Kelowna airport gets $3.2M boost from federal government

Kelowna International Airport is one of a dozen in B.C. to get money from the federal government to help offset the cost of maintenance and operational changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3.2 million funding was announced at the airport today, Feb 22, and is part of $18.8 million going to B.C. airports.

The Kamloops airport did not receive any federal dollars. Kelowna is the only airport in Okanagan to receive funding. 

“Air transportation is essential to community well-being, regional economic development, and the prosperity of all Canadians,” Harjit Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, said in a news release.

“Today’s announcement will not only enhance airport safety and support our essential services; it will also create jobs that British Columbians can rely on and bolster regional growth as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.”

Central Mountain Air in Smithers and Pacific Coastal Airlines in Richmond received $5 million each from the federal Regional Air Transportation Initiative fund.

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