Kelowna airport (YLW)

Kelowna International Airport (IATA code: YLW), opened in 1946, serves as the main gateway to the Okanagan Valley and stands as the second-busiest airport in the province of British Columbia, following Vancouver. It offers scheduled non-stop services to major Canadian hubs (including Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, and Ottawa), as well as direct transborder flights to the United States and sun destinations across Mexico.

Official Website: ylw.kelowna.ca

Phone: +1 250 807 4300

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport features a single passenger terminal building open 24 hours daily, with check-in desks and security checkpoints generally operating from 3:30 am. The terminal boasts an expanded departures lounge equipped with modern computed tomography (CT) screening technology and direct gate boarding access.

Annual Traffic (2025): 2,315,432 passengers.

Information Desks

The Visitor Information Kiosk (Tourism Kelowna) is located in the domestic arrivals hall, typically staffed daily from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. In addition, volunteer Airport Ambassadors wearing distinctive red jackets circulate throughout the building to assist travellers.

 Location

Kelowna International Airport is located approximately 11 km (7 miles) northeast of downtown Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, accessible directly via Highway 97.

What services does Kelowna airport (YLW) offer?

Kelowna International Airport provides modern amenities and passenger services designed to ensure a comfortable journey throughout the Okanagan Valley.

Finances and Connectivity

• Free Wi-Fi: complimentary high-speed wireless internet access across all public terminal zones and boarding areas.
• ATMs: RBC automated teller machines located in the post-security departures concourse and in public arrivals.
• Business & Workstations: power-equipped workstations located in departures, as well as airport meeting space facilities.

Dining and Refreshments

Pre-security public area:

• Ellison Field Taphouse: craft beers, regional Okanagan dining, and hot entrees (7:30 am to 8:00 pm).
• Tim Hortons: classic Canadian coffee, baked goods, breakfast wraps, and sandwiches (4:30 am to 9:00 pm).

Post-security departures area:

• Vintners Exchange: wine bar and dining showcasing local Okanagan vintages, open from the first to the last scheduled flight.
• White Spot Restaurant and Lounge: classic full-service dining with burgers, breakfast favorites, and a lounge bar (4:00 am to 11:00 pm).
• Subway: made-to-order subs and fresh salads (4:00 am to 10:00 pm).
• Tim Hortons: gate-side coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go items (4:00 am to 8:00 pm).
• Coffee Caravan: specialty hot espresso beverages and snacks (3:30 am to 8:00 pm).
• Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate: automated specialty vending serving fresh artisan pastries and chocolates.

Retail and Duty Free

• Skyway News (pre-security): newspapers, travel accessories, magazines, snacks, and gifts (6:00 am to 6:00 pm).
• Okanagan Gifts & Duty Free (post-security): tax-free goods for eligible international flights, souvenirs, local artisanal crafts, and apparel (open 3:30 am until the last departure).
• Okanagan Estate Wine Cellar: dedicated wine shop featuring Okanagan Valley wineries (8:00 am to 8:00 pm; wines also available at Okanagan Gifts during other hours).
• Farm to Flight Program: boxed fresh Okanagan seasonal orchard fruits ready to carry onto domestic flights.

Baggage and Lost & Found

Luggage carts are available free of charge in the arrivals hall, curbside drop-off zones, and parking areas. The Lost and Found desk is managed by airport security (+1 250 807 4300).

Family and Additional Amenities

• Family Adventure Zone: nature-themed children's play structure with a treehouse concept, slide, books, and family seating.
• Ambassadog Program: certified therapy dogs touring the boarding areas with volunteers to help reduce passenger travel anxiety.
• Airport Ambassadors: dedicated team of over 100 volunteer ambassadors wearing red coats available to guide visitors.
• Pet Relief Areas: dedicated relief stations with waste bags located outdoors near the front terminal entrance and post-security near the boarding concourse.

View full shops and dining directory on YLW's website

Parking services at Kelowna airport (YLW)

YLW offers 24-hour monitored parking facilities with indoor Pay-on-Foot automated pay stations situated in the arrivals lobby, alongside credit card payment at exit gate barriers. For parking information, call +1 250 765 5612.

Parking Facilities

• Short-term Lot: located immediately across from the terminal building, designed for visits of a few hours or passenger drop-offs/pick-ups. Hourly rates and a daily maximum cap apply.
• Long-term Lots: surface parking areas situated adjacent to the terminal building within easy walking distance, offering daily rates and discounted weekly passes.
• Valet Parking: drop-off and pick-up kiosk located at the north end of the short-term lot next to the terminal north entrance. Inquiries and reservations via [email protected].

Key Parking Guidelines

• Cellphone Waiting Area: free waiting lot situated next to Airport Plaza where motorists can wait in their vehicles until arriving passengers retrieve their luggage and are ready at the curb.
• Accessible Parking Spaces: dedicated accessible stalls positioned in front-row locations close to terminal walkways in both short-term and long-term lots.
• Temporary Accessible Parking Permit: program enabling travellers to obtain a temporary permit for use at YLW so they can take their provincial disability placard with them while traveling (+1 778 753 3735).
• EV Charging Stations: DC Fast Chargers operated in partnership with FortisBC located at the Cellphone Waiting Area and designated lot spaces.

View official parking rates and map on YLW's website

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Kelowna International Airport is dedicated to barrier-free travel and provides accessible facilities meeting Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR).

Special Assistance Requests

Passengers requiring wheelchair transport, boarding assistance, or personalized support should notify their airline at least 48 hours before travel. For curbside assistance upon arrival at the terminal, travellers can reach Commissionaires Airport Security at +1 250 212 6955 or email [email protected].

Infrastructure and Accessibility

• Reduced Mobility: street-level barrier-free terminal access, automatic entry sliding doors, accessible check-in counters, and low-height self-service check-in kiosks.
• Security Escort Pass: family members or caregivers can obtain a temporary security pass at airline ticket counters to escort passengers requiring assistance directly to the departure gate.
• Sensory and Autism Support: sensory travel kits and social stories developed in collaboration with the Canucks Autism Network are available to help prepare neurodivergent travelers.
• Visual and Hearing Support: Braille signage on elevator controls and handrails, tactile ATM keypad markers, visual flashing lights alongside baggage carousel start-up buzzers, and TTY telephone terminals in arrivals.
• Universal Washrooms: fully accessible gender-neutral washrooms equipped with grab rails and adult changing facilities.
• Service Animals: dedicated relief areas with waste disposal bags located both before security outside the main entry and inside the secure departures lounge.