Angel Flight East Kootenay will remain in the air for at least another year following a new funding commitment from the provincial government.
The volunteer-run medical flight service has received $250,000 in annual support, helping ensure continued operations for residents across the region who rely on the program to access medical care outside the East Kootenay.
The announcement was highlighted in a recent social media video shared by Columbia River–Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis, who noted the importance of the service in connecting rural patients with specialized care.
Angel Flight East Kootenay provides free air transportation for patients travelling to medical appointments, primarily in Kelowna. The organization is fully volunteer-run and typically operates multiple flights each week.
Demand for the service continues to grow. In 2025 alone, Angel Flight completed nearly 600 flights for patients across the region.
While the latest funding ensures short-term stability, organizers and supporters have indicated that a longer-term, multi-year funding commitment remains a priority to provide certainty for the program moving forward.
The new provincial contribution builds on other recent support, including a multi-year funding commitment from the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District, reflecting strong regional backing for the service.
