YLW launches a new COVID-19 Employee Testing Program

News Release

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is pleased to announce a new voluntary YLW Employee Testing Program, providing free and confidential access to Covid-19 antigen testing for asymptomatic Airport employees. This program is in partnership with Whitecap RSC and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

“As air travel continues to recover and we are seeing more passengers come through YLW each day, this program will help ensure employees have a safe workplace and increase the confidence of the travelling public.” says Sam Samaddar, Airport Director.

Rapid antigen detection testing (RADT) is a safe and trusted way to detect specific proteins on the surface of the COVID-19 virus with lab-confirmed test results available within 15 to 20 minutes. 

A temporary modular clinic and laboratory space was set up in March 2021 as part of a partnership with LNG Canada and Whitecap RSC providing COVID-19 screening for project workers departing from YLW. The Whitecap RSC testing facility is also available for any passengers who require a negative PCR or antigen test prior to international travel. Passengers wishing to access this testing can do so for a fee and by appointment only through whitecapcovidtesting.com or call 604-966-3777.

YLW continues to demonstrate a layered approach to safety of the public and employees to ensure a safe and risk-based approach to manage the travel experience. Offering antigen testing to employees is another step toward a safe and healthy recovery of air travel. 

During the 2021 COVID-19 recovery, YLW has been one of Canada’s fastest recovering airports, nearing 850,000 annual passengers and offering more than 60 daily non-stop commercial flights with seven airlines. 

For more information, visit ylw.kelowna.ca

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