Passengers down by 1.2-million at YLW in 2020

Passenger counts for Kelowna International Airport last year were down 64 per cent from the previous year.

YLW issued the final numbers on Thursday, saying 737,447 passengers used the facility in 2020 which was 1,294,572 fewer than in 2019 — and the lowest since 1997.

“YLW remains optimistic that travellers will return to the skies in the future when it’s safe to do so; however, the airport does not expect to see pre-pandemic passenger numbers return until 2024, at the earliest,” airport director Sam Samaddar said.

Samaddar said the pandemic has had a devastating impact on Canadian airports and the aviation and tourism industries.

“Our focus for 2021 remains on a healthy and safe travel experience for everyone at YLW and ensuring the airport can continue to operate for essential services despite a significant loss in revenue,” he said.

YLW experienced unprecedented passenger growth between 2016 and 2018, mainly driven by expanded air service and flight connectivity, population growth, and economic activity in the region. Early in 2020, YLW had projected to reach 2.25 million passengers by 2025. But by April 2020, YLW’s 47 daily flights to 14 destinations had been reduced to nine daily flights to eight destinations.

In 2021, Samaddar said YLW will remain focused on keeping operating costs low to ensure the airport is in a good financial position to take part in the COVID recovery.

“YLW will also continue to identify new potential revenue streams through strategic development that can be reinvested back into the airport. By investing in development of airport lands, YLW will help create jobs, directly impacting our local economy.”

As an essential service, YLW remains open to provide access to commercial flights in the region, whether it is to connect patients to necessary medical care or for essential travel for work. Airports also provide important services in Canada, including emergency services and medivacs that help protect the public, and cargo operations to supply businesses and frontline workers.

For more information about annual passenger numbers at YLW, visit ylw.kelowna.ca/facts