It is owned and operated by Transport Canada, serving the South Okanagan, Similkameen and West Kootenay areas.

Penticton Regional Airport terminal underwent an expansion in 2016 to add more departure seating and a further upgrade in 2019 — 2021.

[7][8] The land for the airport was expropriated from the band in 1939 under the War Measures Act,[8] with the preliminary development of the airfield completed in 1941.

[7] Because of wartime military air transportation concerns, the airport acted as an emergency landing strip until its tarmac was completed.

[7] An aviation centre was constructed at the airport in 1976, which included a 12-unit motel, flight training school, and aircraft overhaul shop; the latter is no longer maintained.

[25][27][28] Food and snacks are available at this airport's terminal, as well as a medical facility, accommodation areas and administrative buildings.

[43][44] Nav Canada has noted that most of the aircraft winds at the Penticton Regional Airport blow north and south.

[45] Transport Canada categorizes a certified airport through a process which ensures that it meets the safety criteria and provides flights to other destinations.

[46] Penticton Regional Airport is considered to be a port of entry that serves American fishermen coming to Canada.

The Penticton Regional Airport employs 247 persons,[29] including its manager David Allen and maintenance workers.

[8][51] They attempted to conceptualize a different agreement, but Transport Canada suggested the band's claims should be ignored, as it is not a proper government.

[4] On May 1, 2013, due to feedback from the public, an additional flight to the Vancouver International Airport offered by Air Canada Express was launched.

[55][56] Efforts to woo WestJet included the airport being renamed "WestJetville" for a day in June 2012 and local residents created a flashmob video.

[61] On December 22, 1950, a Douglas C-47 aircraft operated by Canadian Pacific Air Lines from Vancouver crashed into Okanagan Mountain, some 26 kilometres (16 mi) north of Penticton.

Later investigation reported that the aircraft was below the minimum altitude permissible through an instrument approach procedure, causing the beyond repairable damage crash.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) then stormed the plane and arrested Nielson, finding that he was armed only with two toy guns.