Kelowna’s Airport Expansion: A Gateway to Growth and Connection
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is undergoing one of the most transformative upgrades in its history—an expansion that reflects the city’s rapid growth and ambition to enhance travel experiences for residents and visitors alike.
At the heart of this project is the Airport Terminal Building (ATB) expansion, currently the largest infrastructure investment ever undertaken at YLW. Phase 1 of the project, which began construction in fall 2023, will be substantially completed by the end of 2026. A major milestone was reached in early 2026 with the opening of a new expanded departures lounge and upgraded security screening area, adding nearly 5,600 square metres of modern space to the terminal. Passengers now enjoy easier access to gates, faster screening with new CT X-ray technology, improved wayfinding, enhanced food and beverage options, and a design that celebrates the region’s natural beauty through the use of B.C. mass timber.
The thoughtful incorporation of mass timber isn’t just aesthetic—it showcases Kelowna’s commitment to sustainability and community identity, creating a welcoming gateway to the Okanagan Valley.
But the expansion doesn’t stop there. The broader long-term vision for YLW includes a second phase anticipated to begin around 2030, which will further enlarge passenger facilities, reorganize arrival areas, and support increased international capacity.
Beyond the terminal itself, the airport’s continued evolution includes enhancements to airside infrastructure and exciting new developments nearby: a 1,000-stall parkade and a new luxury hotel are underway, improving convenience for travellers and supporting Kelowna’s tourism and business sectors.
These investments are funded through airport revenues and user fees, not local taxes, underscoring the airport’s sustainable financial model while serving as a key economic engine for the region.
In short, Kelowna’s airport expansion is more than bricks and timber—it’s about enhancing connectivity, boosting regional prosperity, and creating an airport experience that matches the city’s vibrancy and growth.
