Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has commenced full operations of its newly expanded international terminal. At nearly 27,000 sq. m., the Pier D project is the airport’s largest terminal expansion since 1996 and is said to incorporate the latest advances in operational excellence, passenger experience, climate, and accessibility.
The new terminal expansion offers eight new gates, adding capacity and flexibility to accommodate large aircrafts. A glassed-in island forest with access to the outdoors, an immersive digital experience, and a multi-faith prayer room, yoga and quiet room coupled with best-in-class shopping and dining options will enhance the experience for passengers.
Art and architecture are designed to showcase the best of British Columbia, with themes of land, sea, and sky as well as Indigenous culture.
A heat recovery system helps circulate air and reduce heating and cooling demands within the building, maximizing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. To ensure the new space is accessible for everyone, YVR will introduce changing place washrooms, which are equipped with an overhead hoist system and height-adjustable adult-sized changing benches. This is in addition to a nursing room for parents and two animal relief areas.
“Opening the Pier D expansion is a milestone that we’re particularly proud of. This beautiful space reflects our unique sense of place, our commitment to reconciliation, and who we are as an airport,” said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at Vancouver Airport Authority.
“The new Pier D will also result in many significant benefits for our community and the economy that supports it – helping us connect more travellers and airlines to more destinations while supporting local jobs, businesses, and economic activity for our region…”
Pier D was initially part of the airport’s multi-year capital program and was maintained as a priority through the pandemic to ensure capacity for continued connectivity and growth, and to strengthen YVR’s position as a diverse global hub.
Construction began in December 2017. After a short pause due to impacts of the global pandemic, the project was completed in January 2021. With increased demand, the expanded Pier D opened for arrivals, only as needed, in November 2021. A British Airways A380, flying from Vancouver to London, marked the start of full operations for both arrivals and departures from Pier D’s new gates on June 2.