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.
YLW sets new record in 2024
In late January, YLW announced that it reached a new milestone, welcoming a record-breaking 2,133,582 million passengers in 2024. YLW also reached a record high for monthly passenger volumes, with over 211,493 travelling through the airport in December 2024; the previous high on record was August 2018, with 201,485 passengers.
"We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made in 2024 and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025," said Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport CEO. "Our focus remains on continual improvements to better serve our passengers, being a strong community partner and contributing to the economic growth of the region."
Read the full news release here.
WestJet launches new year-round service between Seattle and Kelowna
WestJet’s new year-round service connecting YLW to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) started on January 17, 2025, with five weekly flights. As of Monday, February 17, 2025, the airline will offer daily service between the two cities.
The route increases connectivity between the Okanagan and a vast network of U.S. destinations through the airline’s longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines. This will allow for connections to 24 partner flight destinations throughout the United States.
"We are thrilled to welcome WestJet's new year-round service from Kelowna to Seattle. This route provides further choices for Okanagan [and U.S.] residents travelling for business or leisure,” says Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport CEO. “We wish to thank WestJet for the continued support and expansion of air service out of the Okanagan market."
Read the full news release here.
Porter Airlines expands its services between Kelowna and Toronto
Beginning on May 14, 2025, Porter Airlines will expand its presence in BC with five weekly roundtrip flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW); this will increase to daily roundtrip flights on June 23.
Kelowna will be the third city in British Columbia that Porter serves with its new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, complementing existing flights to Vancouver and Victoria. The E195-E2 has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip in its class, and is the quietest single-aisle jet flying today. The two-by-two configuration means no middle seats on any Porter flight.
"Porter Airlines' decision to expand its services to Kelowna is a significant achievement for our community. This new route not only enhances connectivity between Kelowna and Toronto but also opens up new opportunities for tourism and business in the Okanagan Valley,” says Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport CEO. “We are excited to welcome Porter Airlines to Kelowna and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring."
Read the full news release here.
Alaska Airlines launches new seasonal and year-round service to YLW
A new non-stop, direct flight between Los Angeles (LAX) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW), operated by Alaska Airlines, kicked off on December 19, 2024. The new seasonal service connects the two cities, offering passengers a convenient schedule and enhancing travel options for leisure and business passengers.
"This route not only opens up new opportunities for leisure and business travel for our residents, but it also supports tourism to the Okanagan and access to our world class ski hills,” says Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport CEO. “Today also marks the launch of year-round service to Seattle with Alaska Airlines. I would like to thank Alaska Airlines for their continued partnership and growing their Kelowna network.”
Read the full news release here.
Stay up-to-date with YLW through its News & Events page.
Find construction updates related to the Airport Terminal Building (ATB) Expansion Project here.
