How Kelowna International Airport's $108M Expansion Will Transform B.C. Air Travel.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has officially opened the first phase of its largest infrastructure project to date.

The $108 million Airport Terminal Building (ATB) Expansion marks a major milestone. This significant investment is designed to manage rising passenger volumes. YLW is recognized as British Columbia's second busiest airport. The expansion will improve both passenger flow and overall comfort.

New Capacity and Technology

The new facilities opened to travelers on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The expansion adds over 60,000 square feet of new space. This includes a completely new, expanded departures lounge. Direct access to several gates is now available for passengers.

A key feature is the significantly expanded security screening checkpoint. YLW is now Canada's first minor-class airport to fully deploy CATSA Plus technology. This system uses CT X-ray technology for advanced screening. Passengers no longer need to remove liquids or electronics. This change is expected to create faster, smoother processing times.

Design and Sustainability

The terminal design features a warm, contemporary interior. It prominently incorporates locally-sourced B.C. mass timber. This aligns with the airport's sustainability goals. The use of mass timber also supports the regional economy.

New food and beverage options have also been added. These include the Ellison Field Taphouse and Vintners Exchange. Improved wayfinding and digital displays enhance the passenger experience.

Addressing Regional Growth

This expansion is critical for the Okanagan Valley region. YLW serves as a vital economic gateway for B.C.'s interior. Passenger traffic has seen substantial growth recently. YLW reached an all-time high of 2.13 million passengers in 2024. This volume ranked it as Canada's ninth busiest airport.

The airport is on track to surpass its 2025 passenger projection. YLW's Master Plan 2045 forecasts continued strong growth. Passenger volumes could reach up to 4.4 million by 2045.

Airlines benefit from the increased operational capacity. For example, Air Canada recently operated a special Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner flight. This was the largest commercial aircraft ever at the airport. The expanded infrastructure supports new air service development.

Future Phases and Economic Impact

The Airport Terminal Building Expansion is a multi-phase project. Phase 1 is scheduled for full completion by the end of 2026. Construction will continue on renovations within the older terminal. This work will add new amenities like a pet relief station.

Phase 2 is currently anticipated to begin construction in 2030. Future plans include relocating domestic arrivals and expanding international facilities. The entire project is funded through user fees. No taxation impact is expected for Kelowna taxpayers. This investment ensures YLW can continue to support regional tourism and economic growth.

• Key Details of the Expansion
  • Cost: $108 million, funded by airport users.
  • New Space: Over 60,000 sq. ft. added in Phase 1.
  • Technology: Full deployment of CATSA Plus security screening.
  • Timeline: New departures lounge opened January 28, 2026.

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