Thursday, January 23, 2025 Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in Canada celebrated a significant achievement in 2024, having welcomed a record-breaking 2,133,582 passengers, marking an all-time high in its history. This new milestone represents a clear sign of the airport’s continued growth and increased demand for air travel in the region. The high passenger volumes reached in 2024, including the remarkable achievement of over 211,493 travelers passing through the airport in December alone, highlight the increased importance of Kelowna as a key transportation hub within the Okanagan Valley.
A Surge in Passenger Numbers and Regional Economic Impact The growth in passenger numbers is being driven by several factors, including enhanced air service offerings and more frequent flights. As part of this, the airport has seen a remarkable increase in US seat capacity, which rose by 75 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. Additionally, international seat capacity was boosted by 30 percent, further positioning Kelowna as an increasingly important international gateway.
The airport’s ability to offer more flights to popular destinations reflects its role in fueling regional economic growth, attracting visitors, and offering residents more travel options. Increased connectivity to global destinations has brought with it a surge in the number of visitors to the Okanagan Valley, driving business for local hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators. The airport’s expansion.