Pacific Coastal Airlines is proud to announce the launch of new non-stop service between Kelowna (YLW) and Cranbrook (YXC), beginning Monday, October 27, 2025, as part of its winter 2025/2026 schedule.

This route will operate daily using 19-passenger Beechcraft 1900 aircraft.

This enhanced schedule supports business, leisure and medical travel, with morning departures from Cranbrook offering seamless one-stop connections via Kelowna to Victoria, Nanaimo, and Comox, and evening return connections from those Vancouver Island destinations back to Cranbrook.

With the introduction of this route, Pacific Coastal Airlines will now serve 20 destinations across British Columbia, more than any other airline, a new milestone for the airline.

“It’s fantastic to once again offer non-stop service between Kelowna and Cranbrook, with our new schedule offering preferred morning and afternoon time of day flights,” said Johnathan Richardson, VP of Commercial at Pacific Coastal Airlines.

“This new service not only strengthens regional air access in the Okanagan but also enables efficient one-stop travel between the Kootenays and Vancouver Island.”

Flight Schedule (effective October 27, 2025)

“We are excited to see the Pacific Coastal network continue to expand at YLW. The addition of this new direct route not only strengthens Pacific Coastal’s position as a regional connector but supports Kelowna’s role as a transportation hub for travellers and goods throughout our province,” said Sam Samaddar, CEO, Kelowna International Airport.

“We are ecstatic to officially welcome the return of Pacific Coastal Airlines to YXC. This renewed partnership represents a vital enhancement to our regional connectivity and is of utmost importance to our community and the broader Kootenay region. The return of this improved version of the OK (Okanagan – Kootenay) Connector is scheduled for optimized connectivity to not only Kelowna but through to/from Victoria, Nanaimo and Comox, bridging Vancouver Island, the Okanagan and Kootenay regions in a compelling new way,” stated Tristen Chernove, CEO, Elevate Airports inc.

“Hope Air is proud to support Pacific Coastal Airline’s launch of this new flight route between Cranbrook and Kelowna, which will make it significantly easier for patients in the East Kootenay to access the healthcare they need. Reliable, timely travel options are essential for equitable healthcare, and this route brings us one step closer to closing the gap for rural British Columbians,” said Stephanie Aldridge, Vice President of Patient Experience at Hope Air.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association is thrilled to see the return of Pacific Coastal’s service between the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook (YXC) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW).

Kootenay Rockies CEO, Kathy Cooper, stated: “This additional daily service will offer visitors and residents a great linkage of air service from the interior of BC to the Kootenay Rockies region. It will also provide connectivity options for those coming from further locations such as Comox, Nanaimo, and Victoria. Pacific Coastal is a strong partner in the tourism sector, and we congratulate them on reinstating this service this fall. More connection options such as this are vital to areas that have smaller regional airports that struggle to provide robust flight schedule services.”

“The ability to connect different areas of our province is paramount, and we’re excited to re-establish the crucial link between Kelowna (YLW) and Cranbrook (YXC). We recognize the importance of accessible air travel for our communities, and this renewed route will undoubtedly foster new opportunities for collaboration and growth between these vibrant regions, serving both our residents and visitors alike. It’s truly exciting to see this essential transportation network come back to life,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA).

Launch promotion – limited time offer

To celebrate the launch of our new non-stop service, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering 20% off flights between Cranbrook (YXC) and Kelowna (YLW), as well as connecting destinations Nanaimo (YCD), Victoria (YYJ), and Comox (YQQ). Book by August 20, 2025, using promo code YXC20. For full details or to book, visit pacificcoastal.com, call 1-800-663-2872, or contact your local travel agent.

e-KNOW file photos

Article Share