AirBaltic Expands Lapland Access: A Sign of Growing Winter Travel Demand
Latvian airline airBaltic is bolstering its winter flight schedule with five new direct routes to Kuusamo, Finnish Lapland, starting this December. The expansion, encompassing flights from London, Manchester, Berlin, Hamburg, and Riga, signals a growing trend in accessible winter tourism and the increasing appeal of destinations beyond traditional Alpine ski resorts.
Ruka-Kuusamo’s Rising Popularity
The choice of Kuusamo is no accident. The Ruka-Kuusamo region was recognized as the Outdoor Destination of the Year in 2025 by the Scandinavian Outdoor Award Travel. This award, presented at ITB Berlin, underscores the region’s growing reputation for diverse outdoor activities. The new airBaltic routes are expected to bring an additional 11,840 tourists to the area.
Beyond skiing, Ruka-Kuusamo offers a wide range of winter experiences, including snowshoeing, ice fishing, and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. In the summer months, the region transforms into a haven for canoeing, hiking, bear watching, and white-water rafting. The area also boasts three national parks.
The Broader Trend: Northern Lights and Alternative Winter Destinations
AirBaltic’s move reflects a broader shift in winter travel preferences. While established ski destinations in the Alps remain popular, travelers are increasingly seeking unique and less crowded experiences. Destinations offering the chance to see the Northern Lights, like Finnish Lapland, are experiencing a surge in interest. This is coupled with a desire for more diverse outdoor activities beyond downhill skiing.
The airline is also expanding its winter program with additional weekend services and by stationing an aircraft at Kuusamo Airport during peak season, ensuring more convenient connections. This strategy of aircraft basing is becoming increasingly common as airlines respond to seasonal demand fluctuations.
AirBaltic’s Network Expansion: Beyond Lapland
The expansion isn’t limited to Finland. AirBaltic is also launching new routes from Gran Canaria to Poznan, Warsaw, and Katowice, and from Tenerife to Liège, Palanga, and Ljubljana. This demonstrates a wider strategy of network diversification and a focus on connecting smaller European cities.
Impact of Increased Accessibility
Direct flights are a key driver of tourism growth. By eliminating layovers, airBaltic is making Kuusamo more accessible to travelers from the UK, Germany, and Latvia. This increased accessibility is expected to boost the local economy and support the development of tourism infrastructure.
Flights from Manchester and London Gatwick will operate on Sundays between December 13, 2026, and March 28, 2027, utilizing Airbus A220-300 aircraft with a capacity of 148 passengers.
FAQ
Q: When do the new airBaltic flights to Kuusamo start?
A: The new flights begin in December 2026.
Q: Which cities will have direct flights to Kuusamo?
A: London, Manchester, Berlin, Hamburg, and Riga.
Q: What other activities are available in Ruka-Kuusamo besides skiing?
A: Snowshoeing, ice fishing, Northern Lights viewing, hiking, canoeing, bear watching, and white-water rafting are all available.
Q: Will there be more frequent flights during peak season?
A: Yes, airBaltic will station an aircraft overnight at Kuusamo Airport and offer additional weekend services.
Did you know? Ruka-Kuusamo was named the Outdoor Destination of the Year in 2025, highlighting its growing appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: Book flights and accommodation in advance, especially if traveling during peak season, to secure the best deals.
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