CFJC Today File Photo

By Victor Kaisar

Airport Funding

TNRD contributes to advocacy campaign that aims to bring additional flights to Kamloops Airport

Oct 14, 2025 | 7:45 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Airport Authority Society will be working with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) to explore opportunities that could help better market the Kamloops area to potential visitors.

Airport Society President Bill Sarai says while that work has already been underway, the goal is to formalize a partnership among local governments to better promote the region in the hopes of seeing better usage — and potentially more flights — at Fulton Field.

“We could have no problem filling up a plane from here to Toronto or here to Seattle but it’s what do we have here that a plane would be filled on the return flight?” Sarai said. “I think more people at the table, especially like-minded governments and regional representation from the TNRD is a no brainer.”

The TNRD is part of the new YKA LINK initiative that aims to position Kamloops Airport as the central gateway to the North Thompson and Nicola Valleys as well as the Shuswap and the Cariboo.

Last month, the regional district voted to contribute $5,000 towards the ongoing advocacy campaign to promote tourism in the area.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: The NDP is kind of a wolf in sheep's clothing

53m ago

Two & Out

PETERS: Where has the money gone?

Feb 20, 2026

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: February 19, 2026

Feb 20, 2026

“It’s a game-changer, looking at Kamloops Airport and its growth,” Sarai added. “The TNRD is a logical partner as it’s a regional airport and the 27 directors that we have at the table at the TNRD are all supporters of the airport.”

YKA Managing Director, Jim Moroz, says the YKA Link initiative was introduced in early June at the BC Aviation Council (BCAC) conference in Kamloops to “drive destination awareness and strategic, long-term development of air service” in the area.

“The feedback we’re getting from airlines when they see a unified voice is empowering. It’s definitely helpful for the area,” Moroz said.

Sarai noted the YKA Link initiative aims to better formalize some of the work that’s been taking place for the past few years.

“I’m not the expert in tourism but I have an interest at YKA for it to be successful. I want more flights and more options,” Sarai said. “It’s a chicken and the egg thing. The airlines are looking at numbers and we’re looking for route development, but without numbers they don’t entertain route development.”

Sarai said once the initiative has found its footing and it’s able to get off the ground, there will be an “absolute push for airlines to recognize that [Kamloops] needs more flight options.”

“I think that’s when we’re going to have to get residents on board to show that we are interested, and we will support an airline,” Sarai added.