COVID-19 vaccine requirements at YLW

News Release

Starting on October 30, 2021, Transport Canada will require proof of vaccination for passengers, 12 years of age and older, travelling on domestic and international flights at all Canadian airports. There will be a transition period until November 30, 2021, allowing for passengers to provide a COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of their flight, if they are not fully vaccinated.

As of Saturday, October 30, all passengers will be required to provide proof of one of the following to the airline they are travelling with:

  • Full vaccination status
  • COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of the flight
    • COVID-19 molecular tests will only be accepted until November 29, 2021
  • Medical or religious exemption and a COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of the flight

If passengers have any questions about providing proof of vaccination, they are encouraged to reach out directly to their airline. For the most up-to-date information on vaccination requirements, please visit travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restictions/domestic-travel 

For passengers requiring a COVID-19 molecular test, YLW has partnered with Whitecap Medical to provide on-site COVID-19 PCR testing. Passengers wishing to access this testing can do so for a fee and by appointment through whitecapcovidtesting.com  or by calling 604-966-3777.

YLW is also introducing a workplace Vaccination Policy, in accordance with Transport Canada mandate. The YLW Vaccination Policy will require employees working in the terminal building to be fully vaccinated as of November 15, 2021.This policy also applies to any non-passengers entering the restricted area, the area of the terminal beyond security screening, and tenants whose companies perform functions tied to aviation.  

“Vaccinations are essential to reduce the risk of serious illness and limit the spread of COVID-19. These vaccination requirements are a necessary step to ensure the health and safety of everyone travelling through and working at YLW” says Sam Samaddar, Airport Director

These vaccination requirements of both passengers and staff do not replace the health and safety measures already in place at YLW. These measures include:

  • Masks be worn at all times in the public areas of the terminal
  • Frequent sanitizing of high-touch areas such as check-in kiosks, handrails and door handles, luggage carts and wheelchairs
  • Hand sanitizer stations available throughout the terminal
  • Protective barriers implemented at customer service areas and self-serve check-in kiosks
  • Floor decals, adjusted queuing areas and announcements to help passengers keep their distance from each other, wherever possible
  • Reduced seating capacity and physical distancing between tables when dining in
  • Encouraging passengers to choose touchless check-in and payment options when possible

For more information about health and safety measures in place at YLW, visit: ylw.kelowna.ca/HealthyTravel

About YLW During the 2021 COVID 19 recovery, YLW has been one of Canada’s fastest recovering airports, nearing 850,000 annual passengers and offering 60 daily non-stop commercial flights with seven airlines. The lack of international connections at YLW has resulted in a $2.5 million economic loss to the airport. There are additional economic impacts to industry partners in the region such as the tourism and hospitality sector. 

For more information, visit ylw.kelowna.ca