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Kelowna International Airport is the Okanagan's main commercial gateway and one of Canada's busiest secondary airports, with a 9,039 x 200 ft runway 16/34, full towered operations, airport-of-entry customs, Category 7 firefighting, and apron space structured separately for airline, commercial, and FBO traffic. It operates on a much larger scale than a generic regional-airport template suggests.
YLW is in the middle of its largest terminal build-out to date. The airport's own project updates show a new departures lounge and screening area opened on January 28, 2026, as part of a multi-year expansion that also adds new food options, washrooms, baggage capacity, and future CBSA and arrivals improvements.
That matters because YLW is not just a local airport for Kelowna. It is the aviation front door for the whole Okanagan Valley, handling tourism, wine-country travel, ski traffic, cargo, and growing year-round business demand in one terminal campus.
Airlines Serving YLW
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Kelowna International Airport achieved record-breaking traffic with 2. 13 million passengers in 2024, ranking as Canada's 10th busiest airport and BC's second-busiest, with 8 airlines providing over 60 daily flights to 21 destinations. Air Canada, WestJet, Alaska Airlines, Flair Airlines, and Porter Airlines (new in 2025) serve the facility, with WestJet expanding Toronto service to daily flights and launching new Seattle routes with Alaska Airlines. The airport features an 8,900-foot runway capable of wide-body aircraft, with terminal expansion doubling departures lounge size by late 2026 as part of a $108-million Phase 1 project.
Between 2024-2033, over $422 million in infrastructure investments include the new 6-story Sutton Place Hotel (245 rooms, completed 2028) and 7-story parkade (1,000 stalls, completed 2027). Porter Airlines' new Toronto service beginning May 2025 adds competition alongside existing Air Canada and WestJet Toronto routes, while Alaska Airlines provides seasonal Los Angeles service. Ground transportation includes on-site Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz rentals, plus comprehensive taxi, Uber, and Lyft services throughout the Okanagan Valley.
The facility serves as BC's primary wine country gateway and winter sports access point to Big White and Silver Star Mountain resorts, requiring careful weather planning during mountain conditions. Summer operations must account for high elevation (1,421 feet) and temperatures exceeding 40°C affecting aircraft performance. The $422-million investment program through 2033 positions YLW for continued growth as Western Canada's premier regional hub, with efficient single-terminal operations enabling quick connections despite record passenger volumes.
Expert Travel Tips & Insights
Pro Traveler Secrets
• Arrive early during ski season peaks; verify baggage transfer on separate tickets.
• Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
• Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.
• Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.
• Download your airline's mobile app for updates at this airport.
Quick Facts
Minimum domestic connection:
60 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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