Vancouver celebrates completion of $200m expansion project

Tina Milton

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Vancouver airport authority celebrated the official opening of the new international terminal wing last month, which includes 4,000sq m of duty-free space

Vancouver airport authority celebrated the opening of its $200m, 36,000sq m (387,370sq ft) wing at the international terminal of Vancouver International airport (YVR) last month. The project was designed to accommodate the airport’s growing passenger traffic and the larger aircraft of the future. The new space features 4,000sq m (43,040sq ft) of duty-free shopping, an indoor stream surrounded by cafés and restaurants and a large aquarium.

YVR’s new duty-free provider, Spanish company Aldeasa, operates 13 duty-free shops including Western Canada’s first Mango boutique; a full range of luxury brands, including a Hermès boutique; children’s clothing; electronics; health, wellness and beauty products and a full range of duty-free items.

Four new gates of the international terminal opened in March, while work continued on the retail areas. Vancouver Airport Authority president and CEO Larry Berg said: “We are pleased to celebrate the completion of this significant project, our largest expansion in more than 10 years. These facilities build on our tradition of delivering a modern airport that reflects the unique character of our region, and set YVR apart as the premier global North American gateway to Asia.”

The expansion was overseen by airport authority subsidiary company YVR Project Management, under the direction of president Ray Zibrik, and was funded through a combination of airport revenue sources, including retail sales, landing fees and the airport improvement fee.