Vancouver and Bengaluru airports sign sister airport agreement, eyeing a future direct link

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) announced a sister airport agreement on 16 October 2026. The memorandum of understanding, signed at an event in BLR's Terminal 2, sets out seven areas of collaboration between the two airports, with Canada's Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, taking part.

According to YVR, the agreement is intended to strengthen operational, technological, economic and air service ties between Western Canada and Southern India. Areas highlighted include technology and innovation, such as work on YVR's Digital Twin and possible joint pilot projects, and improving air cargo transit between Canada and Southern India.

The ultimate goal is to develop direct air service between Vancouver and Bengaluru. No route, airline or schedule has been announced. Albert van Veen, YVR's Vice President of Innovation and Chief Information Officer, said the agreement highlights the growing importance of the Canada–India corridor.

YVR notes that British Columbia is home to nearly 500,000 people of Indian diaspora, close to 10% of the province's population. The airport handled a record 26.9 million passengers in 2025, while BLR, operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited, handled 44.47 million passengers in 2025, with international passengers up 23.9%.

For travellers, the agreement does not change any current flights. Whether and when a direct Vancouver–Bengaluru service will be launched, and by which airline, has not been established.