PHOTOS: Kelowna airport’s expanded terminal ready to welcome travellers next week

It’s a momentous occasion for Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and the city as a whole.

The new upgraded security screening checkpoint and departures lounge are ready to start welcoming travellers.

The official opening date is Jan. 28, which means anyone with a morning flight out of YLW next Wednesday will be among the first to experience the new amenities.

_{(In the meantime, we were there for a little tour today and have a few sneak peek photos for you at the bottom of this story.)}

Mayor Tom Dyas said the additional 5,590 square metres of space in the terminal building is “an important milestone” for YLW’s largest infrastructure project to date.

“YLW is a critical gateway that supports jobs, tourism and economic growth, and this investment will help ensure we can continue welcoming more visitors and connecting our community to opportunities in Canada and beyond,” he explained.

Airport CEO Sam Samaddar added that next week’s opening “is really just the beginning.”

“Over the next year, work will continue in areas of the existing terminal as we renovate 1,200 square metres, making improvements and adding new amenities to further benefit our travellers,” he said.

"It's the biggest investment, one-time project that the airport has ever done." Sam Samaddar speaks on the expanded terminal. pic.twitter.com/Gvuk759x4A

— KelownaNow (@KelownaNow) January 22, 2026

The additional work, expected to be finished by the end of 2026, includes a new washroom concourse, pet relief station and grab-and-go food and beverage options for travellers.

Here’s what is already in place for passengers to notice and discover when the terminal expansion opens on Jan. 28:

• Expanded security screening area with new CT x-ray technology to support increased capacity and screening efficiencies.
• Expanded departures lounge with new direct access to several gates for departing and arriving passengers.
• Improved food and beverage options, including the Ellison Field Taphouse in the pre-security area and Vintners Exchange in the departures lounge.
• Improved wayfinding and upgraded digital displays throughout the terminal.
• Contemporary design featuring BC mass timber, supported by a $500,000 provincial grant and manufactured at Kalesnikoff’s state-of-the-art facility in Castlegar.

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority president and CEO Neil Parry provided more information on the “important advancement” in passenger screening with YLW’s new security checkpoint.

“CATSA is proud to have implemented state-of-the-art CT X-ray technology across all four screening lines, making it the first airport of its size in Canada to receive a full CT deployment,” Parry explained.

“This technology offers 3D imaging, which improves threat detection and delivers a more efficient screening experience by allowing passengers to leave permitted liquids, laptops, electronics and medical devices in their carry-on bags.”

Kyle Spargo, the manager of service delivery at Vancouver International Airport, was on hand Wednesday to speak a little more about what these machines mean for YLW.

A win-win situation for airport screening. pic.twitter.com/yZPHkbVmmr

— KelownaNow (@KelownaNow) January 22, 2026

The $108-million Airport Terminal Building Expansion project was fully funded through airport user fees and had no impact on taxation for Kelowna residents.

Click here to learn more about the project and look below for the previously-promised photos from today’s tour!