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What to expect at YLW this Holiday Season

Home > Our community > News & events > News > What to expect at YLW this Holiday Season
December 8, 2025
Kelowna International Airport news release header

News Release

The holidays are nearly here, and Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is gearing up for its busiest travel season of the year. Between Dec. 17 and Jan. 6, YLW expects to welcome over 188,000 passengers, with Mondays, Fridays and Sundays anticipated as peak travel days.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of our passengers’ holiday travel plans but are asking passengers to plan in advance and prepare for longer than normal wait times,” says Sam Samaddar, CEO of Kelowna International Airport.

To help Okanagan residents and all travellers prepare, YLW offers these essential tips:

    Check the airport web page to help you plan YLW will be providing daily updates on ylw.kelowna.ca/traveltips to provide passengers as much information as possible when planning their travel journey. The web page will feature daily passenger volumes and anticipated peak times for security. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline for the updated flight status.

    Parking Parking lots will reach capacity. Passengers are encouraged to use alternative forms of transportation or pre-book parking using valet parking . Picking someone up at YLW? Use our Cell Phone Waiting Area to park for free until your party lets you know they’re at the front curb and ready to be picked up.

    Check-In Counters Arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight and expect longer lines than normal. To help speed up the process at the airline check-in counter, go online to check-in, pay baggage fees, and get your boarding pass before coming to the airport.

    Security Screening Give yourself extra time for a longer than usual line. Go through security screening early and enjoy a meal from White Spot or Subway or a quick treat from local favourites such as Bright Jenny coffee or Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate.

YLW is committed to helping passengers as they are travelling through YLW and will have additional staff and volunteers throughout the holiday period.

For more travel tips and updates, please visit ylw.kelowna.ca.