Passengers checking into for their WestJet flight at Kamloops Airport. (Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today)

By Victor Kaisar

YKA Travel

YKA looks for strong spring break, continued upward trajectory for passenger numbers

Mar 13, 2026 | 4:26 PM

KAMLOOPS — After a strong end to last year, Kamloops Airport officials say passenger volumes in the first three months of the year have been strong, as they head into the first busy travel period of 2026.

Whether it’s people heading on cruises to soak up the sun down south or heading across the province or country to visit friends and family, Kamloops Airport is preparing for a busy spring break as kids are out of class for the next two weeks.

“It’s always a popular time to travel during spring break,” said Jim Moroz, the managing director at Kamloops Airport. “Hopefully, March continues on the with pattern that we saw in January and February.”

There were 293,840 passengers who made their way through Fulton Field last year, a five per cent drop from the 310,507 passengers in 2024. Those numbers began to increase at the end of October last year, with 80,338 passengers processed between October and December.

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While October’s numbers (25,981) held steady compared to the year prior, passenger numbers in November (25,292) and December (29,065) were up six and 10 per cent respectively.

Despite competition from larger airports like Kelowna and Abbotsford, there is hope for a strong spring break at Kamloops Airport. Moroz says passenger numbers have been trending up and they’re eyeing a strong finish to this quarter.

“We finished 2025 strong and then starting in 2026, we’ve seen that same eight to 10 per cent increase in travellers year over year,” Moroz said. “The start is looking good and we’ll continue to build on that.”

Also in the cards this year is the return of WestJet’s direct flight to Edmonton from mid-May to mid-October. Moroz is urging people to take advantage of that flight in the hopes of it becoming a permanent, year-round service.

“If you want to go to Edmonton or if people from Edmonton want to come here, book that flight,” Moroz said, noting the earlier travellers book, the better the price. “There is a demand and WestJet has seen that and is responding.”

“This will allow for a broader range of traveller with some time to prepare for their trips or onward trips using Edmonton’s connections. It’s a positive thing for Kamloops and the region.”