Kelowna International Airport
The ninth busiest airport in Canada, serving as a key regional hub for domestic and cross-border flights.
Overview of the Airport
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is located northeast of downtown Kelowna in British Columbia. It is a vital gateway for the Okanagan Valley, connecting the region to major Canadian cities and select U.S. destinations. The airport supports economic growth and regional connectivity.
49.9561, -119.3772
Growth Trend
Passenger traffic increased by 4.9% in 2024 and 10.4% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year.
Employment
2,000
Workers include airline staff, ground services, concessions, security, and airport operations.
Global Ranking
Market Share of Major Airlines
Capacity Expansion
Terminal expansion and new taxiway projects will double departures lounge size and increase operational capacity.
Technological Advancements
Deployment of advanced baggage screening and digital passenger flow management enhances efficiency and security.
Sustainability Initiatives
Implementation of energy-efficient building upgrades and expanded recycling programs aligns YLW with national sustainability goals.
General Stats
This page provides facts and statistics about Kelowna International Airport, including passenger numbers and cargo data
View General Stats→Port Facts
This page provides annual statistics on passenger numbers and cargo data at Kelowna International Airport, including data visualization and historical trends.
View Port Facts→General Studies
The Kelowna International Airport website provides access to reports and studies related to its operations, wildlife management plan, and sustainability initiatives.
View General Studies→Latest News & Updates
Recent developments and updates for Kelowna International Airport.
Operation, emergency teams under one roof at new $22.1M Kelowna airport building
The newest building to help new operations at the KelownaInternationalAirport(YLW) has officially opened. The ribbon was cut Friday, March 13 to mark the opening of the new $22.1 million Operations & Emergency Services Building (OESB).
YLW opens new Operations & Emergency Services Building | Kelowna International Airport
KelownaInternationalAirport’s new Operations & Emergency Services Building (OESB) has officially opened. As a critical piece of infrastructure, the OESB allows theairport’s operations and emergency services...
The Complete Guide to Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
KelownaInternationalAirport(YLW) terminal building exterior. Table of Contents.Location and Transportation.KelownaInternationalAirportis located at 5533AirportWay, approximately 14 km northeast of downtownKelowna.
Operations Logistics & Timelines
Step-by-step process transit times for passengers and cargo.
For Clients
Passenger process times from arrival to gate.
- Arrival & Baggage Drop-off10-20 mins
- Check-in5-15 mins
- Security Screening10-30 mins
- Baggage Claim5-10 mins
- Proceed to Gate2-5 mins
For Employees
Cargo handling deadlines and operational procedures.
- General Cargo Cut-off60 mins pre-departure
Passengers' Tips & Tricks
- 1
Arrive Early
Allow extra time, especially during peak travel periods, to account for potential delays and airport procedures.
- 2
Pre-book Parking
Secure a parking spot in advance by pre-booking valet parking services to avoid long waits upon arrival.
- 3
Check-in Online
Complete your check-in process online to save time at the airport and expedite the baggage drop-off.
- 4
Confirm Airline Requirements
Verify your airline's specific ID requirements and baggage restrictions to ensure a smooth check-in experience.
- 5
Explore Terminal Amenities
Familiarize yourself with the terminal layout and amenities (dining, shopping, etc.) to navigate efficiently during your journey.
Cargo Tips & Tricks
- 1
Book in Advance
Air freight capacity at YLW is highly dependent on seasonal demand and aircraft size. Booking shipments well in advance allows for optimized slot allocation and ensures availability, especially during peak agricultural harvest season.
- 2
Utilize Airport Support Services
Kelowna International Airport offers comprehensive cargo flight support, including ground handling, customs brokerage, and documentation assistance. Leveraging these services streamlines the import/export process and minimizes delays.
- 3
Consider Proximity to Vancouver
YLW’s location approximately 278km from Vancouver’s seaport provides a logistical advantage for combined air and sea freight operations. Strategic planning incorporating transit times is crucial.
- 4
Optimize Dwell Times
Understanding and minimizing dwell times for cargo aircraft is paramount. Efficient turnaround processes, facilitated by airport support services, contribute to operational efficiency and reduced costs.
- 5
Communicate with Primary Airlines
Maintain open communication with airlines operating flights into YLW to stay informed about schedules, cargo capacity, and any potential operational changes. Regular updates are key to proactive shipping planning.
Tools & Resources
Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.
Data & Reports
Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Kelowna International Airport.
YLW Opens New Operations & Emergency Services Building
Official news release from Kelowna International Airport announcing the opening of the new Operations & Emergency Services Building (OESB).
Airportia - Flight Status AC2399 Flight Status AirCanada
Flight status information for Air Canada Flight AC2399, showing performance data and ratings based on recent flights.
The Complete Guide to Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
A travel guide to Kelowna International Airport, including location details and basic information.
List of busiest airports by passenger traffic - Wikipedia
Wikipedia article providing a ranking of the busiest airports worldwide based on passenger traffic, utilizing data from the Airports Council International (ACI).
CalgaryInternationalAirport(YYC) - Прибытия
A map and search widget for arrivals at Calgary International Airport (YYC), a data source used for comparison (though not directly related to YLW).
Location & Maps
Find Kelowna International Airport on popular mapping services.
Interactive Map
Map Legend
Loading Google Maps...
Recommendations
Policy Alignment
Engage with federal and provincial authorities to secure infrastructure funding and support regional air service development.
Infrastructure Investment
Prioritize terminal expansion, airside rehabilitation, and new hotel construction to meet rising demand and improve resilience.
Sustainability Focus
Accelerate adoption of green building standards and sustainable aviation practices to achieve environmental targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Kelowna International Airport.
How long does passenger processing typically take?
Passenger processing times at YLW generally range from 45 to 60 minutes during peak hours. This includes check-in, security screening, and baggage claim. We utilize automated systems to expedite the process whenever possible.
What type of cargo operations does YLW handle?
Kelowna International Airport facilitates cargo and freight handling primarily through cargo charter services and general aviation. We provide dedicated storage and handling facilities for time-sensitive shipments, ensuring efficient delivery.
What transport options are available to/from YLW?
Several ground transportation options serve YLW, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and private shuttle companies. The airport also offers a dedicated bus route (Route 700) connecting to downtown Kelowna. Rental car agencies are located within the airport terminal.
For More Info
Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.
