By Canadian Press

Fix planned as wildfire smoke, no-fly rules affect flights at Kelowna, Kamloops

Aug 3, 2021 | 12:09 PM

VICTORIA — Smoke from British Columbia wildfires has resulted in flight cancellations and delays at airports in Kelowna and Kamloops.

Kelowna International Airport says flights in and out are being cancelled due to thick wildfire smoke and fly zone restrictions in the area. 

A statement posted on the airport’s website says a wildfire northwest of Vernon has moved toward Okanagan Lake and a no-fly zone is posted above the fire, impeding planes trying to land in Kelowna.

The airport says operations are expected to resume by mid-afternoon Tuesday, while passengers at Kamloops International Airport are being told to check their flights as air quality and airspace restrictions could cause delays or cancellations.

About 250 wildfires are burning in the province, almost three dozen of those are considered fires of note, meaning they are highly visible or are a danger to the public. 

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Kelowna Airport’s senior operations manager posted a statement reminding passengers to check with their airline for up-to-date fight information during this period of adverse conditions.

“(Kelowna airport), working with the BC Wildfire Service, NavCanada and Transport Canada, have established interim measures to allow instrument approaches and departures to resume,” Phillip Elchitz says in the statement.

“We expect aircraft operations to restart service later this afternoon, around 3.pm. We appreciate travellers’ patience with this evolving situation.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.

The Canadian Press