Travellers heading to Vancouver International Airport faced major traffic delays Thursday due to the annual Boxing Day sales at the nearby McArthurGlen outlet shopping centre.

Don Reynolds, one of many 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 to pre-book parking spots in the airport's lots, and warning the long-term parking lot would be 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 people expected to make their way through the airport.

Boxing Day is one of the busiest travel days of the year at Vancouver International Airport. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)

The airport reminded travellers 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 was expecting about 50,000 shoppers on its busiest day of the year.

Shoppers line up at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet on Boxing Day. (CBC)

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.