Northern Finland airports fuel growth as leisure travel gains momentum

New passenger figures highlight the rising importance of Lapland and other leisure-driven destinations in Finland

According to Finavia, a total of 20.4 million passengers travelled through Finland’s airports in 2025, marking an increase of 4.4 percent compared with the previous year. Overall air traffic has now recovered to around 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels, broadly in line with European averages..

International connectivity remains strong

International travel continues to drive growth, with Helsinki Airport maintaining its position as a key hub between Europe and Asia. Transfer traffic has increased alongside new long-haul routes, reinforcing Finland’s role in global air connectivity.

Lapland stands out among regional airports

The strongest growth was recorded at leisure-oriented airports in Northern Finland. Rovaniemi Airport exceeded one million passengers for the first time, while Kittilä and Kuusamo also reported rising numbers. The figures reflect sustained demand for nature-based and winter travel experiences, with Lapland benefiting from an expanding network of direct international flights.

What this means for tour operators

For tour operators and travel professionals, the data points to improved accessibility and growing capacity in Northern Finland. Strong airlift supports the development of seasonal and year-round products and confirms Lapland’s position as one of the most resilient and attractive leisure destinations in the Nordic region.

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