Improved passenger routes are expected to subsidize and enable greater cargo capacity, reinforcing the interdependence of passenger growth and cargo expansion.

Vancouver International Airport is targeting a doubling of cargo volumes to about 730,000 tonnes per year by 2030, positioning cargo as a core pillar to spur regional economic growth.

A $150 million cargo infrastructure program will boost capacity, including a 160,000-tonne expansion by 2027, upgrades to the taxiway and cargo apron, and a new cargo warehouse, with $74 million of federal funding secured in 2024.

Airport leadership says that faster, more consistent, and larger-scale cargo and passenger operations will attract integrators and freight forwarders, reducing costs and benefiting both large shippers and SMEs as YVR aims to become a true global cargo hub.

YVR closed 2025 with a record 365,000 tonnes of cargo and 26.9 million passengers, highlighting strong momentum though still trailing world leaders such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

Geopolitical shifts in Asia-Europe routing, notably through the Gulf, are funneling more cargo through YVR as a stable Trans-Pacific gateway seeking to strengthen Asia–North America–Europe connectivity.

To support growth, the airport is expanding its cargo ecosystem alongside increased flights and a digitized, more efficient logistics network, with about 60% of cargo moving in passenger bellies and 40% on freighters.

YVR is fast-tracking digitalization of cargo operations to replace paper-based processes, creating a seamless platform for Canadian businesses to participate in global supply chains.

Target markets include Vietnam, where there is interest in direct Canada–Vietnam air links; YVR sees significant trade and tourism potential but notes urgency as Asian partners may not wait for Canada’s slower decision-making.