Last week at the 9th Annual Airport PRM Leadership Conference, co-hosted by Miami International Airport, we were proud to recognize Vancouver International Airport (YVR) with the 2025 Airport Accessibility Award, an honor reserved for airports that are setting new standards in accessible travel.

Presented by Marco Chiaramonte, Senior Accessibility & Inclusion Specialist, Passenger Programs, YVR’s initiatives demonstrate not only technical innovation, but also a deep commitment to dignity, independence, and inclusion for all travelers.

Leading with Vision and Action

YVR has implemented a number of programs that have had a measurable impact on the passenger experience. Below are just a few of the many highlights:

Self-Driving Pods
YVR is piloting autonomous mobility pods, enabling passengers to independently navigate the terminal with real-time mapping and support. This initiative was developed through testing with staff and community members to ensure safety, functionality, and inclusivity at every step.

Curbside Greeter Program
Since launching in December 2023, this service has supported over 20,000 passengers requiring wheelchair assistance, sighted guidance, or baggage help. It complements YVR’s 24/7 curbside assistance program and proactively supports guests from the moment they arrive.

Travel Rehearsals and Community Tours
To help travelers feel more confident and prepared, YVR offers a variety of pre-travel walkthroughs that simulate the airport experience. These sessions are designed to reduce anxiety and build familiarity with the terminal environment. Tours in collaboration with Spinal Cord Injury BC support individuals with spinal cord injuries, while autism-friendly sessions developed with the Canucks Autism Network provide guided experiences that simulate the airport journey.

Across all programs, the focus remains consistent: building empowerment, comfort, and confidence for every traveler.

Embedding Accessibility into Culture

Accessibility and Inclusion Training
YVR equips its staff with the tools and understanding necessary to support a wide range of passenger needs. This ongoing training ensures that accessibility is a core component of customer service.

Paper Planes Café
Developed in partnership with the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN), Paper Planes Café is Canada’s first airport café staffed by neurodiverse employees. The program provides hands-on service training in a real-world environment, helping participants build confidence, develop new skills, and gain greater independence. The initiative has received national recognition for its impact. It was honored with the Workplace Inclusion Champion – Social Enterprise award at the Untapped Awards, and was Highly Commended in the category of Airport Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year at the 2024 FAB (Food & Beverage) + Hospitality Awards.

Comprehensive Passenger Services
YVR additionally offers a wide range of other accessibility features including courtesy shuttles, quiet rooms, accessible signage, adult changing facilities, and support in multiple languages. Every aspect of the journey is considered, from curbside to gate.

A Model for Accessible Air Travel

Marco Chiaramonte captured it best during his presentation:

“Accessibility is foundational to YVR’s mission of delivering a world-class experience for all.”

YVR is proving that meaningful accessibility is not about isolated services, but about building systems and experiences that empower everyone to travel with confidence. We are proud to honor their achievements and leadership with this year’s Airport Accessibility Award.

Congratulations to Vancouver International Airport, winner of the 2025 Airport Accessibility Award!