Boxing Day sales lead to heavy traffic congestion around airport

Travellers heading to Vancouver International Airport faced majortraffic delays Thursday due to the annual Boxing Day sales at the nearbyMcArthurGlen outlet shopping centre.

Don Reynolds, one ofmany travellers stuck in traffic on the way to the airport, told CBC News he was afraid he would miss his flight to the Philippines because of Boxing Day shoppers.

"I've never seen it like this before in all the years I've lived here," he said.

"They should never allow a shopping mall to do this to international flights. It's totally crazy."

Vancouver International Airport sent out a statement early Thursday encouraging travellers topre-book parking spots in the airport's lots, and warning thelong-term parking lot wouldbe most affected by delays due to proximity to the mall.

One of the busiest travel days

Boxing Day is already one of the busiest travel days of the year, with upwards of 90,000 peopleexpected to make their way through the airport.

The airportremindedtravellers to confirm flight reservations and determine baggage specifications in advance, while avoiding packing liquids, gels and other prohibited items in carry-on items.

50,000 shoppers for Boxing Day

Line-ups at the shopping centre were also long.

Ally Day, marketing manager of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, said the mall wasexpecting about 50,000 shoppers on its busiest day of the year.

Day said the shopping centre's team works closely with RCMP and YVR to ensure traffic flows smoothly.

"We have a traffic plan in place that allows people to get to the airport... and we have flaggers on site ... so people can get in and get out," Day said.

The outlet mall is open until 10 p.m. PT.