The new facility allows the airport’s operations and emergency services teams and associated equipment to be under one roof, improving day-to-day efficiencies and emergency response coordination. (Image Credit: City of Kelowna)

By Vernon Matters staff

Improvements

Impressive Emergency Services facility opened at YLW

Mar 13, 2026 | 1:30 PM

There’s more big improvements coming to Kelowna International Airport.

Although the new renovations are not specifically related to passenger movement and convenience, it will improve safety for those passing through the airport.

On Friday, the airport officially opened their new state-of-the-art $22 million-dollar Operations & Emergency Services Building (OESB). Located on Airport Way, it includes drive-through bays large enough to house up to six emergency response vehicles and is intentionally designed to allow for quicker response times during an emergency.

The bays can accommodate up to six emergency response vehicles and is intentionally designed to allow for quicker response times during an emergency.

From left: YLW Crew Captain Peter Mazar, Doug Gilchrist, Councillor Cannan, Councillor Stack, Councillor Singh, YLW Senior Manager Operations and Emergency Services Mark Stella, Chief of Staff for the Office of Stephen Fuhr, Nicole Rustad, Mayor Dyas, YLW CEO Sam Samaddar, Councillor DeHart, Councillor Lovegrove, YLW Crew Captain Chris Lehr. (Image Credit: City of Kelowna)

The second floor is home to offices, training areas, and staff amenities to support the airport’s 24/7 operational and emergency response crews.

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“Kelowna International Airport is a major driver of economic growth and connectivity for our region,” Mayor Tom Dyas said in a statement.

“The opening of the new Operations & Emergency Services Building strengthens the airport’s operational capacity and ensures that critical teams and equipment are positioned to respond quickly and efficiently. With record passenger volumes and new investments underway, we will continue building the infrastructure needed while advocating with higher levels of government to unlock the airport’s full economic potential.” 

In January, the airport unveiled its new $108 million terminal expansion, which adds 60,000 sq ft of space for improved passenger flow, comfort, and capacity.