After kicking off 2022 with several exciting announcements, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has celebrated additional achievements, initiatives, and air service this spring. 


Celebrating 75 Trips Around the Sun
 

YLW Anniversary Kick-off

On April 21, celebrations for YLW’s 75th Anniversary kicked off with a community event, which members of our team were proud to attend. 

The first flight took off from YLW in 1947, with the grand opening of the terminal building following in 1949. By 1997, YLW was one of the fastest-growing airports in North America and in 2018, the airport passed the 2 million passenger mark.

Throughout 2022, YLW will be celebrating its anniversary through the theme, 75 Trips Around the Sun. Learn more about some of the celebrations set to take place in this recent Kelowna Capital News piece. You can also find out more about the airport's past, present, and future on the YLW website.


Supporting the Community with a new Childcare Centre

On April 28, the Province announced that it will provide $3 million toward the Kelowna Airport YMCA Child Care facility from the ChildCare BC New Spaces Fund. The City of Kelowna, YLW, KF Aerospace, and the YMCA are partnering to provide this child care facility on the YLW campus.

“We are so excited to be able to collaborate with KF Aerospace and the YMCA to provide this childcare facility. As the airport community continues to grow, there will be increased demand for a child care facility on our campus” says Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, Kelowna International Airport. “This child care facility will support the unique staffing requirements of the airport campus and the greater community.”

KF Aerospace is a funding partner for the Kelowna Airport YMCA Child Care Facility and was instrumental in bringing all partners together in the development of this facility. Click here to learn more. 


Welcoming Lynx Air to Kelowna
 

Lynx Air Launch

At the start of May, our team joined in the celebrations for the launch of Lynx Air's new non-stop service from Calgary and Vancouver to YLW.

Lynx Air's mission is to make air travel affordable to all Canadians; as such, the airline offers ultra-low fares on its fleet of brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline offers à la carte pricing where travellers pay for the fare and then add-ons where needed.

The introduction of another ultra-affordable carrier provides even more travellers with the opportunity to discover the best of the Kelowna and we are excited to welcome Lynx Air to our destination. Visit the YLW website for more information.


Swoop Expanding Service to Kelowna

On May 5, after three years of providing service to YLW, Swoop launched its new daily, non-stop, flights between Kelowna and Edmonton. The following day, the airline resumed its service between Winnipeg and Kelowna. 

“YLW is excited to see this new route from Swoop providing daily service to/from Edmonton,” says Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport Director. “Swoop first came to YLW three years ago and we are happy to see them continue to expand their destinations, providing affordable options for Okanagan residents.”

Swoop, a subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, was established in 2018, providing Canadians with an ultra-low-cost option. The airline also provides service to Kelowna from Toronto. Visit the Swoop website for more information. 

 

COVID-19 Updates

YLW has compiled a helpful list of tips for travellers flying into and out of the airport this spring—be sure to review this list in preparation for your flight. Additional information about health and safety can also be accessed on the YLW website

Individuals arriving at YLW can access information about Kelowna and area at our YLW Information Kiosk where volunteers are onsite throughout the week. There is a selection of brochures at the kiosk as well as a touchscreen that allows arriving travellers to explore our website and online retail store before they set out to explore Kelowna. 

For more information about the measures Canadian airlines are taking to keep travellers safe, visit the following links: