News release

Kelowna International Airport becomes 10th busiest airport in Canada

Today, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) released its final passenger numbers for 2018, with figures showing airport travel reaching an all-time high at YLW. In 2018, passengers totalled a record-breaking 2,080,372, a 31 per cent increase or more than 486,700 passengers over the last three years—becoming the 10th busiest airport in Canada.

Today, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) welcomed its record-setting two-millionth annual passenger to travel through the terminal in 2018. Since 2015, YLW has experienced unprecedented passenger growth, which can be attributed to population growth in the region and expanded air service and flight connectivity.

Kelowna, BC – On Sunday, November 18, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will be hosting their second annual YLW Accessibility Tour for families living with autism. Held from 2:00-4:30 pm in the YLW WestJet check-in area, over 70 individuals are expected at the event.

Due to anxiety or sensory sensitivities, air travel can present significant challenges for individuals with autism. The tour will take families through the entire pre-flight process, including check-in, security, finding their gate and boarding a plane.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW)’s annual Winter Travel Event will take place on Saturday, October 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will be able to meet with airlines, travel agents, hotels and resorts to get helpful travel tips and information on popular destinations.

“This event is a great opportunity for locals to learn about travel options from YLW and win some great prizes,” said Sam Samaddar, YLW Airport Director. “We have over $9,000 in travel prizes this year, so there’s never been a better time to attend.”

KELOWNA - Today Kelowna International Airport (YLW), along with 29 airports across Canada, kicked off Canadian Airports Safety Week, an airport-led initiative to promote healthy and safe work practices among airport employees.

From September 17-21, all airport staff, whether they are working in the terminal building or on the airfield, will have the opportunity to take part in safety-themed activities and events throughout the week.

Upgrades to Kelowna International Airport (YLW)’s Instrument Landing System (ILS) are now underway. This system is responsible for providing aircraft guidance to the runway. As part of the upgrade, the existing system will be replaced with new state-of-the-art technology.

These upgrades are necessary as part of NAV CANADA’s National ILS Replacement Program and work is expected to be complete at the end of September 2018.

On July 31, preliminary work will begin to prepare for the widening of Airport Way at Kelowna International Airport (YLW). This necessary work includes the removal of trees and shrubs, which will be replaced with new landscaping once the project is complete in fall 2018.

YLW does not anticipate any significant impacts to vehicle traffic and there will be no impact to flights at YLW.

Today, passengers at Kelowna International Airport can access the full White Spot menu, as kitchen renovations are now complete.

As part of these upgrades, brand new, state-of-the-art equipment was installed and the kitchen area was redesigned to improve capacity and speed of service for White Spot customers.

Tonight, the first Air Canada redeye flight will depart from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

The debut flight will depart Kelowna at 10:55 p.m. and land in Toronto at 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning, just in time to catch one of more than 430 Air Canada-operated and airline partner flights to destinations around the globe, including over 96 daily destinations throughout  eastern Canada, the United States and Europe.

Today, Sunwing Airlines announced expanded service to Mexico for YLW passengers this winter. Starting on December 15, 2018, weekly direct service from Kelowna (YLW) to Los Cabos (SJD) will operate Saturdays until April 20, 2019.

“We are excited for additional direct service to Los Cabos for YLW passengers,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “We’ve heard from passengers that they want to see more service to sunny destinations, and this is just one way we’re working to make this a reality.”