The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is North America’s best airport in 2026, according to Skytrax, a UK-based consultancy company.

Skytrax awarded its annual World Airport Awards on Wednesday, ranking YVR the 10th best in the world.

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Based on the votes of more than 13 million passengers, YVR improved its standing by three spots compared to 2025’s ranking.

This is the 15th time over 17 years that YVR has been voted the best airdrome across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

With a record-breaking number of 26.9 million passengers in 2025, YVR is Canada’s second busiest airport.

“For YVR to continue to be recognized as the best airport in North America while at the same time breaking records for passengers and cargo is something for our teams and our community to be proud of,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO of YVR, in a written statement.

According to the most recent ranking, the world’s top five airports are all located in East Asia, with Singapore’s Changi Airport defending its gold-medal spot from last year.

Seoul’s Incheon Airport placed second, while Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport, one of two airports serving Japan’s capital, won the bronze medal.

The other one, Tokyo’s Narita Airport, made fifth place, just after Hong Kong International Airport.

The awards honour, among other criteria, terminal comfort and cleanliness, security screening efficiency, public transport options, and the language skills of the airport staff.

YVR’s lead among other North American airports in the ranking is almost 20 spots, with the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, placing 29th.

The best European airport is Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, in sixth place.

The next Canadian airport on the list is the country’s largest one, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, which placed 55th, while Seattle’s airport made place 44th.

YVR employs more than 26,000 people and moved more than 365,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025. The airport’s management says this might increase.

“As Canada seeks to double exports to new and diverse global markets, YVR’s efforts to further grow air connectivity will play a critical role in getting more of Canada to the world while supporting jobs and economic growth here at home,” the statement continued.