Public service announcement

During this continued time of uncertainty during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to take the time to provide an update to the community regarding travel at Kelowna International Airport (YLW). 

Today, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) announced new requirements for travellers at the airport. Starting Friday, July 3, YLW will require masks or face coverings be worn at all times while in the public areas of the terminal.

Due to an increase in air service and passengers, all arriving and departing passengers, airport employees and visitors who enter the terminal will be required to wear a mask or face covering, with some exceptions. Children under the age of two, and individuals with medical conditions that prevent mask usage are exempt.

I want to start by taking the time to recognize those who work in the tourism and travel industries. Whether you work in a hotel or a restaurant, are helping connect visitors to experiences throughout the region or for an airline or at the airport—your contributions to the tourism sector help strengthen the local economy and enrich the quality of life for residents across the Okanagan. I also want to extend a thank you to the frontline and administration staff who are continuing to work to keep the airport open during these difficult times.

During this continued time of uncertainty and rapid change, I understand the concern among the community regarding travel at Kelowna International Airport (YLW). YLW continues to support the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia as they implement necessary measures to make air travel as safe as possible and to limit the spread of COVID-19. We continue to monitor the situation closely and adapt our operations to follow direction from the Government of Canada and public health officials.

Good afternoon,

I know there is concern among passengers, employees and residents about the coronavirus outbreak. We take our COVID-19 response seriously and are following the direction of the Provincial Health Ministry to deal with situation in British Columbia. We agree with the health experts’ direction to exercise an abundance of caution in dealing with this virus, so that we can curb its spread in our community.

Upgrades to improve the customer experience at Tim Hortons at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) are almost compete. The restaurant has been revitalized with new lighting, flooring, open-concept seating, and a re-designed counter and queueing area.

The restaurant is expected to reopen on October 9 at 4:30 a.m. 

The temporary kiosk closed on Oct. 6 and recognizing the inconvenience to tenants and guests, Tim Hortons is serving free coffee all day today.  No baked goods are available, but full service is expected to start Oct. 9.

On April 24, businesses and residents from across the region will come together for a conversation to help shape transportation choices in the Central Okanagan region over the next 20 years. The public is invited to attend and contribute to discussions.

On Thursday, September 22nd 2016, Kelowna International Airport (YLW), along with its partners will be conducting a live emergency exercise at the airport. The security threat and aircraft incident exercise will start at approximately 8 a.m. and is expected to end at 1 p.m. Flights and airport operations will not be impacted as a result of the exercise.

The Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) has approved the Kelowna International Airport’s (YLW) Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) exclusion application. This decision is critical for the future expansion and development of YLW.

YLW applied to the ALC to exclude four properties at the south end of the airport lands to be used for aeronautical-related, airside development. The exclusion of these 22 hectares will prove vital to future airside development and expansion at YLW, securing long-term sustainability of operations.