麻豆精选 International Airport (YLW) saw a record breaking 2,133,582 million passengers pass through its terminal in 2024.
The milestone was actually announced by CEO Sam Samaddar in December as the airport geared up for the busy holiday season. The number surpasses the previous record of 2.05 million set in 2018. YLW also reached a record high for monthly passenger volumes with over 211,493 travelling through the airport in December. The previous high was August 2018 with 201,485 passengers.
鈥淭his record-breaking number of passengers marks a significant milestone for YLW and the Okanagan Valley,鈥� said Mayor Tom Dyas in a media release. 鈥淭he growth in routes, destinations, and passenger volumes is a vital economic driver for our community, bringing more visitors to support local businesses while also providing residents with more convenient and efficient travel options.鈥�
The release also stated that the achievement is partly due to increased service to new destinations, increased frequency and larger aircraft. YLW expects continued growth with the recent launch of up to three daily flights to Seattle with WestJet and seasonal flights to Los Angeles with Alaska Airlines. YLW will welcome Porter as a new airline servicing 麻豆精选 to Toronto starting in May 2025.
"We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made in 2024 and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025," said Samaddar. "Our focus remains on continual improvements to better serve our passengers, being a strong community partner and contributing to the economic growth of the region."
The airport terminal building expansion is underway, which will double the size of the departures lounge. Construction is starting on a new hotel and a parkade beside the terminal building later in 2025. The combined operations building expansion will also be completed this year.
Between 2024 and 2033, YLW will invest over $422 million in upgrades to airport infrastructure funded through airport revenues and Airport Improvement Fees.
