Small plane makes emergency landing at Kelowna airport

The Piper Cub sits just off Kelowna Airport's primary runway

August 26, 2026 – A small yellow Piper Cub made an emergency landing at Kelowna International Airport Tuesday evening after experiencing what is believed to be a landing-gear problem, forcing a temporary shutdown of the airport’s runway.

Around 6 PM Tuesday (August 24 2026) unconfirmed reports of an aircraft in trouble initially placed the plane near the Vernon Airport, prompting a full emergency response there that included Vernon Fire Rescue, BC Ambulance and RCMP preparing for a possible landing.

Instead, the Piper Cub touched down at Kelowna around 6 p.m.

Kelowna airport firefighters responded and helped move the aircraft clear of the runway.

Once the runway was inspected and confirmed to be free of surface damage or debris it was reopened.

YLW media confirmed the runway was closed for approximately 30 minutes.

Two people were on board. There were no reported injuries.

Small plane makes emergency landing at Kelowna airport