News release

Today, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) announced it has reached an agreement with ultra-low-cost-carrier Canada Jetlines Ltd. to operate out of Kelowna.

“We’re excited to welcome a new airline to the community,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “Adding another ultra-low-cost-carrier to YLW will give residents more flight options, and visitors more opportunities to experience all that the Okanagan has to offer.”

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is pleased to announce ultra-low-cost-carrier Swoop will begin service in spring 2019.

Swoop will provide non-stop service from YLW to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) three times per week, starting on May 24, 2019.

“We are excited to welcome Swoop to YLW,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “Having an ultra-low-cost-carrier in Kelowna is a great opportunity for the Okanagan as it provides more options for travellers.”

Kelowna International Airport becomes 10th busiest airport in Canada

Today, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) released its final passenger numbers for 2018, with figures showing airport travel reaching an all-time high at YLW. In 2018, passengers totalled a record-breaking 2,080,372, a 31 per cent increase or more than 486,700 passengers over the last three years—becoming the 10th busiest airport in Canada.

Today, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) welcomed its record-setting two-millionth annual passenger to travel through the terminal in 2018. Since 2015, YLW has experienced unprecedented passenger growth, which can be attributed to population growth in the region and expanded air service and flight connectivity.

Kelowna, BC – On Sunday, November 18, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will be hosting their second annual YLW Accessibility Tour for families living with autism. Held from 2:00-4:30 pm in the YLW WestJet check-in area, over 70 individuals are expected at the event.

Due to anxiety or sensory sensitivities, air travel can present significant challenges for individuals with autism. The tour will take families through the entire pre-flight process, including check-in, security, finding their gate and boarding a plane.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW)’s annual Winter Travel Event will take place on Saturday, October 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will be able to meet with airlines, travel agents, hotels and resorts to get helpful travel tips and information on popular destinations.

“This event is a great opportunity for locals to learn about travel options from YLW and win some great prizes,” said Sam Samaddar, YLW Airport Director. “We have over $9,000 in travel prizes this year, so there’s never been a better time to attend.”

KELOWNA - Today Kelowna International Airport (YLW), along with 29 airports across Canada, kicked off Canadian Airports Safety Week, an airport-led initiative to promote healthy and safe work practices among airport employees.

From September 17-21, all airport staff, whether they are working in the terminal building or on the airfield, will have the opportunity to take part in safety-themed activities and events throughout the week.

Upgrades to Kelowna International Airport (YLW)’s Instrument Landing System (ILS) are now underway. This system is responsible for providing aircraft guidance to the runway. As part of the upgrade, the existing system will be replaced with new state-of-the-art technology.

These upgrades are necessary as part of NAV CANADA’s National ILS Replacement Program and work is expected to be complete at the end of September 2018.

On July 31, preliminary work will begin to prepare for the widening of Airport Way at Kelowna International Airport (YLW). This necessary work includes the removal of trees and shrubs, which will be replaced with new landscaping once the project is complete in fall 2018.

YLW does not anticipate any significant impacts to vehicle traffic and there will be no impact to flights at YLW.

Today, passengers at Kelowna International Airport can access the full White Spot menu, as kitchen renovations are now complete.

As part of these upgrades, brand new, state-of-the-art equipment was installed and the kitchen area was redesigned to improve capacity and speed of service for White Spot customers.