Stock photo courtesy of the Kelowna International Airport

By Liam Verster

2.1M Passengers through YLW

YLW saw record number of visits in 2024

Jan 21, 2025 | 4:31 PM

A record number of travellers came through the Central Okanagan’s airport last year.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW), said it set a new record with 2,133,582 passengers going through the airport in 2024.

YLW also set a record high monthly passenger volume with 211,493 people travelling through the airport in December. The previous high was 201,485 passengers, set in August of 2018.

“This record-breaking number of passengers marks a significant milestone for YLW and the entire Okanagan Valley,” Mayor Tom Dyas, said.

“The growth in routes, destinations, and passenger volumes is a vital economic driver for our community, bringing more visitors to support local businesses while also providing residents with more convenient and efficient travel options.”

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The airport said the record number of travellers shows its growth and the role it plays in increasing connectivity and supporting regional economic development, adding it expects those records to continue to break as new routes are added.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made in 2024 and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025,” Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport CEO, said.

“Our focus remains on continual improvements to better serve our passengers, being a strong community partner and contributing to the economic growth of the region.”

To address increased demand, YLW plans to continue to grow in size, with the Airport Terminal Building Expansion underway, and construction of a new hotel and parkade next to the terminal to begin in 2025.