YYZ, 46% at YVR, and 57% at YUL.

YVR still ranks relatively high for its size, largely because of its position as one of the biggest Trans-Pacific hubs on the continent, and this position has strengthened significantly in recent years with the launch of numerous new routes to Chinese destinations.

The connectivity means there are more direct Chinese flights to Vancouver than any other major North American or European airport – even San Francisco, Los Angeles, and London Heathrow.

YVR has experienced surging growth over the past five years. With the continued entry of new airlines and more routes serving new destinations, the airport is set to see 31 million passengers per year by 2022 – up from 24 million in 2017 and 17.6 million in 2012.

Last year’s passenger numbers comprised of 11.7 million domestic passengers, 6 million US passengers, 4.07 million Asia Pacific passengers, 1.6 million Europe passengers, and 758,000 from other international regions.

Top 50 international megahub airports in the world in 2018

Most connected ‘megahub’ airports in the world in 2018. Click on the image for an enlarged version of the list. (OAG)

See also

• Canadian airports sit low on global rankings for on-time performance and claims processing
• Air Canada's flight from Vancouver to Toronto is the world's 9th most profitable route
• A power outlet sticker prankster is on the loose at Vancouver Airport
• New study ranks YVR in top 10 for 'large airport' satisfaction
• Crazy long lines for taxis at YVR Airport are a growing problem (PHOTOS)