News release

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.”

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and the Kelowna & District Flying Club are inviting the public to attend the National 2017 Canadian Owners and Pilots’ Association (COPA) Convention and Trade Show on June 23rd and 24th.

The convention will feature under-the-wing camping, an exhibitor static display of aircraft, an aviation trade show, several breakout sessions and a banquet dinner.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW), owned and operated by the City of Kelowna, is a significant community asset for the Okanagan Valley. With more than 1.7 million passengers served in 2016, an economic impact of 4,545 jobs and $789 million in total economic output to the province of British Columbia, YLW continues to generate business, tourism and air access benefits for the region.

Kelowna International Airport and the Kelowna & District Flying Club are hosting the 2017 Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) Convention and Trade Show on June 23 and 24, and they’re looking for volunteers to make it happen.

COPA is expecting more than 400 attendees for this event, many of whom will arrive in their aircraft from across Canada. The convention will feature under-the-wing camping, an exhibitor static display of aircraft, an aviation trade show, several breakout sessions and a banquet dinner.

This morning marked the first WestJet redeye flight from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

The debut flight departed Kelowna at 12:05 a.m. and landed in Toronto at 7:15 a.m., just in time to catch one of more than 180 WestJet-operated and airline partner flights to destinations around the globe, including over 55 daily destinations throughout eastern Canada, the United States and Europe.

At approximately 9:40 pm, YLW staff became aware of a small fire on the rooftop above a construction area at Kelowna International Airport.

YLW Operations and the Kelowna Fire Department responded immediately and the fire was extinguished upon arrival. 

The small fire was limited to the rooftop area. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

There was no impact on passengers, staff or commercial flights at YLW. Airport operations remain unchanged and there is no disruption to scheduled flight service tonight or tomorrow.