BC Tourism Boosts as YVR-China Flights Rise 40%
British Columbia’s tourism sector is set to welcome a surge of Chinese travelers as Vancouver International Airport (YVR) ramps up flights to mainland China. Eleven airlines will operate 32 weekly flights across nine routes, up nearly 40% from last year, thanks to government agreements and new visa…
By Felo News Desk · Published
British Columbia is poised to welcome a new wave of Chinese visitors as Vancouver International Airport (YVR) expands its flight network to mainland China. The airport will see 32 weekly flights on nine routes this November, a 40% increase over the 23 weekly flights that served the same destinations last year. The surge reflects a combination of government policy shifts, airline strategy, and a broader warming of Canada‑China relations.
Government Agreements Fuel Flight Growth
In April, Canada and China signed an agreement allowing a gradual increase in the number of non‑stop flights between the two countries. Both governments cap the total number of frequencies that airlines can operate, but the new arrangement has already added six weekly flights across Canadian airports. Vancouver International Airport Authority (VAA) confirmed that all six new frequencies have been allocated to YVR.
China’s decision in November to reinstate Canada on its approved‑destination‑status list further boosts demand. The move opens the door for Chinese group tours to visit Canada, providing a significant sales lift for businesses that rely on Chinese tourism. Additionally, China announced that Canadian passport holders can travel visa‑free for the rest of 2026, making it easier for Canadians to visit China and encouraging reciprocal travel.
New Routes and Airline Expansions
Beijing Capital Airlines will restart a non‑stop flight to Beijing on October 2, adding a ninth route and bringing the number of airlines serving YVR‑China routes back to eight. Air Canada is increasing its Beijing service to seven flights per week, up from four, and will maintain seven flights to Shanghai. Air China will lift its Beijing frequency to five flights per week, while China Southern will start four weekly flights to Guangzhou on October 25, up from two.
Air Canada also plans to launch three flights per week to Guangzhou in May 2027, making it the sole North American carrier to serve that city. Xiamen Airlines will increase its Xiamen service to three flights per week from two. Several airlines will keep their frequencies flat, including Sichuan Airlines to Chengdu, Hainan Airlines to Shenzhen, and China Eastern to Shanghai.
Adjustments and Route Cancellations
Despite the overall growth, YVR will lose its only non‑stop flight to Singapore. Air Canada will cease the route on January 24, citing unsustainable business targets and high fuel costs that make ultra‑long flights inefficient. The final flight out of Vancouver will depart on January 24, with the last return arriving on January 26.
Impact on British Columbia’s Tourism Sector
British Columbia’s tourism industry stands to benefit from the increased connectivity. The province’s tourism marketing organization reports that Chinese visitors entering through B.C. airports declined by 6.9% year‑over‑year in July, and 55.4% compared to June 2019. The new flight frequencies are expected to reverse that trend by making the province more accessible to Chinese travelers.
Tamara Vrooman, CEO of the VAA, acknowledges that YVR will not return to the pre‑pandemic level of 55 non‑stop flights per week anytime soon. However, she emphasizes a gradual increase in service over time, aligning with market demand and regulatory limits.
With the expanded flight network and relaxed visa conditions, British Columbia is positioned to attract a larger share of Chinese tourism, supporting local businesses, hospitality, and cultural exchange.
What’s Next?
Industry stakeholders will monitor the performance of the new routes and assess whether further capacity can be added within the regulatory framework. The continued improvement of Canada‑China diplomatic ties and the implementation of visa‑free travel for Canadian passport holders are expected to sustain momentum in the coming months.
Travelers and businesses alike should stay informed about flight schedules and policy changes to take full advantage of the growing opportunities between Vancouver and mainland China.
Key facts
- YVR will operate 32 weekly flights to China, up 40% from last year
- Canada‑China agreement allows incremental flight increases
- China reinstated Canada as an approved destination, enabling group tours
- Air Canada and other carriers are adding or boosting Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xiamen services
- YVR will discontinue its Singapore route due to low demand and high fuel costs
Why it matters
The expanded flight network directly boosts British Columbia’s tourism economy, creating jobs and fostering cross‑cultural connections while reflecting improved diplomatic ties between Canada and China.
Frequently asked questions
How many new flights will YVR operate to China this November?
YVR will run 32 weekly flights across nine routes, an increase of about 40% from last year.
Which airlines are adding new routes to YVR?
Beijing Capital Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, China Southern, and Xiamen Airlines are expanding or adding routes.
Why is YVR canceling its Singapore flight?
The route did not meet business targets and high fuel costs made it unsustainable.
Sources
- [1] castanet.net — originally reported as “B. C. tourism to benefit as YVR-China flights set to surge 40%”
