Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) has completed its Pier D international terminal building expansion project.

The $300 million expansion was designed by Kasian Architecture, built by PCL Construction, and the digital experiences were designed by Creacom and Eos Lightmedia.

The expansion includes eight additional wide-body gates, four jet bridge gates and four remote stand operation bus gates to increase capacity in the international terminal. The new restaurants and bars, retail areas, digital art and pet relief area improve the passenger experience. An iconic showpiece within the expansion is an island forest, complete with three live hemlock trees and contained within an open-air glass atrium. The open roof allows rain and snow to fall into the atrium in the center of the terminal.

This was a significant project in the history of YVR and the largest expansion since 1996.

Construction started in 2018 on Pier D, the first phase of the terminal building expansion plan. The project was originally scheduled for completion and opening in June 2020, but when COVID-19 hit in March, construction activities on the nearly-finished wing were temporarily halted until August.

Due to COVID-19, plans to open the facility are on hold. The Pier D Expansion is a strong investment in the future and is aimed at positioning YVR well for when air traffic rebounds to pre-pandemic levels.

Other features in the new expansion include: yoga, prayer and quiet room, private nursing room, Musqueam artist designed vision strips, hot and cold water bottle refill stations, and outlets and charging stations.