13 MArch 2026

Kelowna International Airport’s new Operations & Emergency Services Building (OESB) has officially opened. As a critical piece of infrastructure, the OESB allows the airport’s operations and emergency services teams and associated equipment to be under one roof, improving day-to-day efficiencies and emergency response coordination. 

The purpose-built facility plays an important role in maintaining YLW’s strong safety record and operational reliability. Recognizing the importance of strong aviation infrastructure in supporting economic development, connectivity and safety, the $22.1 million facility was made possible with a $7.1 million investment from Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP). 

“Strong and reliable airports are essential to safe and efficient air travel across Canada,” said the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. “This investment in a new Operations & Emergency Services Building at Kelowna International Airport will enhance safety, support airport operations, and help ensure the region remains well connected for years to come.” 

The OESB, located north of the Air Terminal Building at 5557 Airport Way, includes drive-through bays large enough to house up to six emergency response vehicles and is intentionally designed to allow for quicker response times during an emergency. The second floor is home to offices, training areas, and staff amenities to support the airport’s 24/7 operational and emergency response crews. 

“Kelowna International Airport is a major driver of economic growth and connectivity for our region,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “The opening of the new Operations & Emergency Services Building strengthens the airport’s operational capacity and ensures that critical teams and equipment are positioned to respond quickly and efficiently. With record passenger volumes and new investments underway, we will continue building the infrastructure needed while advocating with higher levels of government to unlock the airport’s full economic potential.” 

The OESB is expected to serve the airport’s needs beyond 2045. The building’s design ensures that critical services can scale alongside anticipated passenger and air service growth and increased airport campus needs. 

“Often referred to as the heart of YLW, the Operations & Emergency Services Building really strengthens the foundation of how we operate as an airport,” said Sam Samaddar, CEO of Kelowna International Airport. “A key investment in YLW’s long-term growth strategy, the OESB will ensure YLW remains safe, efficient and ready to meet the needs of our growing aerospace community for decades to come.” 

“YLW’s new Operations & Emergency Services Building (OESB) is delivering modern operational and emergency response capabilities to one of Canada’s fastest growing airports,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State Defense Procurement, Kelowna MP. “With a $7.1 million investment from the federal government, this purpose-built facility consolidates essential services under one roof to better support day-to-day airport operations. The OESB will have a central role in keeping passengers safe and supporting YLW’s long-term growth, ensuring it can meet the needs of the Okanagan for decades to come.” 

As part of YLW’s Spring Travel Show on March 14, the community is invited to experience the new Operations & Emergency Services Building for themselves! Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the OESB is opening its doors for a behind-the-scenes look at airport operations. Meet airport operational specialists/firefighters, see the trucks and equipment and get a tour of the new facility that’s instrumental in keeping one of Canada’s fastest growing airports running safely and efficiently. More info at ylw.kelowna.ca/travelshow.

From left:  YLW Crew Captain Peter Mazar, Doug Gilchrist, Councillor Cannan, Councillor Stack, Councillor Singh, YLW Senior Manager Operations and Emergency Services Mark Stella, Chief of Staff for the Office of Stephen Fuhr, Nicole Rustad, Mayor Dyas, YLW CEO Sam Samaddar, Councillor DeHart, Councillor Lovegrove, YLW Crew Captain Chris Lehr

Exterior of YLW’s new Operations & Emergency Services Building

22 January 2026

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is proud to announce the new departures lounge and security screening checkpoint will open to travellers beginning Jan. 28. The expansion, which adds an additional 5,590 square metres of new space to the terminal building, marks a major milestone for YLW’s largest infrastructure project to date and the future of air travel in the Okanagan.

“This terminal expansion is an important milestone for Kelowna and the Okanagan,” said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas. “YLW is a critical gateway that supports jobs, tourism, and economic growth, and this investment will help ensure we can continue welcoming more visitors and connecting our community to opportunities across Canada and beyond.”

When the terminal expansion opens, passengers will notice:

• Expanded Departures Lounge with new direct access to several gates for departing and arriving passengers
• Expanded security screening area with new CT X-ray technology to support increased capacity and screening efficiencies
• Improved food and beverage options, with the opening of the pre-security Ellison Field Taphouse and Vintners Exchange in the departures area
• Improved wayfinding and upgraded digital displays throughout the terminal
• Contemporary design featuring B.C. mass timber to showcase our region’s natural beauty, heritage and character, supported by a $500,000 grant from B.C.’s Mass Timber Demonstration Program

“I am proud to celebrate the opening of our expanded terminal and will raise the travel experience for our valued passengers,” said Sam Samaddar, CEO of Kelowna International Airport. “But this opening is really just the beginning. Over the next year, work will continue in areas of the existing terminal as we renovate 1,200 square metres, making improvements and adding new amenities to further benefit our passengers. We appreciate our traveller’s patience as we continue to work to deliver a world-class airport experience for everyone.”

The Airport Terminal Building (ATB) Expansion project, Phase 1, is scheduled to be fully complete by the end of 2026. Passengers will continue to see construction activities at YLW as this project progresses. Additional amenities will include a new washroom concourse, pet relief station and new ‘grab-and-go’ food & beverage options. YLW thanks passengers for their continued patience as work progresses.

The $108 million project is funded through fees paid by Airport users and will have no taxation impact to Kelowna taxpayers. To learn more about the project, visit ​ylw.kelowna.ca/atb.

YLW’s new departures lounge during the opening event on Jan 21, 2025.

12 January 2026

With the arrival of a new year, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is thrilled to release the findings of the Economic Impact Study showing the airport’s contributions to the local, regional and provincial economy. The study highlights that in 2024 YLW supported 9,210 full-time jobs and generated a total economic output of over 2 billion d0llars.

The study, developed using data from 96 commercial firms and government agencies, looked at the economic impact generated directly by the airport and indirectly by supporting businesses including air carriers, concessionaires, air cargo, aviation maintenance and non-resident visitor spending, among others. Ongoing investment in YLW, including the current Airport Terminal Building Expansion construction and other facility enhancements also contributed to the economic benefits.

“This report reaffirms the importance of YLW as, not only an important transportation hub, but a driving force for economic growth in our region,” said Sam Samaddar, CEO of Kelowna International Airport. “Since the last Economic Impact Study in 2014, our community and airport have seen incredible growth. These findings reflect YLW’s commitment to growing with the Okanagan region and help to attract investment, create jobs, support local businesses and spur economic growth in our community.”

Key findings of the report include:

• $2.076 billion in total economic output, an increase of 163 per cent since 2014.
• 9,210 jobs, an increase of 103 per cent since 2014.
• $519.25 million in taxes paid annually to local, provincial and federal governments.

According to the report, of YLW’s 2.13 million passengers in 2024, 40 per cent were identified as non-resident visitors recreating in the Kelowna area. Interesting to note, every 1,000 passengers through YLW creates 2.9 jobs, generates $161,000 in annual labour and creates $571,000 of economic output activity.

Besides the economic impact, the report also details some of YLW’s social value impact to the community, including air ambulance services, airport volunteerism, aviation heritage and education and childcare services.

To read the full YLW 2024 Economic Impact Study, visit ​ylw.kelowna.ca.

18 November 2025

On October 25, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) was recognized on the international stage at the Airports Council International (ACI) North America & ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition 2025open_in_new for achieving Level 3 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Programopen_in_new, an internationally recognized framework for managing and reducing airport carbon emissions.

This event is considered the most important global gathering of airport leaders and is attended by senior aviation executives from across the globe. YLW is honoured to be recognized for their commitment to continuous improvement and making measurable progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from airport operations. 

Specific actions to achieve this milestone have included:

• Utilizing Renewable Diesel Fuel in airport operating vehicles
• Investing in energy-efficient LED runway lighting
• Rooftop solar PV panels to generate renewable energy
• Reducing gas and diesel consumption to heat and power gates
• Installation of geothermal for heating and cooling
• Improving waste management within the terminal

Beyond gathering emissions data, this has included the facilitation of collaborative quarterly meetings of the Campus Green Committee, where innovations and challenges regarding carbon reductions are discussed by the group. The Green Committee is a group of airport campus partners who are committed to reducing carbon emissions, improving operational efficiencies, and contributing to a more sustainable airport that benefits everyone.

To learn more about YLW’s climate commitments, visit ​ylw.kelowna.ca.

June 17, 2025

The Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is proud to share a significant project milestone for Airport Terminal Building (ATB) expansion – the mass timber roof structureof the facility is now complete! The use of mass timber throughout the terminal building expansion highlights the airport’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and community reflection in this 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 aworld leader in wood design, engineering and construction.

An important design consideration for the ATB Expansion is to incorporate characteristics that showcase our local community. The use of mass timber plays a meaningful role inconveying our region’s natural beauty, heritage and character. The structural concept of creating a wood waffle-slab is a connection to the character of the original terminal building but reinventing it in a natural modern material, using 21st-century technologies.

The mass timber panels were manufactured at Kalesnikoff’s state-of-the-art facility in Castlegar, B.C. This facility is equipped with advanced machinery that allowed for precise machining, finishing and assemblyof the panels. YLW used a digital construction twin to complete advanced computer modeling for prefabrication of the wood panels and beams. This enabled the coordination of all openings for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing to be manufactured at Kalesnikoff’s facility in Castlegar, and delivered ready for installation, ensuring accuracy and efficiency at the construction site inKelowna.

Using mass timber locally sourced in B.C. supports the local economy and creates jobs in the forestry and construction sectors. The terminal building expansion incorporated 788m3 of wood from the Slocan Valley and the mass timber production supported the employment of more than 350 people in B.C.

The ATB Expansion is scheduled to be completed in 2026. To learn more about the project, visit ylw.kelowna.ca/atb.

For more about the YLW expansion project on naturally:wood, visit: ​https://www.naturallywood.com/projects/kelowna-international-airport-expansion-phase-i/

Video provided by KKLaw, courtesy of naturallywood.com, and Kalesnikoff.

April 23, 2025 – Kelowna BC – This year, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is awarding $7,000 to two students, $3,500 each, in the Okanagan pursuing a career in aviation or aerospace. This is the third year YLW, in partnership with British Columbia Aviation Council, has awarded this scholarship.

“The YLW Scholarship Fund is designed to encourage the next generation to pursue a future in aviation and aerospace. There are countless different opportunities in aviation with careers ranging from aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, airport management and many more,” says Sam Samaddar, Chief Executive Officer, Kelowna International Airport. “By supporting local students, we are investing in the future of aviation and the continued growth of the Okanagan.”

The YLW Scholarship Fund is managed by the British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC). BCAC recognizes the financial pressures faced by students pursuing studies in aviation and aerospace and are pleased to offer more than $150,000 worth of scholarships and other support this year. With the critical shortage of human resources faced by the aviation industry – even before the COVID pandemic – and the need to support industry-wide recovery efforts, a focus on scholarships is a key priority of the BCAC. As a result, this is Canada’s largest aviation and aerospace scholarship program.

Applications are open until May 11 for the 2025 scholarships. Those pursuing a career in aviation and aerospace are encouraged to apply online at ​bcaviationcouncil.org/scholarship-applicationsopen_in_new​.

To learn more about the YLW Scholarship Fund, visit ​ylw.kelowna.ca/scholarship​.