Key Takeaways
• Finnair expands to 179 weekly flights to Lapland for the 2024-2025 winter season, a record high.
• Rovaniemi receives up to 72 flights per week, with increased services on weekends for easier travel.
• Direct connections from London, Manchester, and Dublin allow same-day travel to Lapland; fares start at £127.
Finnair has taken a bold new step this upcoming winter by greatly increasing its flights to Lapland, one of Finland’s most magical regions. This move brings people from around the world even closer to experiences like seeing the Northern Lights, going on reindeer sleigh rides, and meeting Santa Claus in Rovaniemi. The airline’s record-breaking service, announced ahead of the 2024-2025 winter season, shines a bright light on both the growing interest in Lapland and the importance of smooth, reliable air connections for travelers and local businesses.
This article will share everything you should know about Finnair’s expanded flight schedule, what makes Lapland so unique, and why these changes matter for travelers and the region itself. You’ll find out exactly what the new schedule means, how it connects with main airports in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and what to expect if you plan a visit to Lapland, including Rovaniemi.
Finnair’s Largest Ever Winter Schedule to Lapland
Finnair, proudly known as Santa’s official airline, has unveiled its greatest winter schedule yet for flights between Helsinki and several top Lapland destinations. According to the airline, there will now be 179 weekly flights serving these northern locations. This is the most direct service that Finnair has offered in its 102 years of operations.
What’s behind this huge increase? The demand for trips to Lapland has surged in recent years. More people from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other European countries want to visit Lapland for its winter adventures, gentle snowy landscapes, and unique ways to celebrate the Christmas season. To support this demand, Finnair has carefully adjusted its flight times to match popular hotel and accommodation changeover days. This means that flights are now planned so travelers can easily move from their flights to their hotels or cabins with less waiting or stress—a small change that can really make the trip much smoother.
Finnair’s efforts do not stop with just bigger numbers. By offering more flights at the right times, the airline is focusing on making each traveler’s experience as simple as possible from the time they leave home to the moment they step into Lapland’s snowy wonderland.
Which Lapland Destinations Will See More Finnair Flights?
The expansion includes significant increases to several major airports in Lapland. Here’s a look at what’s changing:
- Rovaniemi: Sometimes called the ‘official home of Santa Claus’, Rovaniemi is one of the most sought-after destinations in Lapland. This season, Finnair will fly here up to 72 times per week. That’s 10 more flights each week compared to last winter. The busiest travel days are weekends, with as many as 16 flights landing on Saturdays and 14 flights on Sundays. For travelers, this means more choices for both arrival and departure, which helps avoid crowded airports and long layovers.
- Kittilä: Kittilä is very popular with people heading to Lapland for skiing, especially to the resorts of Levi and Ylläs. Finnair will now offer 41 weekly flights to Kittilä, an increase of 7 flights from last year. This extra service will make it much easier for families and groups to plan holidays in the snow.
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Ivalo: Another gateway to Lapland, Ivalo Airport is the entry point for those who want to explore the northernmost part of Lapland. Travelers often come here for quiet nature, cross-country skiing, and log cabin stays. The airline’s new plan will have up to 33 weekly flights to Ivalo, 7 more than before.
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Kuusamo: Although Kuusamo is just outside the heart of Lapland, it’s a well-loved spot with top winter sports, including some of Finland’s most famous ski slopes. Finnair will increase flights with two extra departures on Saturdays and one on Sundays, placing even more focus on weekend travelers.
With these changes, many travelers will find it much easier to plan trips that match their work, school, or holiday commitments.
Direct Connections for International Travelers
Finnair’s network is built with international travelers in mind. The new flights between Helsinki and Lapland airports are designed for easy connections from major cities like London, Manchester, and Dublin. In fact, people coming from these cities can often connect in Helsinki and catch a flight to Lapland on the very same day, without the need for overnight stops.
One-way fares for these flights start at just £127, making Lapland an accessible destination for more people. For anyone interested in the official schedules or to book flights, Finnair provides a clear and direct booking experience through its website, which includes all current fares and flight details. For more details, you can visit the official Finnair Lapland travel page.
Why Is Demand for Lapland So High?
Every winter season, Lapland draws thousands of tourists who are searching for a truly special holiday. There are a few main reasons why so many people are choosing to travel here:
- The Northern Lights: Lapland is one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights. These colorful displays in the sky are visible on clear nights from late autumn until early spring.
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World-Class Ski Resorts: From Levi and Ylläs to Ruka and Pyhä-Luosto, Lapland is filled with top ski resorts. Both beginners and experts will find gentle slopes and longer runs, and many resorts offer equipment rentals and lessons for all ages.
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Santa Claus’s Office in Rovaniemi: Visitors of all ages can experience the magic of Christmas at Santa Claus’s office in Rovaniemi. This popular attraction allows families to meet Santa himself and send mail from the Santa Claus Post Office, making it a unique draw, especially for those with children.
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Winter Adventures: Activities such as reindeer and dog sledding, snowmobiling, and relaxing in warm saunas after a day in the snow are easy to find. For those who want something truly different, a stay in a glass igloo or log cabin under the stars is unforgettable.
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Extended Snow Season: In this part of Finland, you can enjoy snow for up to seven months each year, which gives you a long window to try winter sports or simply enjoy the stillness and beauty of snow-covered forests.
These attractions are only part of why demand is so high. Many people also come to Lapland for its clean air, peaceful nature, and the welcoming way people treat each guest.
Planning the Perfect Lapland Trip
For many travelers, the hardest part of planning a Lapland adventure is finding the right time and way to get there. With Finnair’s updated schedule, it’s now much easier to book flights that match accommodation check-in and check-out times, especially for popular periods like Christmas and the New Year.
- Booking In Advance: These flights fill up quickly during winter peaks. Booking early will give travelers more options on dates and fares.
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Connecting from Abroad: Thanks to Finnair’s connections through Helsinki, people from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the rest of Europe can reach Lapland’s main airports—especially Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo—in just a few easy steps.
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Accommodation Choices: Lapland has many options from simple hostels to luxury resorts, holiday cabins, and glass igloos with views of the night sky.
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Travel Essentials: As winter temperatures can drop well below zero, travelers should pack warm clothing. Many hotels and resorts also offer rental gear for outdoor activities.
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Flexible Itineraries: With more flights overall, it’s now less risky if your plans suddenly change. The extra services give families and groups the chance to re-book or move dates without major trouble.
Impact on Lapland’s Communities and the Finnish Economy
The Finnair increase is about more than just moving people between Helsinki and Lapland. These extra flights support the local economy in many ways:
- Tourism Growth: Each tourist brings money into the region. This helps hotels, restaurants, local guides, tour operators, and shops.
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Jobs for Locals: With more visitors, there’s a need for more workers—everything from airport staff to ski instructors, hotel cooks, and reindeer guides.
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Year-Round Stability: While winter is busiest, Finnair’s commitment to being the only major airline serving Lapland all year means that people keep coming outside the main season. This keeps jobs stable and businesses running even in quieter months.
Lapland’s growth as a destination also helps build friendships between Finland and other countries, as more people learn about Finnish culture, food, and traditions.
What’s Next for Lapland and Finnair?
Finnair’s move is seen as a response to the strong, rising interest in travel after challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this is not just about meeting new demand, but thinking ahead to what travelers want most—easy, direct, and reliable ways to reach special places like Lapland.
There’s also talk among travel experts about how expanded flights might bring new challenges. Large numbers of people could put pressure on Lapland’s small towns and natural areas. Many in the region are now looking at ways to welcome more guests while still protecting nature and keeping Lapland’s peaceful atmosphere. This includes managing visitor numbers in sensitive places and encouraging tourists to travel respectfully.
Broader Impacts: For Travelers, Families, and Nature
Whether you’re planning your first Christmas trip with children or you’re a keen skier searching for new slopes, these changes can make travel smoother. The extra flights mean:
- Shorter transit times and fewer layovers, making it easier to travel with children or a group
- More flexibility to find flights that fit school holidays or annual leave from work
- Reduced congestion at airports, leading to a calmer travel experience
At the same time, Lapland’s communities are working with travel companies and visitors to spread the benefits of tourism year-round. In summer and autumn, Lapland is great for hiking, berry picking, and seeing the colorful “ruska” season when trees change to red, yellow, and gold. By encouraging trips outside winter, jobs and businesses stay healthy all year, not just during the high season.
If You’re Considering a Trip
Finnair’s new schedule opens the door to Lapland and especially to Rovaniemi for a wider range of travelers. Whether you dream of meeting Santa Claus, skiing in world-class resorts, or just experiencing the clean snow and star-filled skies, getting there is now easier than ever.
Before you go, be sure to:
- Check the latest entry and visa requirements for Finland 🇫🇮 on the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) website
- Book flights and accommodation well in advance for busy holiday periods
- Plan some activities early, like visits to Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi or guided tours for the Northern Lights
Finnair’s expanded service is expected to boost tourism, create new jobs, and help more people discover the wonders of Finnish Lapland. By focusing on careful planning, respect for nature, and customer-friendly travel times, the airline is strengthening its status as the top choice for winter travel to the north.
In summary, the new Finnair schedule to Lapland—with a strong focus on Rovaniemi and other popular airports—sets a new standard for winter travel. It highlights how important easy flights are for tourism and local communities and gives you, the traveler, more freedom to create unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most beautiful winter locations.
Learn Today
Lapland → Northern region of Finland, famous for its snowy wilderness, Northern Lights, and Santa Claus’s hometown, Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi → A city in Lapland, known as the ‘official home of Santa Claus’ and a major winter tourist destination.
Check-in and check-out times → The times set by hotels when guests can arrive or depart. Synchronized flight times reduce waiting for travelers.
Schengen Visa → Travel permit allowing entry to most European countries, including Finland; required for visitors from non-EU countries.
Glass igloo → A type of accommodation in Lapland featuring transparent roofs or walls for viewing the night sky and Northern Lights.
This Article in a Nutshell
This winter, Finnair dramatically increases its flights to Lapland, offering travelers more access than ever. With 179 weekly flights—including expanded service to Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo—adventurers can easily experience the Northern Lights, Santa Claus, and snowy landscapes, boosting tourism and benefiting local communities across Finland’s unique northern region.
— By VisaVerge.com
