YVR sets monthly record with 2.815 million passengers in August

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) handled 2.815 million passengers in August 2026, the first month in its history above 2.8 million, according to passenger figures reported by Daily Hive Vancouver.

The total beat the previous record, set in July 2026 at 2.73 million, by about 83,000 passengers. Before this summer, the busiest month had been August 2018, with 2.71 million.

Why it matters

The numbers show where demand is moving for people flying out of Vancouver. Domestic and non-U.S. international traffic grew strongly in August, while travel to the United States shrank. U.S. transborder volumes fell to about 635,000 from 668,000 a year earlier, a drop of about five per cent. In August 2024, the figure was 700,000.

Air Canada has also confirmed that its seasonal YVR routes to Nashville and Raleigh will not return for Summer 2027, so at least two U.S. destinations will be missing from next summer's schedule.

The record came despite disruption. Both July and August were affected by WestJet labour disruptions in late July and early August.

What we know

• August total: 2.815 million passengers, up about 168,000, or 6.3 per cent, from 2.65 million in August 2025. That works out to about 90,800 passengers a day.
• Domestic: 1.45 million passengers, up almost 119,000, or 8.9 per cent, from 1.33 million. It was the largest increase in passenger numbers of any segment.
• International (non-U.S.): more than 727,000 passengers, up 12.7 per cent from about 645,000.
• Asia-Pacific: about 441,000 passengers, up 18.6 per cent, the fastest growth among the regions listed. YVR has previously said it has seen a resurgence in passengers from Mainland China since last year.
• Europe: 240,000 passengers, up 5.2 per cent.
• July and August combined: nearly 5.55 million passengers.
• Year to date: 18.92 million passengers through August, up 4.1 per cent from 18.18 million. It is the highest January-to-August total on record.

July's volumes were driven partly by visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A record cruise season also brought 1.4 million passengers through Canada Place.

What happens next

Final September 2026 data will be available next month.

The annual record is 26.9 million passengers, set in 2025. According to the reported figures, 2026 could set a new all-time annual record if the current trend continues.