Over 70 “learn to fly” in partnership between Vancouver International Airport, Canucks Autism Network, Air Canada, and Air Canada Foundation
Musqueam Territory/Richmond, B.C. (November 1, 2025) – On Saturday, November 1, over 25 Autistic individuals and their families took part in YVR Autism Aviation Day. The annual event, hosted by Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Canucks Autism Network (CAN), Air Canada, and Air Canada Foundation, includes a Learn to Fly tour and gives attendees an opportunity to rehearse the entire pre-flight process in a highly supported environment.
Due to anxiety and sensory sensitivities, individuals on the autism spectrum can become overwhelmed by the airport environment. This tour is designed to reduce anxiety, remove travel barriers, and build confidence by preparing Autistic individuals for what to expect, making the airport a less stressful and more predictable place.
“The airport is often a very fast-paced and sensory-rich environment, which can represent a challenge for many Autistic individuals,” said Sarah Armstrong, Director of Strategic Partnerships with Canucks Autism Network (CAN). “These rehearsal events help increase predictability and decrease stress, opening up a world of possibilities for the Autism community.”
The tour includes checking-in, going through security screening with the support of CATSA, boarding an Air Canada Express aircraft, and a short taxi in the airplane. This year, more than 70 individuals ranging from 3 to 41 years old participated along with family members.
Since 2014, YVR and CAN have worked together to create events and resources that increase autism accessibility in air travel. After 11 years, YVR Autism Aviation Day has reached nearly 600 attendees.
“At YVR, we are committed to helping ensure that flying is accessible to all, and we are proud of our 11-year partnership with Canucks Autism Network to help reduce barriers to air travel for neurodiverse travellers and their families,” said Andy Margolis, Vice President, Operations and Chief Operations Officer of Vancouver International Airport. “My sincere thanks to Air Canada, CATSA, and our airport community for making this tour, and new travel opportunities, possible for hundreds of families in B.C.”
In more recent years, YVR Autism Aviation Days have been bolstered by the support of Air Canada and Air Canada Foundation. Building off the success of the long-standing Vancouver event, they have helped deliver similar events with CAN at Victoria International Airport and Kamloops Airport.
“We are proud to celebrate another successful Autism Aviation Day here in YVR,” said Brigitte Saint-Pierre, Director, Official Languages and Community Engagement at Air Canada. “These special days mean so much to the families who take part—helping them build confidence and familiarity with the airport and the travel process and to the employees who support the day. The positive impact of this experience extends well beyond the day itself, breaking down barriers and opening doors to future travel opportunities for children and their families. We are deeply grateful to our partners Jazz Aviation LP, CAN and YVR for helping make these meaningful moments possible.”
In addition to the Learn to Fly tour, CAN and YVR have worked together to develop resources, like visual checklists, step-by-step instructions, and tipsheets for Autistic travelers. These resources can be accessed at any pre-security Information Counter at YVR.
This past year, YVR also supported in the launch of an online course designed for travel industry professionals to learn about autism accessibility. Developed by CAN, the course provides an introduction to autism and neurodiversity along with strategies for communication and support. Learn more at learn.canucksautism.ca.
It is estimated that 1 in 25 children and youth is on the autism spectrum in B.C.. Events like YVR Autism Aviation Day provide vital opportunities to increase accessibility and inclusion. Learn more at yvr.ca/autism.
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Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come together and thrive. We are motivated by supporting regional economic development and making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.
YVR Media Relations
604-880-9815 | media_relations@yvr.ca
About Canucks Autism Network (CAN)
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides programs to individuals on the Autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond. CAN’s mission is to build inclusive communities where individuals on the Autism spectrum can thrive. For more information, visit canucksautism.ca.
Lindsay Petrie, Director of Marketing and Communications
604-788-8565 | lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca
About Air Canada Foundation
The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling children access the medical care they need away from home.
The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities, such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2024 Impact Report.