Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is actively expanding its international route network and plans to strengthen air links with Vietnam and South America to further enhance itsposition as an international air hub and trade gateway on Canada’s west coast. YVR President and CEO Tamara Vrooman recently stated that Vancouver is presented with a significant opportunity to expand its international passenger and freight transport business as the global trade landscape changes. Data shows that YVR’s international business continues to grow, with passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific region increasing by 15% year-on-year, and passenger traffic on other international routes also increasing by about 10%.
Fruman pointed out that the addition of international routes not only brings more passengers but also significantly enhances cargo capacity. She revealed that a single weekly international flight can generate approximately CAD 54 million in economic benefits annually and bring in up to CAD 500 million in air cargo value. Among numerous potential markets, Vietnam is considered one of the most promising destinations. Despite growing trade between Canada and Vietnam, there are currently no direct flights between the two countries.
Data shows that in 2025 alone, approximately 58,000 passengers will transit through Singapore between Vancouver and Vietnam, while the actual market demand for flights from Vancouver to Vietnam is estimated at around 90,000. Fruman believes this demand is sufficient to support the opening of direct flights. Trade in high-value goods between Canada’s west coast and Vietnam is increasing, and air freight is a crucial mode of transport. Opening direct flights will not only benefit tourism but also create greater convenience for business trade. In fact, the prospect of launching direct flights between Vancouver and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city, has already attracted attention from the aviation industry. Both Air Canada and Vietnam Airlines have publicly expressed interest in the route. Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates the only direct flight route between Vietnam and North America – Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco.
In addition to the Asian market, YVR is also setting its sights on South America. With the development of industries such as mining and technology, and the increasing number of international companies establishing headquarters in Vancouver, the business community’s demand for direct flights to South America continues to grow.
Currently, most passengers and cargo traveling to South America still need to transit through Toronto . Fruman revealed that Lima, the capital of Peru, is YVR’s most promising destination for new South American routes and has been listed as the first choice for future direct flights. At the same time, YVR has set ambitious development goals, hoping to double its cargo volume to 730,000 tons by 2030. In 2025, YVR set a new record by handling 365,000 tons of cargo and 26.9 million passengers annually.
Airport management believes that with the accelerating trend of global supply chain restructuring and international trade diversification, Vancouver can become an important aviation and logistics hub connecting Asia, North America, Europe and South America, bringing more investment, employment and international trade opportunities to British Columbia’s economic development.