Lapland's Airport: Does It Exist?

is there an airport in lapland

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is known for its magical arctic landscapes and unique attractions, such as the Northern Lights and Santa Claus. With its growing popularity as a tourist destination, especially during winter, travellers often wonder about the best ways to access this remote area. Fortunately, there are several airports in and around Lapland that provide convenient access to this winter wonderland.

Characteristics Values
Airports in Finnish Lapland Rovaniemi Airport, Kittilä Airport, Ivalo Airport, Kemi-Tornio Airport, Kuusamo Airport
Airports in Swedish Lapland Luleå Airport, Kiruna Airport, Skellefteå Airport, Gällivare Airport, Arvidsjaur Airport
Airports in Norwegian Lapland Alta Airport
Airports with Direct Flights to Lapland Helsinki–Vantaa Airport

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Finnish Lapland is accessible via a network of six airports

Rovaniemi Airport is the second busiest airport in Finland, located about 10 kilometres north of Rovaniemi city centre. It is one of only three airports in Finland with jet bridges and is managed by Finavia. The airport served approximately 580,000 passengers in 2017, with the main season of charter traffic from Great Britain and other European countries lasting from the end of November to mid-January. Russians tend to arrive in January due to their later Christmas celebrations.

Kemi-Tornio Airport serves business travellers and tourists heading to Southern Lapland. Kemi has gained an international reputation for tourism, partly due to the impressive Snow Castle built every winter since 1996. The airport saw 37,000 passengers in 2023.

Kittilä Airport is located an hour away from Pallas, which is known for having the purest air quality in the world. Popular tourist destinations such as Lake Inari and Saariselkä are easily accessible from Ivalo Airport, the northernmost airport in Finland. Kuusamo Airport provides excellent connections to nature attractions and resorts in Lapland, with the Ruka ski and holiday resort just a 30-minute drive away.

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Rovaniemi Airport is the second busiest airport in Finland

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is home to a network of six conveniently located airports. One of these is Rovaniemi Airport, which is the second busiest airport in Finland after Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in terms of passenger numbers and landings. Located in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi, the airport is approximately 8-10 kilometres (5.0-6.0 mi) north of the city centre. The airport is managed by Finavia and offers connections to the city centre via taxi and multiple bus connections around Lapland.

Rovaniemi Airport is the official airport of Santa Claus and is known as the gateway to Finland's Arctic capital. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire the northern lights, experience the midnight sun, and visit Santa Claus, whose village is located just three kilometres away. The airport is serviced by flights from most major European cities and daily connections from Helsinki. The busiest time for the airport is during the Christmas season, particularly from the end of November to mid-January when many people take Santa Flights.

In addition to its role in civil aviation, the runway at Rovaniemi Airport is also used by F-18 fighter interceptors of the Lapin lennosto (Lapland Air Command). The airport has a rich history, having been built in 1940 with two grass-surfaced runways. During the Continuation War, it served as an airbase and supply centre for the German Luftwaffe. Today, Rovaniemi Airport has achieved net-zero carbon emissions and has been awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label.

Rovaniemi Airport provides easy access to many of Lapland's attractions, including ski resorts, national parks, and popular tourist destinations such as Lake Inari and Saariselkä. The airport's unique location means that the Arctic Circle crosses the runway near its northern end, adding to its appeal as a gateway to the Arctic region. With its combination of stunning natural scenery, cultural significance, and convenient transportation options, Rovaniemi Airport plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and accessibility in Finnish Lapland.

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Alta Airport in Norway offers access to destinations in Finnish Lapland

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is known for its arctic landscapes, northern lights, and winter activities. Despite its remote location, it is easily accessible via a network of airports. One such airport is Alta Airport in Norway, which offers travellers a gateway to destinations in Finnish Lapland.

Alta Airport, with the airport code ALF, is located in the town of Alta in Northern Norway. The town itself is one of the region's largest educational and research centres, hosting the Finnmark Municipal University. Alta is also known for its old trading and market traditions, as well as its modern shopping precincts and centres.

From Alta Airport, travellers can access several destinations in Finnish Lapland, including Kilpisjarvi, Utsjoki, and Nuorgam. These areas offer a range of attractions, such as the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, experience the indigenous Sámi culture, and explore the natural wonders of Lapland.

Inari, for example, is known as the capital of the indigenous Sámi culture. It is also a popular destination for nature lovers, with its proximity to Lake Inari. Saariselkä, another destination accessible from Alta Airport, offers year-round activities in a magnificent fell setting.

Additionally, travellers can visit Ivalo, a village that provides a unique northern experience, and Levi, a popular destination for winter activities and skiing. With daily connections from Helsinki and direct flights from Europe, Alta Airport serves as a convenient gateway to the wonders of Finnish Lapland.

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Luleå and Kiruna Airport are the main airports in Swedish Lapland

Lapland is an arctic region in the northern part of Finland. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its magnificent Snow Castle in Kemi, the indigenous Sámi culture in the village of Inari, and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and see the Northern Lights.

There are several airports in or near Lapland, depending on the specific region you are visiting. Luleå and Kiruna Airport are the main airports in Swedish Lapland. They offer great connections to international flights, with airlines such as SAS and Norwegian providing convenient travel options. Additionally, smaller airports in Skellefteå, Gällivare, and Arvidsjaur offer efficient connections to and from Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

If you are travelling to Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi Airport is a popular option. It is the second busiest airport in Finland and is located about 10 kilometres (6 miles) north of Rovaniemi city centre. The airport offers bus connections around Lapland and is known for its unique feature of having the Arctic Circle cross the runway near its northern end.

For those seeking the purest air quality in the world, Kittilä Airport is the gateway to Pallas, just an hour away. Ivalo Airport is another option for those wishing to visit popular tourist destinations such as Lake Inari and Saariselkä. Kuusamo Airport is ideal for nature enthusiasts, providing excellent connections to resorts and attractions in Lapland, including the nearby Ruka ski and holiday resort.

When travelling to Lapland, it is important to note that direct flights are rare, and most journeys involve a layover in Helsinki. However, many domestic and international airlines cooperate to facilitate seamless bookings from your point of origin to your destination in Lapland.

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There are no direct flights to Lapland, you must fly via Helsinki

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its pristine natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and winter activities. While Lapland does have several airports, there are no direct flights available to the region. Travellers must connect via Helsinki to reach their final destination in Lapland.

Lapland Airports form a network of six airports, conveniently located near the main tourist destinations in the region. These airports include Kittilä Airport, Ivalo Airport, Kemi-Tornio Airport, Rovaniemi Airport, Alta Airport, and Kuusamo Airport. Each of these airports provides access to different parts of Lapland and offers unique experiences to travellers.

Kittilä Airport, the northernmost airport in Finland, is known for its pristine air quality. From here, popular tourist destinations such as Lake Inari and Saariselkä are within easy reach. Ivalo Airport, located in the village of Inari, offers travellers a unique northern experience and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the indigenous Sámi culture.

Kemi-Tornio Airport, situated on the coast of the Bay of Bothnia, serves both business travellers and tourists heading to Southern Lapland. Kemi is known for its magnificent Snow Castle, built every winter since 1996. Rovaniemi Airport is considered the capital of Lapland and offers easy access to popular destinations such as Saariselkä and Kemi through public buses and rental cars.

Alta Airport, located in Norway, provides access to Finnish Lapland destinations such as Kilpisjarvi, Utsjoki, and Nuorgam. Finally, Kuusamo Airport offers excellent connections to nature attractions and resorts in Lapland, including the Ruka ski and holiday resort, which is just a 30-minute drive away.

While there are no direct flights to Lapland, travellers can easily reach the region by flying to Helsinki and then connecting to one of the Lapland Airports. These airports provide a gateway to the magical arctic region, offering a range of experiences that showcase the contrasts and beauty of Lapland.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there are airports in Lapland.

Finnish Lapland is served by a network of 6 airports, including Rovaniemi Airport, Kittilä Airport, Ivalo Airport, and Kuusamo Airport.

The main airports in Swedish Lapland are Luleå and Kiruna Airport. There are also smaller airports in Skellefteå, Gällivare, and Arvidsjaur.

In most cases, there are no direct flights to Lapland, and travellers must fly via Helsinki. However, there are direct flights to Swedish Lapland from various airports in Europe.

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