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Kelowna  

YLW runway clear

UPDATE 12:35 P.M.

The private Cessna Citation aircraft that was blocking the north end of the runway at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has been removed.

The runway was cleared of debris and after a follow-up safety inspection airport operations were approved to resume at 12:30 pm.

According to the YLW website, 10 inbound and 10 outbound commercial flights have been delayed.

The airport had limited runway access for a little more than two hours from 10:21 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Airport media relations director, Janelle Hynes, says the mechanical issue with the Cessna occurred during takeoff.

"The tires under both wings blew and that made it a challenge for removing the aircraft, it wasn't just an easy tow," says Hynes.

"And, because of the size of the aircraft there was a little more care needed. The crews actually put individual tugs under each wheel then moved it carefully off the runway."

Many flights were forced to remain on the tarmac in other cities until being notified the runway had been cleared.

Check up to date arrival and departure times before heading to the airport.


A small private aircraft that is experiencing mechanical issues at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is blocking the runway and is expected to cause delays in arriving flights. 

The runway at YLW will be closed until the aircraft is removed. This process could take up to one hour. 

Guests picking up passengers on at YLW are requested to monitor arriving flight times at ylw.kelowna.ca/mobile or ylw.kelowna.ca. 

Flights bound for YLW at this time are currently being diverted to alternate Airports until the runway is cleared.

Media will be alerted once normal operations resume.

Were you delayed? Send us a note to [email protected].



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