Sam Samaddar, CEO of Kelowna International Airport (YLW), has been selected as Director of the Year, Small Airports Division, by Airport Experience News.
For nearly two decades, Samaddar has led YLW, one of the top 10 airports in Canada. He began his airport career at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in 1988 and began working for YLW as superintendent of airport operations in 1992. In 2008, he was appointed airport director. He is also a board member at Tourism Kelowna.
At YLW, Samaddar has overseen strong passenger growth in recent years, including a record-breaking 2025 with more than 2.3 million passengers. He also oversaw a massive terminal building expansion that opened in January 2026. The expansion, which doubled the size of the departures area, upgraded security, and increased the airport’s food and beverage options, helps position the airport for further growth.
Beyond YLW’s impact in Kelowna and British Columbia, Samaddar is active on the national and international stage, and he served as chair of Airports Council International – North America from 2022 to 2023 and is currently on the World Board of Airports Council International.
“Sam Samaddar has reenvisioned YLW and positioned it for future growth,” noted Amy Hornby, brand director and publisher of Airport Experience News. “And, with
his strong commitment to moving the entire North American airport industry forward, Sam Samaddar has had an outsized impact on our industry.”
Samaddar said he is grateful for the honor. “Receiving the Director of the Year Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful, as it reflects the hard work, innovation and collaboration of the exceptional team at YLW,” he said. I am fortunate to work alongside so many talented colleagues who are passionate about advancing the aviation industry and committed to delivering excellence for our passengers and our community. This recognition is a testament to their dedication, and I am privileged to share it with them.”
Samaddar is the first of three directors of the year to be named by AXN for 2026. The three directors will be featured in a special Leadership Issue of Airport Experience News and will be honored at the 2027 Airport Experience Conference.
