YLW Updates Aug 20, 2023

News Release

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) continues to be impacted by the wildfires in the Okanagan. Air carriers have cancelled all arriving and departing flights on Sunday, Aug. 20, until 9 p.m. At this time, the status of flights after 9 p.m. and on Monday, Aug 21, is unknown. 

The ability of flights to operate at YLW is determined by Transport Canada and Airlines. Status of flights scheduled to operate:-    after 9 p.m. on Aug. 20, will be determined on a case-by-base basis. -    on Monday, Aug. 21, will be dependent on the current status of area wildfires and weather conditions at YLW. 

YLW is having ongoing conversations Transport Canada, Nav Canada and BC Wildfire Services to allow for some operations to resume. These decisions are dependent on wildfire progression and are made with the safety of the community as the key priority. YLW thanks passengers for their continued patience.

If the airspace is opened to allow flights to operate out of YLW, flight status could be impacted by weather conditions at the airport, such as smoke. Passengers are asked to check with their airline for updated information about flight status before coming to the airport.

Passengers with vehicles parked in short- or long-term parking lots of YLW will not be charged for any additional parking required due to flight cancellations.  

The Province of B.C. has issued a state of emergency and is asking visitors to avoid non-essential travel to the central interior. Those travelling home or that are visiting for essential purposes can access the Okanagan region through: 

Okanagan Airports o    Penticton o    Kamloops  Bus/shuttle  o    E-bus o    Cheers o    Rider Express o    Kelowna Concierge 

Passengers are encouraged to contact their airline directly for updated flight information.

Updates will continue to be provided at ylw.kelowna.ca/updates.