Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is expecting to see its busiest period this spring break since the pandemic hit in 2020.
Canadians who have put off travelling during the past two years are now packing up to take their delayed vacations with the drop in COVID-19 restrictions and the accessibility to rapid antigen tests.
This week, B.C.’s largest airport can expect to see about 37,000 passengers a day on average, which is considered a significant increase from an average of 6,500 passengers per day seen at this time last year, according to a YVR spokesperson.
“We recognize this may be some people’s first time flying in a while and we’re excited to welcome them back,” said YVR’s spokesperson in an email.
Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the airport saw 66,000 passengers per day during spring break.
YVR airport has also seen an uptick in international flights leaving Vancouver.
This year in March, 637 international flights took off from YVR, which is significantly higher compared to last year.
In 2021, only 171 international flights took off during the month of March.
Travellers are recommended to arrive at the airport early due to an anticipated increase in passenger traffic at YVR.
Masks and vaccination records are still required at airport terminals and on-board the planes.
