Vancouver airport expecting 2.7 million passengers during FIFA World Cup | Daily Hive

Vancouver International Airport expecting 2.7 million passengers during FIFA World Cup period

Official 2026 FIFA World Cup store in the post-security domestic departures area of Vancouver International Airport. (Vancouver Airport Authority)

Roughly 2.7 million passengers are expected to pass through Vancouver International Airport (YVR) during the period surrounding the seven matches that BC Place Stadium will host as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Vancouver Airport Authority has defined its FIFA World Cup operational period as running from June 8 to July 12 — beginning just days before the first match and ending shortly after the last match held in Vancouver.

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The airport is anticipating an average of about 88,000 passengers per day over this five-week period, representing a five to 10 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025, which was an all-time record year for YVR with 26.9 million passengers.

As can be expected, the highest passenger volumes will occur in the days before and after each match. The tournament in North America kicks off in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11, but Vancouver’s first match will take place on Saturday, June 13, between Australia and Turkey.

The remaining matches are scheduled for Thursday, June 18 (Canada vs. Qatar); Sunday, June 21 (New Zealand vs. Egypt); Wednesday, June 24 (Switzerland vs. Canada); and Friday, June 26 (New Zealand vs. Belgium). The final two matches played in Vancouver will be knockout-round fixtures on Thursday, July 2 (Round of 32) and Tuesday, July 7 (Round of 16). The championship final in New York/New Jersey will take place on Sunday, July 19.

In 2025, Canada’s second busiest airport recorded 2.43 million passengers in June and 2.66 million passengers in July.

The airport authority’s passenger volume projections also take into account expectations for an overall strong tourism season, particularly the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s forecast of a record 1.4 million cruise ship passengers passing through the Canada Place terminal in Downtown Vancouver during the 2025 cruise season.

However, some of these strengths could also be partly offset by softer than expected demand for hotel bookings during the tournament period, as of last month. Soaring overnight hotel room rates and public messaging ahead of time of a shortage of accommodations during the tournament have been cited by local tourism officials as possible reasons. It remains to be seen whether there will be a surge in last-minute bookings.

As part of the FIFA World Cup spirit, the airport authority has embedded a giant “GO CANADA!” message into an open grassy area immediately next to the north runway, which is typically used for east-to-west landings. As well, travellers looking out the window on their flights will see in the distance the world’s largest Canada flag, installed on the peak of Grouse Mountain just north of Vancouver.

saw it flying into yvr today – couldn’t miss it 🇨🇦 https://t.co/JkjiSfWuVW pic.twitter.com/eGJvzoyt3u

— Casarina (@Casarina) June 3, 2026

grouse mountain canada flag summer 2026 fifa world cup

World’s largest Canada flag unfurled atop Grouse Mountain on June 2, 2026, ahead of FIFA World Cup. (Grouse Mountain Resort)

go canada yvr vancouver international airport fifa world cup runway

“Go Canada!” message next to the north runway of Vancouver International Airport, ahead of the 2026 FIF World Cup. (Anne Kang)

vancouver international airport yvr terminal f1

Vancouver International Airport. (Kenneth Chan)

The airport authority notes that it began planning its FIFA World Cup summer operations four years ago, working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency, other federal authorities, police agencies, local FIFA organizers, TransLink, and other partners.

This is not YVR’s first experience accommodating an influx of visitors for a major international event, having successfully done so during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

For the FIFA World Cup, YVR has activated a 24/7 FIFA Coordination Desk to provide real-time support for players, officials, media personnel, and other credentialed tournament travellers.

In collaboration with police agencies, security measures and staffing levels have also been significantly increased.

Next-generation CT security screening technology from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has now been installed at all domestic and international screening checkpoints. The first CATSA Plus computed tomography (CT) X-ray machines were deployed in 2024 and expanded further in 2025 before being widely adopted in 2026. These machines eliminate the need for passengers to remove large electronics and small liquids from their carry-on bags, improving efficiency and reducing screening times and lineups.

catsa plus x-ray security screening domestic yvr vancouver international airport december 2025

December 2025 reopening of Vancouver International Airport’s ABC South security checkpoint with new CATSA Plus X-ray screening machines. (Vancouver Airport Authority)

The airport authority also notes that its biometric facial-comparison boarding program has been expanded to include 42 biometric-enabled gates, including 28 full e-gates. The technology has improved efficiency, enabling boarding times that are up to 13 per cent faster while supporting more on-time departures, even when aircraft arrive behind schedule.

During the busy FIFA World Cup period, YVR is encouraging travellers to arrive early and consider using public transit via the SkyTrain Canada Line to and from YVR Airport Station, as well as taxis and ride-hailing services.

Travellers will also be able to enjoy a FIFA World Cup-themed experience throughout the terminal, including exclusive airport merchandise sold at the official FIFA World Cup store located in the post-security domestic departures area, live match screenings at venues across the terminal, and other fan-focused activations.

vancouver yvr airport 2026 fifa world cup store

Official 2026 FIFA World Cup store in the post-security domestic departures area of Vancouver International Airport. (Vancouver Airport Authority)

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