Vancouver International Airport welcomes 20-millionth passenger of 2015
Tuesday is anticipated to be busiest travel day of the year at YVR, with 68,000 passengers expected
Vancouver International Airport welcomed its record-breaking 20-millionth passenger of 2015 on Tuesday, on what is expected to be its busiest day of its busiest year.
The passenger, known only as Charles, arrived from Calgary with his cousin, Kim, and received a $10,000 travel voucher for his next vacation out of the airport, as well as a basket of gifts.
Charles was among more than 68,000 passengers expected to pass through the airport on Tuesday, compared with a daily average of between 50,000 and 60,000 passengers either boarding or arriving on planes.
YVR's director of customer care Reg Krake says travellers should be prepared.
"Everyone from the airlines to the security agency and customs have been adding staff and making sure we have as many people on deck as possible to make sure it's fast and efficient for people," he said.
"But even so, we recommend people take an extra hour at this time of year."
Vancouver International Airport is aiming to reach 25 million passengers per year by 2020, through a combination of new routes, more frequent flights, larger planes and new airlines.