(submitted photo/YLW)

By Pete McIntyre

Holiday season rush

YLW still seeing some delays, cancellations

Dec 21, 2022 | 10:38 AM

Flights at the Kelowna Airport are still showing some impacts today from all of the weather issues on Tuesday when more than 40 flights were cancelled.

YLW said there had been eight cancelled flights and 20 delays as of 8 a.m. this morning, with five extra flights added by airlines today to help ease the backlog.

Airport officials say they are expecting more than 8,000 passengers today — 3,000 more than a typical day — so people should expect long lines and a busy terminal building.

“Passengers are asked to check with their airline for the most up to date flight information before coming to the airport,” a news release from YLW stated.  “To help speed up the experience at YLW, passengers should complete as much as they can online before arriving at the airport, including checking-in, paying fees, and retrieve their boarding passes.”

Despite the recent snow and cold weather, the airport has remained open and operational.

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“Thank you to all of the crews who have been working 24/7 to keep the runway clear and get passengers on their way as quickly as possible,” the release stated.

Meantime, airline companies are offering some options to those willing to change or cancel their holiday plans, after nearly 30 cm of snow caused mass cancellations of flights at Vancouver’s airport Tuesday.
WestJet says those with flights booked between Tuesday and Dec. 26 can “proactively cancel” and receive a full refund by filling out an online form.

Air Canada says it will offer a so-called “extended goodwill policy” for those who reschedule or cancel reservations for Vancouver flights up until Christmas Day.

It says people can rebook at no charge up until New Year’s Eve, or receive a voucher for future travel.

(With files from The Canadian Press)