Two Million Milestone

By Corey Fischer

Dec 20, 2018 | 1:41 PM

A major milestone was celebrated at Kelowna International Airport today.

YLW welcomed its two-millionth passenger of the year, which airport director Sam Samaddar calls it an incredible achievement.

“Since 2015, YLW has experienced unprecedented passenger growth, which can be attributed to population growth in the region and expanded air service and flight connectivity,” says Samaddar.

Samaddar says the record total comes 13 years after the airport reached one million passengers in 2005.

“As the largest municipally owned and operated airport, YLW is one of the single largest economic drivers for jobs and revenues in B.C.’s southern region. YLW also supports more than 4,545 jobs and produces $789 million in total economic output to the province.”

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Samaddar says the facility will continue to expand to meet the demand, forecasting 3.5 million passengers a year by 2045.

“To keep up with growth, YLW is embarking on a planned 10-year, $183 million development program beginning in 2019, which includes: expansion of the terminal with a larger departures lounge, relocation and expansion of the domestic arrivals area, expanded security screening and more food and beverage services, as well as rehabilitation of the airside pavement including the runway, the addition of two passenger loading bridges, additional firefighting and snow clearing equipment, and a self-serve baggage drop.”

by Corey Fischer