Kelowna International Airport welcomed 2.3 million passengers in 2025

News Release

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is thrilled to announce that it has reached a new milestone, welcoming a record-breaking 2,315,432 million passengers in 2025. YLW also reached a record high for monthly passenger volumes with over 220,578 travelling through the airport in December 2025, surpassing the previous record set only in August 2025 of 216,480 passengers.

These record-breaking numbers highlight the airport's significant growth and its vital role in increasing connectivity and supporting regional economic development. This achievement is in large part due to increased air service providing access to new destinations, increased frequency and larger aircraft. “Setting a new passenger record is a reflection of the strong demand for air travel to and from the Okanagan, as well as the confidence and trust that our passengers have in us as an airport,” said Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport CEO. “Thank you to our passengers and also the Okanagan community, our business and tourism partners for their continued support.” In 2025, seat capacity at YLW increased by more than 15 per cent compared to 2024. Canadian routes experienced 12 per cent growth, seats to Mexico rose by 37 per cent, and U.S. service continued to increase. For 2026, overall capacity is expected to remain stable, with modest increases projected for Canada and Mexico. Porter Airlines will introduce a new Ottawa service operating five times weekly, establishing a direct connection between Kelowna and the nation’s capital. This achievement comes just a week after the opening of the airport’s Terminal Building expansion, a major step forward in enhancing the travel experience for passengers. The expansion doubles the size of the departures area, helps reduce the time it takes to clear security and increases the airport’s food and beverage options. The expansion also helps position the airport for continued growth to its air service including the ability to host new routes, greater flight frequency and larger aircraft.

  In 2025, YLW offered over 80 daily non-stop commercial flights to 23 destinations and over 200 connecting destinations, with eight airlines. Kelowna International Airport operates as the ninth busiest airport in Canada and second busiest airport in British Columbia and contributed over $2 billion in economic output in 2024.