The newly expanded international terminal at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is now fully operational. The milestone was marked by a British Airways A380, flying from Vancouver to London from Pier D’s new gates on June 2, 2022.
At nearly 300,000 square feet, the Pier D project is the airport’s largest terminal expansion since 1996 and incorporates 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 combine 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.
“The new Pier D will 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,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO at Vancouver Airport Authority.
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.
