On December 16, 2024, Lufthansa celebrated the first anniversary of its direct flights between Oulu and Munich. As the only year-round international connection from Oulu Airport, the route exceeded expectations, attracting a balanced mix of Finnish, German, and other international travelers.
Throughout its inaugural year, the route maintained steady passenger numbers across all seasons. Initially, Finnish travelers made up the majority of passengers, but over time, a significant number of German and other international travelers began using the service. This diversification highlighted the growing appeal of the route and its importance in connecting Northern Finland to Central Europe.
Since its introduction, the Oulu–Munich connection brought a 27% increase in German tourists to the region. Surveys conducted by BusinessOulu at Oulu Airport showed that these visitors stayed for an average of more than six nights, making a notable contribution to the local tourism economy.
Lufthansa expressed satisfaction with the route’s performance, citing the possibility of adding a third weekly flight to meet growing demand. The airline credited BusinessOulu, the Oulu Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Oulu for their support in promoting and sustaining this connection.
The Oulu–Munich route provided Northern Finnish travelers with direct access to Central Europe and Lufthansa’s extensive global network. The inclusion of Business Class on the route was particularly well-received, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
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