Penticton Airport

Welcome to Penticton Airport — a compact and cosy air gateway to the sunny Okanagan Valley, a region of famous Canadian vineyards and warm lakes. This small airport allows travellers to avoid the hustle and bustle of giant transport hubs, offering quick boarding and breathtaking views of mountain ranges and water surfaces upon descent. Here, your journey through one of the most picturesque regions of Canada begins immediately after stepping off the plane, without long waits or complicated transfers.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Ideal Location. The airport is situated literally between two beautiful lakes — Okanagan and Skaha. This not only ensures incredible views from the window but also makes it maximally convenient for tourists: beaches, city hotels, and the first vineyards can be reached in a matter of minutes.
• Speed and Comfort. Thanks to the small size of the terminal, check-in and security procedures here are much faster than in large hubs. Passengers note the calm atmosphere and lack of stress, which is especially valuable after a flight.
• Accessibility. Unlike capital airports, affordable parking is offered here, located within walking distance of the terminal entrance. The airport also serves as a convenient alternative for those travelling to the Apex Mountain ski resort or the southern part of the valley.

You can contact representatives of Penticton Airport in several ways. Below are the main contact details for passengers.

• Official Website: All current information on flights, services, and rules is available on the official airport website.
• Information Desk Phone: For information and enquiries, you can call +1 250-770-4422.
• Airport Address: 3000 Airport Rd, Penticton, British Columbia, V2A 8X1, Canada.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the address yyf@penticton.ca.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have left items in the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the main phone number. In case of luggage loss by the airline, you should contact your carrier's representatives directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions and assistance at the airport, please contact the information desk phone number.

Getting to Penticton Airport (YYF) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located just 6 kilometres south of Penticton. A trip by car or taxi usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes, making it one of the most accessible regional airports in Canada.

Public Transport is the most economical way to get to the airport. The BC Transit system operates a route that passes through the airport. The cost of a single trip is typically around 2-3 Canadian dollars. This is a convenient option for travellers without a large amount of luggage. It is recommended to check the current schedule and route on the official BC Transit website in advance, as the frequency of buses may change depending on the season and day of the week.

For greater comfort and speed, you can use taxi or private transfer services. Taxi stands are located at the exit of the arrivals terminal. The estimated cost of a trip to the city centre will be 15–25 Canadian dollars depending on traffic conditions. This is an ideal option if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling as a group. Ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft may also be available in the region.

If you plan to explore the picturesque Okanagan Valley, car rental will be the best solution. Several rental agencies have desks right in the airport building, allowing you to pick up a car immediately upon arrival. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking is provided. Options for both short-term and long-term parking are available at reasonable prices.

Although Penticton Airport is convenient for regional flights, for a wider selection of international flights, travellers often use Kelowna International Airport (YLW), located about an hour's drive away. Other alternatives in the region include Kamloops Airport and Castlegar Airport, from where Penticton can be reached by rental car or intercity bus.

Penticton Airport (YYF) is a compact regional airport characterised by a simple and clear structure for passengers. There is one passenger terminal operating here, which serves all flights — both departures and arrivals. Such an organisation makes navigation through the airport maximally convenient and fast, eliminating the need for long walks.

The terminal layout is very logical and intuitive. All key zones are located sequentially in one building: airline check-in counters, security screening, a small waiting lounge for departing passengers, and the baggage claim area for arrivals. Since everything is under one roof, moving between zones takes only a few minutes.

Passing through check-in and security at Penticton Airport usually takes significantly less time than in major international hubs. Thanks to the small passenger flow, queues here are a rarity. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, following your airline's recommendations, typically 60-90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight.

To navigate the terminal, it is sufficient to follow the simple signs. Getting lost here is practically impossible. All main services, including car rental desks and basic amenities, are within walking distance of each other. This creates comfortable conditions and allows you to avoid the stress associated with orienting yourself in a large and complex airport building.

The history of Penticton Regional Airport (YYF) is closely linked to key events of the 20th century and the development of aviation in Canada. Its story began during the Second World War when there was an urgent need for pilot training. The airport was officially opened in 1941 as part of an ambitious programme — the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). Initially, it functioned as Elementary Flying Training School No. 34, where thousands of future pilots underwent their training.

After the end of the war, the military base was converted into a civilian airport under the management of the Department of Transport. This transition marked a new era for Penticton and the entire South Okanagan region. Already in 1946, Canadian Pacific Air Lines launched regular flights, connecting the city with Vancouver. This event became an important step in integrating the region into the national transport network, opening new opportunities for tourism and business.

With the growth of passenger traffic, the airport was modernised repeatedly. In the 1960s, a new terminal building was constructed to meet modern standards and serve an increasing number of travellers. In subsequent decades, work was carried out to extend the runway, allowing for the reception of larger and faster aircraft, including jet liners. In 1999, the management of the airport was transferred to the City of Penticton, which gave a new impetus to its development.

One of the most significant stages of modernisation occurred in the recent past. Between 2018 and 2020, a large-scale reconstruction and expansion of the terminal was carried out, costing several million dollars. As a result, the airport received a modern, spacious, and convenient building capable of ensuring a high level of comfort for passengers. Today, Penticton Airport continues to play a key role in the life of the region, serving flights of major Canadian airlines and remaining an important air gateway to the picturesque Okanagan Valley.

Penticton Airport (YYF) is a compact regional airport offering passengers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is important to understand that the infrastructure here is not as large-scale as in major international hubs, but everything necessary for a short stay is available.

Dining and Shops. A café operates within the terminal territory where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase light refreshments and drinks for the road. The choice of dining establishments is limited, so if you prefer a full meal, it is better to do so in the city beforehand. There are no specialised duty-free shops or large retail outlets at the airport.

Wi-Fi and Waiting Areas. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Charging stations for electronic devices are equipped in the departure zones. There are no specialised VIP lounges or business lounges at Penticton Airport, however, there is ample seating for rest in the general waiting hall.

Financial and Medical Services. There are no bank branches or currency exchange points in the airport building. It is recommended to conduct all financial transactions in the city of Penticton in advance. First aid services can be provided by airport staff, but a specialised medical centre is absent.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs. The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Families with small children can use baby changing tables in the washrooms. To receive special assistance during boarding or disembarking, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance.

Business Services and Hotels. There are no conference halls or business centres at the airport. The nearest hotels and guesthouses are located in the city of Penticton itself, a few minutes' drive from the terminal. They can be reached by taxi or rental car.

Penticton Airport (YYF) is a small and convenient regional airport, so all dining options are concentrated in one place, making a pre-flight snack simple and accessible. There is not a huge variety of establishments here as in large international hubs, but the existing café fully meets the basic needs of travellers.

The main and only dining establishment at the airport is the Sky High Diner. It is located in the main terminal building in the public zone (landside), meaning before passing security control. This is convenient for both departing passengers and those meeting or seeing off guests. The restaurant offers the cosy atmosphere of a classic diner and is suitable for both a full meal and a quick coffee with a snack.

The Sky High Diner menu includes traditional North American dishes. Here you can have a hearty breakfast by ordering an omelette, breakfast favourites, or pancakes, and for lunch or dinner, choose from an assortment of burgers, sandwiches, soups, and fresh salads. Although the establishment does not specialise in fine local cuisine, it offers quality and filling food, ideally suited for travellers. It is an excellent place to refresh yourself before the journey.

Regarding special dietary requests, you can usually find vegetarian options on the menu, for example, salads or meat-free sandwiches. Regarding gluten-free or other specific dietary dishes, it is best to check directly with the staff — establishments of this type are often willing to accommodate and adapt an order. The price range at the restaurant can be described as moderate, especially compared to prices at major airports.

The restaurant's opening hours are tied to the flight schedule — it opens in the morning for the first departures and operates until the last plane leaves. If you arrive at the airport late at night or early in the morning when the restaurant may be closed, vending machines with drinks and light snacks are also available in the terminal.

To ensure your journey through Penticton Airport (YYF) is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, take advantage of a few useful tips. This small regional airport in Canada is convenient for passengers, and navigating it will not cause difficulties.

Arrival and Check-in: For domestic flights, which are the main ones for Penticton, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure. If you are checking luggage or travelling during peak season (for example, in summer), it is better to arrive 2 hours early. To save time, complete online check-in on the airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone.

Security and Hand Luggage: Screening procedures here are standard. Remember the rule for carrying liquids: containers up to 100 ml, packed in one transparent resealable bag. If you are carrying bottled products from the region, they must be placed in checked baggage. Carrying them in hand luggage is prohibited, with the exception of items purchased in the duty-free zone (which may not be available at this airport).

Seat Selection and Transfers: If possible, choose a window seat. Flights from or to Penticton often offer incredible views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding valleys. Most flights from YYF are short hops to major hubs such as Vancouver or Calgary, where you will transfer to your next flight. Check the connection time in advance — in large airports, it should be at least 1.5-2 hours.

Customs Control: Penticton Airport serves both domestic and some cross-border flights. This is an important point for planning. If you are arriving on a direct flight from abroad, you will pass customs and border control directly in Penticton. However, if your route to Canada includes a transfer at another Canadian airport (for example, in Vancouver or Calgary), you will complete all formalities at the first point of entry into the country.

Savings and Delays: To save money, book tickets and car rentals in advance. In case of a flight delay, all current information will be available from representatives of your airline. The airport is small, with a limited set of services, so in case of a long wait, it is better to have a book, headphones, or a charged power bank with you.