YVR working with airline partners to get passengers on their way, preparing for additional winter weather

Today Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is providing a comprehensive update on current operations. At this time, flights are steadily arriving and departing from YVR. The airport continues to keep runways, taxiways, and aprons open and clear of snow and ice, and all de-icing facilities are in operation.

“We recognize that travel has been challenging for passengers and the effects that extreme winter weather is having on individuals and families this holiday season,” said Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO at Vancouver Airport Authority. “We want to assure our community that we have taken ever measure possible to keep people, planes and bags moving safely.”

Steps YVR has taken to maintain operations include the following:

• YVR has temporarily limited some arriving international flights for through Friday, December 23 at 5:00 a.m., which will help keep aircraft moving on the airfield.
• YVR is proactively managing rate of arrivals and departures with airline partners as schedules are reduced in advance of Thursday/Friday winter storm, and is actively working with airline partners to provide a clear picture of flight schedules and provide this information to passengers across its channels.
• YVR is collaborating with airline partners to provide access to gates in sequential order of arrival to ensure passengers are not held on aircraft.
• The airport is also assisting airline partners by deploying additional staff to help organize bags and work with passengers to locate their luggage. Airport staff continue to support passengers in terminal, providing blankets, refreshments, and real-time assistance.

With another front of winter weather expected across Canada, travellers can expect additional delays and cancellations in the coming days. Travellers are encouraged to check latest flight information with their airline.

Current Operations, By the Numbers

• 115 flights out of 666 flights to and from YVR were cancelled.
• An average of 28 aircraft are being de-iced per hour.
• 5,000 water bottles, 5,000 snacks, including apples and oranges, and thousands of blankets and hand warmers have been distributed to passengers in the terminal since December 20.

The data below is compiled by Vancouver Airport Authority and is current as of 3:00 p.m. December 22, 2022. Information will continue to be shared via YVR.ca and on Twitter: @YVRairport or @YVRaeroport.