Spring decline at Kamloops airport caused by reduced flights and 'geopolitical factors'

New data shows a significant decrease in people who travelled through the Kamloops airport this spring when compared to last year.

According to information provided by Jim Moroz, managing director, the number of people who travelled through YKA between April and June decreased by 10.5% in 2025.

There were a total of 73,721 travellers recorded in the first quarter of 2024, however, that dropped to 65,971 this year.

April 2025 saw the biggest decrease of 18.8%.

Last year the airport saw a total of 26,074 travellers in April but this year only saw 21,168.

May 2025 saw 22,098 people travellers while May 2024 saw 24,174, a decrease of 8.6%.

This June was a bit better with only a 3.3% decrease when compared to last year.

Moroz said reduced flight frequencies to both Calgary and Vancouver contributed to the reduced numbers.

“While pre-pandemic service levels between Calgary and Kamloops resumed in May, flights to Vancouver continue to operate at a reduced frequency,” Moroz wrote in a news release.

However, those reduced flights aren’t the only reason for reduced passenger numbers.

Moroz said that ongoing “geopolitical factors” have also impacted transborder travel.

With the launch of a new nonstop route to Edmonton, airport officials are looking forward to an increase in travellers visiting YKA.

Moroz further said that airport officials are committed to working with all airlines and communities to enhance travel options in and out of Kamloops.