(Kelowna International Airport photo)

By Pete McIntyre

YLW

UPDATE: Airlines add extra night flights in & out of Kelowna

Aug 21, 2023 | 1:00 PM

UPDATE: 1 p.m. Aug. 21, 2023

The airspace surrounding Kelowna International Airport (YLW) remains closed to allow aerial firefighting activity for the wildfires in the Kelowna area.

However, Transport Canada has given an exemption to allow some flights to operate on a case-by-case basis from 9 p.m. – 6 a.m., when aerial firefighting activities are not taking place.

“These decisions are dependent on wildfire progression and are made with the safety of the community as the key priority,” a news release from YLW stated.

Airlines are putting in extra flights from 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. to help passengers travel to/from Kelowna. These flights could still be impacted by weather conditions at the airport, such as smoke. Passengers are asked to check with their airline for updated information about flight status before coming to the airport.

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As YLW is restarting operations, food and beverage options in the departures lounge may be limited.

Passengers with vehicles parked in short- or long-term parking lots of YLW will not be charged for any additional parking required due to flight cancellations.

The B.C. government has issued a state of emergency and is asking visitors to avoid non-essential travel to the central interior. Those travelling home or that are visiting for essential purposes can access the Okanagan region through the airports in Penticton and Kamloops or use a bus or shuttle service like E-bus, Cheers , Rider Express or Kelowna Concierge 

UPDATE: Aug. 21, 2023
Flights expected to be cancelled Monday at Kelowna Airport

Flights are expected to be cancelled on Monday, Aug 21, until 9 p.m. at the Kelowna Airport.

Please check with your airline for updated flight information.

UPDATE: 6 p.m.
Flights to resume for limited time at Kelowna Airport

Flight operations at Kelowna International Airport will resume from 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 until Monday at 6 a.m.

The status of these flights could be impacted by weather conditions, such as smoke.

Please check with your airline for updated information before coming to the airport.

UPDATE: Aug. 20, 2023
Kelowna Airport cancels flights until at least 9 p.m. Sunday

Flight cancellations at Kelowna International Airport continue Sunday, August 20.

“Kelowna International Airport (YLW) continues to be impacted by the wildfires in the Okanagan,” a news release stated. “Air carriers have cancelled all arriving and departing flights on Sunday, Aug. 20, until 9 p.m. At this time, the status of flights after 9 p.m. and on Monday, Aug 21, is unknown.”

The ability of flights to operate at YLW is determined by Transport Canada and airlines. Status of flights scheduled to operate:
– after 9 p.m. on Aug. 20, will be determined on a case-by-base basis.
– on Monday, Aug. 21, will be dependent on the current status of area wildfires and weather conditions at YLW.

“YLW is having ongoing conversations Transport Canada, Nav Canada and BC Wildfire Services to allow for some operations to resume, the airport stated. “These decisions are dependent on wildfire progression and are made with the safety of the community as the key priority. YLW thanks passengers for their continued patience.”

If the airspace is opened to allow flights to operate out of YLW, flight status could be impacted by weather conditions at the airport, such as smoke. Passengers are asked to check with their airline for updated information about flight status before coming to the airport.

Passengers with vehicles parked in short- or long-term parking lots of YLW will not be charged for any additional parking required due to flight cancellations.

The Province of B.C. has issued a state of emergency and is asking visitors to avoid non-essential travel to the central interior. Those travelling home or that are visiting for essential purposes can access the Okanagan region through:

Okanagan Airports
o Penticton
o Kamloops
Bus/shuttle
o E-bus
o Cheers
o Rider Express
o Kelowna Concierge

Passengers are encouraged to contact their airline directly for updated flight information.

Updates will continue to be provided at ylw.kelowna.ca/updates.

UPDATE: Aug. 19, 2023

Flight cancellations continue at the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to allow for aerial firefighting activities in the surrounding communities.

All arriving/departing flights for Saturday, Aug. 19, have been cancelled.

“YLW’s priority is the safety of the Okanagan community and supporting firefighting efforts taking place,” a news release from the airport stated.

The B.C. government issued a state of emergency on Friday evening and is asking visitors to avoid non-essential travel to the central Interior.

Those who need to travel to/from the region can still do so through  the airports in Penticton and Kamloops.

There is also bus/shuttle   services such as E-bus , Cheers, Rider Express and Kelowna Concierge .

Passengers are encouraged to contact their airline directly for updated flight information.

Updates will continue to be provided at ylw.kelowna.ca/updates.

Kelowna Airport closes airspace due to fires
Aug. 18, 2023

The airspace surrounding Kelowna International Airport had been closed to allow aerial fire-fighting activity for the wildfires in the Kelowna area.

“The priority is the safety of our community and to allow access to the airspace required by aerial firefighters,” a news release from YLW stated.

“YLW will continue to work with our industry stakeholders, BC Wildfire Service, NavCanada and Transport Canada, to understand how these wildfires will impact operations at YLW.”

It’s believed commercial flights have been cancelled until 5 p.m. today.

Updates will be provided at ylw.kelowna.ca/updates.

The airport advises travellers to check with their airline for the most up to date flight information before coming to the airport.