Kelowna Airport Terminal: Arrivals, Departures, Parking & Transportation

Last Updated on Jul 2nd, 2026 by Neha Sharma, Leave a Comment

The Kelowna International Airport, also referred to by its identifier YLW, is the main aviation hub of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Situated 11 kilometres to the Located northeast of central Kelowna, the airport processes over two million passengers per year and is one of the most active airports in Canada. The knowledge of the airport’s terminal, airlines, and amenities makes flying much easier and comfortable.

Kelowna Airport Terminal Layout

Kelowna International Airport has just one passenger terminal. Such simplicity prevents the kind of confusion that multiple-terminal airports usually cause. There are only two levels within the terminal, making it easy to navigate for travelers from different experiences.

The upper level is designated for departures. This is where passengers find check-in counters, security screening, and access to the departure gates. The lower level handles arrivals, with baggage claim facilities located in this area. The terminal can be accessed from the west side of the building, while the runway lies on the east side. 

The airport features 24 check-in desks, eight gates, and three baggage claim belts. The compact and walkable layout ensures passengers can reach their gate or grab a snack without lengthy walks or the need for shuttle connections. All facilities sit within one building, which makes transfers between flights quick and straightforward.

Navigating the Terminal

Passengers entering the terminal will find ticketing counters in the central area. Arrivals and baggage claim facilities are located on the left side, while departures are on the right. From the departures area, passengers can access the airside portion of the airport, where the gates are located.

For travellers with accessibility needs, YLW offers a number of helpful services. Covered loading bridges are available at all gates. Automated sliding doors are installed at terminal entrances. Lowered check-in counters have been incorporated for wheelchair accessibility.

The airport provides wheelchair services from the check-in area to the departure gate and onto the aircraft. Passengers requiring assistance should inform their airline in advance when possible. Security Escort Passes allow family members or attendants to accompany passengers needing special assistance through security to the departure gate.

Airlines Operating at YLW

Kelowna International Airport is served by six airlines offering over 20 direct routes to destinations across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The airlines operating at YLW include:

• Air Canada
• WestJet
• Alaska Airlines
• Flair Airlines
• Air North
• Central Mountain Air
• Pacific Coastal Airlines

Direct routes connect Kelowna to Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Victoria. Pacific Coastal Airlines also serves US destinations such as Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Seasonal flights operate to Mexican destinations, including Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

Kelowna Airport Parking Options

Kelowna Airport provides several parking choices designed to suit different needs and budgets.

Short-Term Parking: Park your car in stalls that are adjacent to the terminal building. You should opt for this service if you plan to make a brief visit.

Long-Term Parking: These parking rates are less expensive than the short-term rates for those who leave their cars for several days.

Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Drivers who have come to pick up passengers can wait here for free. This cell phone waiting lot is situated next to the Canco gas station, and it is used to lessen congestion in the terminal by creating an area where drivers can wait for their passengers to contact them.

During busy seasons like spring break or other holidays, YLW parking lots can fill up very quickly. Passengers are encouraged to look for parking availability on the YLW web site prior to visiting the airport.

Kelowna Airport Transportation

• Taxis and Rideshare: There are taxis and limousine services available that serve outside the terminal. Uber has been permitted to pick up passengers from the north side of the airport terminal.
• Public Transportation: Bus services run by Kelowna Regional Transit link the airport with some locations around it. Passengers can consult the schedules and fees online at the BC Transit Website. Ebus serves the Okanagan region and the Lower Mainland.
• Car Rental: Four different car rental facilities have their offices inside the airport: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. Car rental is one of the most favored methods among tourists to visit Okanagan Valley’s wineries, beaches, and scenic sites.
• Shuttles: Some shuttles are available from the airport to some other Canadian cities and local resorts. Pre-booking is needed most of the time.

Kelowna Airport Amenities

There are various services offered at Kelowna Airport that help in improving the passenger experience.

Food and Shopping: There are food outlets, including restaurants and cafes as well as shopping facilities, both before and after security checkpoints. There are food outlets and shopping centers for those who wish to have their food or purchase something prior to travel.

Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi is available all over the terminal.

Pet Area: There are two Pet Areas available for the passengers traveling with their pets or guide dogs. One pet area is situated outside the main entrance of the terminal building, and the other one is situated outside the boarding gate area after security checkpoints.

Other Facilities: Passengers can avail themselves of ATMs, a kids’ play area, and an observation deck on the second floor.

Observation Deck: The Second floor has an observation deck where passengers can view airport operations.

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Operating Hours

The terminal building remains operational 24 hours a day throughout the week. Nevertheless, the airline desks as well as the security checks will usually close after the last flight, which will be about 1:00 AM. Passengers can stay at the airport even overnight, although certain facilities might not be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many terminals does Kelowna International Airport have?

A: Kelowna Airport operates with one single passenger terminal. All check-in, security, arrivals, and departures are housed under one roof. This compact layout makes the airport easy to navigate.

Q: What airlines fly out of Kelowna Airport?

A: YLW is served by Air Canada, WestJet, Alaska Airlines, Flair Airlines, Air North, Central Mountain Air, and Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Q: Does Kelowna Airport have US customs preclearance?

A: Kelowna Airport does not have US customs preclearance facilities. Passengers travelling to the United States clear US immigration and customs upon arrival at their US destination.

Q: What parking options are available at YLW?

A: YLW offers short-term parking, long-term parking, a valet parking service, and a free cell phone waiting area for passenger pickups.

Q: Can I take public transit from Kelowna Airport to downtown?

A: Yes. Kelowna Regional Transit operates bus routes connecting the airport to nearby destinations. Passengers should check the BC Transit website for schedules and fares.

Q: Where do I pick up arriving passengers at YLW?

A: Drivers can wait for free at the cell phone waiting area beside the Canco gas station until passengers confirm they are ready. Five designated pickup zones are available at the terminal.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi available at Kelowna Airport?

A: Yes, free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

Q: Are there hotels near Kelowna Airport?

A: While there are no hotels directly on the airport property, several accommodations are located within a short drive or walk from the terminal. 

Q: What is the airport code for Kelowna?

A: YLW is the IATA code for Kelowna International Airport. 

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