News release

Today marks the inaugural Flair Airlines flight from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Flair is now officially offering low-cost service from YLW to Edmonton and Vancouver.

Flights to Vancouver are available Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, while flights to Edmonton will occur Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

On Sunday, November 19, the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will be hosting the first-ever YLW Accessibility Tour for families living with autism. The tour will take families through the entire pre-flight process, including entering the airport, waiting in line, passing through security and boarding a plane.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW)’s annual Winter Travel Event will take place on Saturday, October 28th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will be able to meet with air carriers, travel agents, hotels and resorts to get helpful travel tips and information on popular direct sun destinations.

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

Air Canada has announced additional seasonal daily service to Toronto, beginning June 22. This brings the Toronto service to two flights daily on Air Canada throughout the 2018 summer season.

The A319 aircraft will depart Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) daily at 8:25 p.m. EDT and will arrive at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) at 10 p.m. PDT. The aircraft then turns and departs YLW at 10:55 p.m. PDT for a 6:10 a.m. EDT redeye arrival at YYZ.

KELOWNA - Today Kelowna International Airport (YLW), along with 29 airports across Canada, have kicked off Canadian Airports Safety Week, an airport-led initiative to promote healthy and safe work practices among airport employees. All airport staff, whether they are working in the terminal building or on the airfield, will be encouraged to take part in themed discussions and events throughout the week.

Launching December 15, 2017, Flair Airlines will offer low-cost service from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Edmonton (YEG) and Vancouver (YVR). Flights to Vancouver will be available Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, while flight to Edmonton will occur Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

“We are thrilled to return service back to Kelowna, especially as passengers will be able to connect through to Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto,” said Chris Lapointe, Vice President Commercial Operations. “This is an exciting announcement for everyone at Flair.”

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and Royal Star Enterprises Inc. invite the public to the official grand opening of the YLW Plaza, this Saturday, August 19th. Join us at 5538 Airport Way, between 1-3 p.m. and enter to win amazing prizes, including a $1,000 Esso gift card.

“We’re very happy to support the grand opening of the new YLW Plaza,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “The plaza provides new services and restaurant options for the entire YLW community.”

At approximately 3:50 p.m., a Canadian Forces Chinook Helicopter advised the air traffic control tower of a potential mechanical issue.

As a safety precaution, the Aircraft Rescue Firefighting team and Kelowna Fire Department were dispatched for the standby.

The aircraft landed safely at approximately 4 p.m. There was no disruption to scheduled flight service at YLW.

The City of Kelowna has recently acquired a property at 4440/4444 Bulman Road, in support of the long-term land use strategy for the Kelowna International Airport (YLW). The property is currently subject to an existing and continuing lease with the Okanagan Polo Club.

“The purchase of this property was very important to guarantee the long-term success of the airport,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “We need to ensure that we have the available land to support the future growth of YLW.”

The National 2017 Canadian Owners and Pilots’ Association (COPA) Convention and Trade Show runs from June 23 to 24. Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and the Kelowna & District Flying Club are inviting the public to attend this family-friendly event.

“We’re very excited to be co-hosting this event. Our partnership with COPA is one that YLW is proud to support and foster,” said Sam Samaddar, YLW Airport Director. “Small aircraft owners and operators are key to the success of our airport and ensure that the passion for aviation remains strong in our community.”