Wildlife and Aviation Safety at YLW | Kelowna International Airport

Keeping Skies Safe, Naturally

At Kelowna International Airport (YLW), protecting passengers, crews, and aircraft is our top priority. One important part of this commitment is managing the risks posed by wildlife in and around the airport.

While we appreciate the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley and its wildlife, certain animals near the airport can pose hazards to aviation. Birds and other animals can create serious safety concerns when they encounter aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing. That's why YLW has a Wildlife Management Program in place year-round.

Why It Matters

Airports are attractive to many types of wildlife due to open spaces, nearby water, and food sources. Even a single bird strike can cause significant damage to an aircraft or delay operations.

What YLW Is Doing

YLW’s Wildlife Management Program is designed to reduce risks while respecting the natural environment. Our team works year-round to:

Monitor and track wildlife activity on and around the airfield
Use deterrents to discourage animals from entering high-risk areas
Managing habitats to make the airfield less attractive to wildlife
Collaborate with community partners to manage potential attractants beyond airport boundaries
Training staff to recognize and respond to potential hazards

A Shared Responsibility

We also encourage our community to help, whether it’s managing food waste responsibly, avoiding feeding wildlife, or reporting unusual animal activity near the airport. Keeping our airport safe is a shared effort.

Learn More

YLW is committed to transparency, sustainability, and aviation safety. Our Wildlife Management Program is reviewed regularly and reflects our dedication to both environmental responsibility and operational excellence.