Airline service is essential to connect travellers with our destination. Tourism Kelowna works with the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to support its activities and market to travellers in destinations within and beyond Canada. Below, you'll find a round-up of some recent news from YLW. 

Celebrating Porter Airlines' First Flight Between Toronto and Kelowna

^{Image credit: Nicole Martinez}

In mid-May, Porter Airlines launched its non-stop service to Kelowna from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), initially operating five weekly round-trip flights that increased to daily round-trip flights as of June 23.

“Kelowna is excited to welcome Porter Airlines’ inaugural flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport,” said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas. “This new direct connection is one of several new routes supporting the continued expansion of Kelowna International Airport. It strengthens our ties to Eastern Canada, boosts our local economy, supports businesses, and highlights Kelowna’s growing appeal as a premier destination.”

Kelowna complements Porter’s growing presence in British Columbia with existing flights to Vancouver and Victoria. The route is operated on the new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, the quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class. The two-by-two configuration means no middle seats on any Porter flight.

Marking Milestones in the Airport Terminal Building (ATB) Expansion

In June, YLW shared a significant project milestone in its ATB expansion; the mass timber roof structure of the facility has now been completed. 

The use of mass timber throughout the terminal building expansion highlights the airport's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community reflection in the project.

YLW received $500,000 from the Province's Mass Timber Demonstration Program, which aims to grow B.C.’s mass timber and engineered wood products industry and position B.C. as a world leader in wood design, engineering and construction.

Read the full news release here.

Find construction updates related to the Airport Terminal Building (ATB) Expansion Project here.

Groundbreaking for new Hotel and Parkade

^{Image from The Sutton Place Hotels LinkedIn page}

The groundbreaking of two significant projects at YLW, The Sutton Place Hotel Kelowna and a 1,000-stall parkade, took place in late July. Both projects will will significantly enhance the airport's facilities and services.

The Sutton Place Hotel Kelowna represents a private investment of $100 million. The Sutton Place Hotels are a luxury Canadian hotel brand, owned and operated by BC-based Northland Properties. In conjunction with the hotel, a new 1,000-stall parkade is being constructed with a private investment of $55 million. 

The parkade is expected to be completed in 2027, and the Sutton Place Hotel Kelowna in 2028.

Read the full news release here.

For ongoing updates about projects at YLW, visit ​ylw.kelowna.ca/projects or stay up-to-date through YLW's News & Events page.