The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and Vancouver will be hosting its first match in less than two weeks.
Vancouver International Airport says it has been preparing for this for nearly four years.
Andy Margolis, YVR’s vice-president of operations and chief operations officer, says this influx comes just as the airport’s busy summer season is beginning.
“During the Games period, we expect to welcome 2.7 million passengers in total – roughly 88,000 passengers a day,” Margolis said.
“That’s about five to 10 per cent up on this time of last year in 2025.”
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He says the airport has a really important role to play, given that it will be shaping the very first and last impressions of Vancouver for all the visitors, teams, and officials.
“We wanted to make sure our service and guest experience would all be ready to welcome the world,” he said.
Margolis says the airport’s preparations were focused on innovation rather than building new infrastructure.
YVR invested in CT scanners at security checkpoints, he says.
“Passengers no longer need to remove large items and liquids from their bags, and they can have a better, more fluid experience,” he said.
“We’ve also continued to invest in the biometric journey here at the airport, which is speeding up boarding at the moment, up by about 13 per cent and rising, and is also having a significant impact on our on-time performance.”
Jackie Tse, chief of operations for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at YVR, reminds travellers to make sure they meet Canada’s entry requirements before travel.
“As tickets to FIFA matches do not guarantee entry into Canada, travellers can help speed up processing times by coming prepared with their travel documents, including passports, IDs, and Nexus cards,” Tse said.
“Travellers arriving at Vancouver International Airport can use advanced declaration to submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival.”
Tse says anyone travelling with children should consider carrying a signed consent level from both parents.
To keep things smooth, a team of 240 volunteers will be at the airport during the games to support visitors, and a 24-7 coordination desk will be set up, Margolis says.
As well, the airport has enhanced translation services, with the capacity to support almost 170 languages.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will run from June 11 to July 19, with seven matches to be played in Vancouver between June 13 and July 7.