Photo courtesy of Porter Airlines / Facebook

By Liam Verster

YLW Service Expansion

Airline expansion bringing flights between Kelowna and Toronto

Dec 17, 2024 | 11:24 AM

People wishing to travel between the Okanagan and Ontario will have more options in the spring of 2025.

Porter Airlines is expanding its services in B.C., and among the new routes is one between Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Service will begin on May 14, 2025, with five weekly roundtrip flights, then expand to daily roundtrip flights on June 23.

The flights will depart YYZ at 9:15 a.m. and arrive at YLW at 10:55 a.m., with the planes heading from the Okanagan at 11:50 a.m. and touching down in Toronto at 7 p.m.

“The addition of Porter Airlines to YLW marks an exciting milestone for our city and the entire Okanagan Valley. This new direct flight to Toronto strengthens connections to Eastern Canada and our region, creating more opportunities for tourism and economic growth while offering seamless and efficient travel options for residents and visitors alike,” Mayor Tom Dyas, said.

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“As Kelowna continues to grow, this expansion reflects the increasing appeal of our city and reinforces the ongoing development of YLW as a key gateway to the Okanagan.”

Porter will use its 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to serve these routes, with YLW noting this aircraft has the lowest fuel consumption per seat per trip in its class, and is the quietest single-aisle jet currently in use.

Porter Airlines will also offer connecting flights with Ottawa, Halifax and St. John’s.

“Our presence in Western Canada continues to grow and more travellers can now enjoy their trip as soon as they get onboard the aircraft with Porter’s award-winning elevated economy experience,” Edmond Eldebs, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for Porter Airlines, said.

“Travellers will appreciate direct access to Kelowna’s mountainous landscapes and all of the beauty that the Okanagan Valley has to offer. It’s a true year-round destination that will benefit from improved connections to Eastern Canada.”