News release
Handheld lasers and drones pose ongoing risk to aircraft at Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
April 22, 2026
-
Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP
On this page
Content
Flight crews operating at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) continue to experience safety-related incidents with high powered laser strikes and unauthorized drone activity in the airport’s-controlled airspace.
Aircraft Laser Strikes:
In 2025, twenty-one laser strikes were reported to NAV Canada air traffic controllers at the Kelowna control tower.
High-powered lasers, one milliwatt (mW) or greater, are not toys. These devices often resemble pens or flashlights and are significantly more powerful than lasers used for classroom presentations or lectures. Despite the serious safety risks they pose, high‑powered lasers remain readily available for purchase online, which can contribute to misunderstanding and underestimating their potential for harm.
Aiming a laser at an aircraft can have serious and potentially catastrophic consequences. Laser strikes distract pilots, create intense glare that interferes with vision, or temporarily blinds flight crews during critical phases of flight.
Drone incursion into controlled airspace
In addition to laser incidents, five remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones, entered the YLW controlled airspace in 2025.
Unauthorized drone activity poses a significant risk to aircraft during takeoff and landing. Drones can distract pilots and may cause catastrophic engine damage if ingested into an aircraft engine.
In Canada, unless a drone pilot holds the appropriate Transport Canada (TC) drone pilot certification and airspace authorization:
- Drones must remain at least 5.6 kilometres from airports.
- Drones must remain below 400 feet above ground level.
- Drones weighing 250 grams or more require TC registration and a pilot certificate.
- Drones must remain at least 9.3 kilometres away from an active wildfire.
Laws and potential penalties
Federal regulations restrict drone operations near airports and heliports without proper certification and airspace authorization. The Canadian Aviation Regulations and the Aeronautics Act prohibit directing a high‑powered laser or other bright light source into navigable airspace, as well as any activity that creates a nuisance or endangers life.
Penalties for these offences can include administrative monetary penalties of up to $5,000, with more serious or deliberate incidents potentially resulting in criminal charges.
“The Kelowna RCMP reminds the public that misuse of lasers or drones near aircraft puts lives at risk,” says Corporal Steven Lang, Media Relations Officer with Kelowna RCMP. “We encourage anyone who observes suspicious laser use or drones being flown near an airport or in a dangerous manner to contact police immediately.”
For more information about drone safety and the rules to know before flying, visit Transport Canada’s Drone Safety webpage.