News release

Pacific Coastal Airlines announced the addition of a new flight between Victoria (YYJ) and Kelowna (YLW), effective June 5.

The additional flight leaves YYJ at 11:45 a.m. and arrives at YLW at 12:50 p.m. The return flight will leave Kelowna at 3:45 p.m. and arrive back in Victoria at 4:50 p.m.

“It’s great to see the Victoria-Kelowna service succeeding,” says Sam Samaddar, YLW Airport Director. “This route is very important for both business and leisure travelers in the area.”

Air Canada has announced it will begin Spring shoulder service to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) between April 22 to May 28. Flying twice weekly on Saturdays and Sundays with the A319, the new service means year-round Air Canada Rouge service from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Toronto.

WestJet announced today it will begin red-eye service from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) effective May 18.

“YLW is very happy to announce this added service to Toronto as it increases connectivity options for our travellers,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “With just one stop in Toronto, our passengers can travel to a number of world-wide destinations.”

Kelowna International Airport (YLW)’s annual Spring Travel Event will take place on Saturday, March 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can meet with air carriers, travel agents, hotels and resorts to get helpful travel tips and information on popular vacation destinations.

“This year, we have a fantastic lineup of booths for participants to connect with and learn about exciting new travel options from YLW,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “Best of all, the money raised from the prize ballots will be donated to The Sunshine Foundation of Canada.”

On January 30th, WestJet announced that they’ll be offering non-stop seasonal service between Kelowna (YLW) and Winnipeg (YWG). The four-times-weekly service will begin May 29th and run until September 2017.

“We’re very happy to announce this much anticipated route,” said Sam Samaddar, YLW Airport Director. “Our partnership with Winnipeg’s Richardson International Airport is a wonderful opportunity for Okanagan residents to explore Winnipeg and Central Canada.”

The annual callout to Thompson Okanagan Artists to have the opportunity for a presence at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in 2017 runs from January 1 to 31st. 

All artists who live and work 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’wtemsqilxw West Kelowna Arts Council (SWAC).

At approximately 2:00 p.m., 225 litres of jet fuel were spilled on Apron 1 at Kelowna International Airport (YLW), during fueling operations on WestJet flight 2164.

YLW initiated the Emergency Response Plan to contain the spill which has now been successfully cleaned up by YLW’s Operations Team.

For additional details on WestJet flight 2164, please contact WestJet’s media relations team at lauren.stewart@westjet.com (cc media@westjet.com).

The numbers are in and they’re even better than expected! Kelowna International Airport (YLW) served 1,732,113 passengers in 2016, an increase of 8.7 per cent since last year. That represents nearly 140,000 additional travellers!

December proved to be YLW’s busiest month ever, with 166,537 passengers, surpassing the record-breaking month of August.

With more than 100,000 passengers expected through the doors, this holiday travel season promises to be another active one at the Kelowna International Airport (YLW). Travelling during the holidays can be stressful, so be sure to plan in advance and prepare for longer than normal wait times at the airport.

YLW anticipates increased, but steady traffic flow from Dec. 17 through Jan. 3. The busiest travel days of the season will be Dec. 26, 2016 through Jan. 3, 2017. To breeze through the airport this season, follow the below travel tips:

On Nov. 21, the final Kelowna International Airport (YLW) Master Plan 2045 was approved and adopted by Kelowna City Council.

In March 2015, YLW engaged SNC-Lavalin and its consultants to update the existing Master Plan 2025. The integrated team developed the new Master Plan 2045 in support of YLW’s vision to become the best mid-sized airport in North America.

“YLW is an important asset for the City of Kelowna and the entire Okanagan Valley,” said Airport Director, Sam Samaddar. “We need to plan ahead to ensure the future of YLW for upcoming generations.”