Finland Unveils Direct AirBaltic Flights to Kuusamo, Unlocking a Winter Wonderland Destination with Skiing, Northern Lights, and Authentic Finnish Culture

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AirBaltic is broadening its reach with new direct flight routes to the magical Ruka-Kuusamo region in Finnish Lapland, starting this winter. As part of their 2026-2027 schedule expansion, these flights will bring more international visitors to the heart of Finnish nature, offering a blend of exciting winter activities and serene landscapes. This step comes in response to the growing interest in Lapland as a prime winter holiday and ski destination.

A New Gateway to Finnish Lapland

Starting in December 2026, AirBaltic will launch new flights from several European cities, including London, Berlin, and Riga, directly to the charming town of Kuusamo, known for its beautiful snowy landscapes. These flights will open up a whole new world of winter sports, Northern Lights viewing, and winter adventures for travellers. Whether you are looking to hit the slopes or experience Finland’s famous snow-covered wilderness, Kuusamo offers a range of winter activities that make it a must-visit destination.

The direct flights will operate weekly on Sundays from London Gatwick, Manchester, and Berlin, running through March 2027. AirBaltic will operate its flights with the Airbus A220-300, a modern aircraft capable of carrying up to 148 passengers. What’s more, one aircraft will remain stationed overnight at Kuusamo Airport, ensuring seamless connections for travellers eager to experience Finnish Lapland’s breathtaking winter charm.

AirBaltic’s decision to provide more direct flights to Kuusamo comes as no surprise, given the region’s soaring popularity. With ski resorts, national parks, and the allure of the Northern Lights, this region is rapidly becoming one of the top winter holiday destinations in Europe. The airline’s expanded services are set to accommodate thousands of eager tourists from the UK, Latvia, Germany, and beyond.

Skiing and Snow Sports in Kuusamo

Kuusamo, a region in Finnish Lapland, is famous for its ski resorts, especially Ruka. Ruka-Kuusamo attracts winter sports enthusiasts from around the world, offering fantastic ski slopes, snowboarding opportunities, and thrilling winter activities like snowshoeing and ice fishing. With pristine snow and world-class ski facilities, it’s easy to see why this area has become a go-to winter sports destination.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, the slopes of Ruka will provide a perfect challenge. The region is also renowned for cross-country skiing, with miles of well-maintained trails that wind through snowy forests and across frozen lakes. Those seeking adventure off the ski slopes can also enjoy activities such as snowmobiling, ice climbing, and dog sledding.

Moreover, visitors can take part in the unique Finnish tradition of sauna bathing, adding an element of relaxation after a day on the slopes. Traditional Finnish saunas offer a deep sense of peace and calm, allowing you to unwind in an authentic setting.

Stunning Natural Beauty and the Northern Lights

Beyond the skiing and snowboarding, Kuusamo is renowned for its natural beauty. The region is home to three stunning national parks, including Oulanka National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and picturesque landscapes. In winter, the park transforms into a magical winter wonderland, offering scenic walks, snowshoeing, and even ice fishing on the frozen rivers and lakes.

Kuusamo is also one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights in Finland. These magical displays of green, purple, and red lights dancing across the Arctic sky make the area an even more desirable destination. A Northern Lights experience in Kuusamo is an unforgettable adventure, giving visitors a glimpse of one of nature’s most incredible phenomena.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, Kuusamo also offers serene walking trails and peaceful winter landscapes that feel like something straight out of a winter fairytale. The town of Kuusamo itself is small and welcoming, providing a warm atmosphere that contrasts with the crisp Arctic air. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Finland’s pristine natural environment.

A Unique Finnish Experience

Kuusamo offers much more than just winter sports. This region is steeped in traditional Finnish culture, offering travellers a chance to experience reindeer herding, an essential part of Finnish heritage. Visitors can learn about the life of Sami herders, who have lived in the area for centuries, and even take part in reindeer safaris, where they can ride on sleighs pulled by reindeer through the snowy forests.

The region is also a hub for festivals throughout the year, including music and light festivals that celebrate the long Arctic nights. For those interested in more cultural activities, Kuusamo’s winter season also includes art exhibitions, local food experiences, and performances celebrating Finnish traditions.

Kuusamo is also home to some excellent local cuisine, where visitors can taste fresh fish from the lakes, wild berries, and traditional Finnish dishes such as reindeer stew and smoked salmon. This connection to local food and traditions provides a unique and authentic Finnish experience.

AirBaltic’s Role in Boosting Tourism

AirBaltic’s new flight routes are expected to contribute significantly to the region’s growing tourism sector. With the addition of more direct flights, more foreign tourists will have the opportunity to experience the winter magic of Ruka-Kuusamo. According to estimates, around 11,840 foreign tourists are expected to visit the region thanks to these new connections, helping boost local economies and support businesses in the area.

Moreover, the airline’s expansion in Finnish Lapland is expected to lead to even more development of the region’s tourism infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and winter activity providers. This growth in infrastructure ensures that visitors will have a wide range of accommodation options, from cozy chalets to luxurious resorts, making Kuusamo a suitable destination for all types of travellers.

In addition to flights to Kuusamo, AirBaltic is launching new routes from Gran Canaria to Poznan, Warsaw, and Katowice, as well as flights from Tenerife to Liège, Palanga, and Ljubljana. This expansion of AirBaltic’s services highlights the airline’s commitment to providing passengers with more travel options and further connecting the Nordic and Baltic regions with key European destinations.

A Year-Round Destination

While the winter months draw the largest number of visitors to Kuusamo, the region offers activities and beauty all year round. During the summer, the landscape transforms, offering visitors opportunities to experience Finland’s stunning natural beauty in a completely new way. Activities such as hiking, canoeing, bear watching, and white-water rafting are popular in the warmer months, offering a thrilling way to explore the Finnish wilderness.

Whether you are visiting in the winter for the skiing and Northern Lights, or in the summer for the hiking and water activities, Kuusamo offers something for everyone. With AirBaltic’s new flights, there has never been a better time to plan your trip to this Finnish paradise.

Conclusion: Your Winter Escape Awaits

Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland is a growing winter destination offering a perfect mix of thrilling outdoor activities, serene natural beauty, and Finnish culture. Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking to hit the slopes, a nature lover wanting to witness the Northern Lights, or someone looking for a peaceful winter retreat, Kuusamo has something to offer.

With AirBaltic’s expanded flight routes, it’s now easier than ever to visit this winter wonderland. From direct flights to Kuusamo from major European cities, to a host of activities that promise unforgettable memories, now is the time to plan your next winter holiday in Finnish Lapland. Book your tickets and get ready for a magical experience that will stay with you long after the snow has melted.