News release

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is anticipating another busy holiday season, with over 100,000 passengers expected over the next three weeks. Passengers are advised to plan in advance and prepare for longer than normal wait times at the airport, in order to reduce travel-related stress.

YLW anticipates increased, but steady traffic flow from Dec. 14 through Jan. 6. The busiest travel days of the season will be Dec. 21 through Dec. 27.

To help make your travel experience as easy as possible:

The annual callout to Thompson Okanagan Artists to have the opportunity for a presence at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in 2019 opens November 1 and runs to November 30, 2018.

All artists residing in the Thompson Okanagan area, from Kamloops to Osoyoos, are welcome to submit their work for the Art Kiosk in the YLW Departures Lounge. The Kiosk, branded “Spirit of the Okanagan,” is managed by Skyway Gourmet Ventures Inc. in consultation with Suk'ʷtəmsqilxʷ West Kelowna Arts Council (SWAC).

The annual callout to Thompson Okanagan Artists to have the opportunity for a presence at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in 2018 opens 1st October and runs to 15th November, 2017.

All artists residing in the Thompson Okanagan area, from Kamloops to Osoyoos, are welcome to submit their work for the Art Kiosk in the YLW departures lounge.  The Kiosk, branded “Spirit of the Okanagan,” is managed by Suk'ʷtəmsqilxʷ West Kelowna Arts Council (SWAC).

At approximately 10:40 a.m. today, Central Mountain Air flight 730 advised Kelowna International Airport (YLW) air traffic control that they had a mechanical issue and was required to return to YLW.

As a safety precaution, emergency response teams were dispatched to standby.

The aircraft landed safely at approximately 10:51 a.m. There was no disruption to scheduled flight service at YLW.

At approximately 10:23 a.m., a privately registered Cessna, advised the air traffic control tower of a mechanical issue.

As a safety precaution, emergency response teams were dispatched for the standby.

The aircraft with three people on board landed safely at approximately 10:42 a.m. There was no disruption to scheduled flight service at YLW.

At approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, a Cessna 172 training aircraft landed short of the runway in the grass at Kelowna International Airport (YLW).

The lone occupant of the aircraft was treated by BC Ambulance for minor injuries and released.

YLW is experiencing delays to arriving and departing flights and the airport is fully operational.

Passengers should check their flight status at ylw.kelowna.ca

At approximately 10:50 a.m. today, a Convair aircraft advised Kelowna International Airport (YLW) air traffic control that they had a mechanical issue and were diverting to Kelowna.

As a safety precaution, emergency response teams were dispatched for the standby.

The aircraft landed safely at approximately 11:20 a.m. There was no disruption to scheduled flight service at YLW.

At approximately 12:38 p.m. today, WestJet flight 3239 departing from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) advised the air traffic control tower of a mechanical issue related to the aircraft's landing gear and was required to return to YLW.

As a safety precaution, emergency response teams were dispatched for the standby.

The aircraft landed safely at approximately 12:59 p.m. There was no disruption to scheduled flight service at YLW.

At approximately 10:32 a.m., a privately registered Quest Kodiak on approach to YLW, advised the air traffic control tower of a potential mechanical issue.

As a safety precaution, emergency response teams were dispatched for the standby.

The aircraft landed safely at approximately 10:37 a.m. There was no disruption to scheduled flight service at YLW.

At approximately 10:41 a.m., a privately owned Cessa Citation advised the air traffic control tower of an issue with overheating brakes, while taxiing to the runway.

Kelowna International Airport’s Aircraft Rescue Firefighting team was dispatched to assist the aircraft and cool the brakes.

Passengers are being deplaned and the aircraft will be towed to the hangar for inspection. There was no disruption to scheduled flight service at YLW.