Kelowna Airport Sets Record With 2.13 Million 2024 Passengers
by Bruce Parkinson
The city of Kelowna is located in a beautiful setting. (Tourism Kelowna.)
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has reached a new milestone, welcoming a record 2,133,582 million passengers in 2024. This makes YLW the 10th busiest airport in Canada and the second-busiest in British Columbia.
In 2024, YLW offered over 60 daily non-stop commercial flights to 21 destinations and over 200 connecting destinations, with eight airlines. YLW also reached a record high for monthly passenger volumes with over 211,493 travelling through the airport in December. The previous high was August 2018 with 201,485 passengers.
“This record-breaking number of passengers marks a significant milestone for YLW and the entire Okanagan Valley,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “The growth in routes, destinations, and passenger volumes is a vital economic driver for our community, bringing more visitors to support local businesses while also providing residents with more convenient and efficient travel options.”
The airport says the growth is due to new routes, increased frequency and larger aircraft. In 2024, U.S. seat capacity was up 75% while international seat capacity was up 30% from 2023.
YLW expects to see continued growth with the recent launch of up to three daily flights to Seattle with WestJet and Alaska Airlines and seasonal flights to Los Angeles with Alaska. In addition, YLW will welcome Porter as a new airline servicing Kelowna to Toronto starting in May.
“We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made in 2024 and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025,” said YLW CEO Sam Samaddar. “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.”
The airport is physically growing as well. To facilitate existing demand and prepare for more air service, YLW completed a large airside pavement rehabilitation and added a new taxiway in 2024.
The Airport Terminal Building Expansion is well underway, which will double the size of the departures lounge, and construction is starting on a new hotel and parkade beside the terminal building later this year.
Between 2024 and 2033, YLW will invest over $422 million in upgrades to airport infrastructure. These projects will be funded through airport revenues and Airport Improvement Fees.
