Kelowna airport could open to commercial flights on ‘case-by-case’ basis

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) could be opening up to commercial passenger flights Sunday night on a “case-by-case” basis, the airport says.

After cancelling all flights to and from the airport on Friday and Saturday due to aerial wildfire fighting activity, the airport says after 9 p.m. Sunday, the ability of flights to operate at YLW will be determined by Transport Canada and individual airlines.

For Monday, YLW says whether flights operate will depend on weather conditions and wildfires in the area.

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“YLW is having ongoing conversations with Transport Canada, Nav Canada and BC Wildfire Services to allow for some operations to resume. These decisions are dependent on wildfire progression and are made with the safety of the community as the key priority. YLW thanks passengers for their continued patience,” it said in a statement.

“If the airspace is opened to allow flights to operate out of YLW, flight status could be impacted by weather conditions at the airport, such as smoke. Passengers are asked to check with their airline for updated information about flight status before coming to the airport.”

Flights on Aug. 20 have been cancelled until 9 p.m. The ability of flights to operate after 9 p.m. will be determined by Transport Canada on a case-by-case basis. The priority is community safety & supporting firefighting efforts taking place. https://t.co/gpupdwsoiw

— Kelowna International Airport (@ylwkelowna) August 20, 2023

Any travelers with vehicles parked in short or long-term parking lots will not be charged any additional fees due to the cancelled flights.

On Saturday, the Province of B.C. issued an essential-travel-only order for the Okanagan, West Kelowna and Kelowna.