Projects and planning
YLW is expanding the airport to better meet the needs of our growing region. Our multi-year expansion plans include our largest terminal expansion to date, fully serviced lots for light industrial and commercial business, new parking options, safety and sustainability upgrades, and much more.
Between 2024 and 2033, YLW will invest approximately $422 million in upgrades to airport infrastructure. The expansion is funded through airport revenues and Airport Improvement Fees and is not funded by tax dollars.
Learn more about existing and future projects that will contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable passenger experience at YLW:
In 2019, YLW began to design a 2 Phase expansion to the south end of the terminal building.
Phase 1 includes:
- expanded Departures Lounge to improve connections to aircraft gates and increased food and beverage options
- new expanded security screening area to reduce the time it takes to clear security
- new direct access to south gates for departing and arriving passengers
- improved wayfinding
Phase 2 includes:
- expanded terminal building in order to relocate the domestic arrivals area to the south, including new higher capacity baggage carousels
- repurposed existing arrivals area to provide a larger area for international arrivals and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- further expansion of the Departures Lounge to increase capacity
- relocated rental car, shuttle and tourism booths
In fall 2022, YLW began enabling works for the ATB expansion, Phase 1. YLW plans to start the Phase 1 project in fall 2023 and complete by spring 2026. Phase 2 is scheduled to start construction in 2036.
Completed in Oct 2023
We replaced the roof on the terminal building as it has reached end-of-life. 48,000 square feet of roofing has been replaced.
Upgrades include:
- A new roof and waterproof membrane
- Upgrades to insulation to improve energy savings
The Biosecurity Testing Facility project will invest in infrastructure that will enable onsite testing to address health safety risks to passengers, employees and the community. In addition, this project will improve the passenger experience moving through the airport with improved signage, flow and processes.
Over the next 10 years, YLW will complete airside rehabilitation work to ensure continued operation of the airport. This includes upgrades to end-of-life pavement surfaces on the airfield, aprons, taxiways and runway.
2024 Projects:
- Northeast corner
- Taxiway G
- Taxiway C
- Taxiway D
In June, YLW began work to expand the paved parking surfaces in long-term parking lot B. While construction is being completed, existing space in long-term lot B will be impacted. Please follow directional signage. Completed in summer 2023.
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and The Sutton Place Hotels are delighted to share new details of the six-storey, 245-room Sutton Place Hotel Kelowna and seven-storey 1,000-stall parkade. Both the hotel and parking structure will be conveniently located next to the new terminal building expansion at YLW, adding a new ease to travel.
Construction set to commence in 2025.
The purpose of this project is to design, renovate and build a Combined Operations Building (COB) and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facilities. The purpose of the COB is to house all Airport Operations Specialist/Firefighters, Mechanics, Management and all associated equipment used to provide emergency and maintenance services at YLW. This facility is the heart of the airport operation.
We are completing designs and starting enabling works to allow for construction to begin in spring 2024.