New terminal and smart planning support spring break rush at YLW

As spring break approaches, the early morning concourse at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) begins to reflect a familiar seasonal rhythm. Families with carry-on luggage, students returning home and visitors arriving in the Okanagan all expect a smooth, reliable journey.  

That experience is not accidental. It reflects the City of Kelowna’s continued focus on building municipal advantage – delivering value for taxpayers through responsible budgeting, operational efficiency and strategic investment in essential infrastructure. 

Between March 12 and 29, more than 140,000 passengers are expected to travel through YLW, making it one of the airport’s busiest periods of the year. Preparing for this demand requires careful planning and the effective use of existing resources.  

By investing in tools and systems that help travellers plan ahead, the City supports a positive passenger experience while ensuring public funds are used efficiently and with purpose. 

A key example is the airport’s use of real-time, publicly accessible information. Travellers can visit ylw.kelowna.ca/traveltips to check current security wait times and parking lot capacity before leaving for the airport.  

Providing this information online helps passengers make informed decisions, reduces uncertainty and supports smoother traffic flow throughout the terminal and surrounding roadways. These digital services demonstrate how targeted investments in technology can improve service delivery without adding operational complexity or cost. 

The new departures terminal that opened at the end of January and is a major milestone in the airport’s continuous evolution. The new facility includes the new departures lounge and security screening checkpoint. This continues a long-term expansion plan for YLW, focused on optimizing customer experience and improving efficiency. 

Interior of new departure terminal

A decade ago, YLW unveiled its ambitious Master Plan 2045 and has been checking off recommended changes and improvements from that report every year ever since. 

By 2045, YLW is anticipated to serve 3.5 million passengers annually, about a million more travellers than the facility saw last year. 

“This terminal expansion is an important milestone for Kelowna and the Okanagan,” Mayor Tom Dyas said at the opening of the terminal. “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.” 

The new terminal opening and the spring break rush of passengers dovetail with a recent YLW economic impact study. 

Kelowna International Airport is an economic engine for the community, generating more than $2 billion in economic activity as one of the largest employment generators in the region.  

The airport is owned and managed by the City of Kelowna with a vision to operate this invaluable community asset to help drive economic growth and expand air access throughout the Okanagan and beyond. 

"This opening is really just the beginning,” said Airport Director Sam Samaddar. “Over the next year, work will continue in areas of the existing terminal as we renovate 1,200-square-metre, 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.”