Severe Storm Disrupts Lapland’s Kittila, Rovaniemi and Ivalo Airports, Causing Major Flight Disruptions Amid Holiday Season Chaos in Finland’s Arctic Region

Published on December 28, 2025

A severe storm wreaked havoc on Finland’s Lapland region on Saturday, disrupting operations at Kittila, Rovaniemi, and Ivalo airports. The storm caused major flight delays and cancellations, leaving many passengers stranded during the height of the holiday season. Known for its winter wonderland attractions, Lapland draws thousands of tourists seeking to experience its Arctic charm, but the weather chaos forced air traffic to come to a halt at these key airports. Recovery operations were quickly initiated at Kittila and Ivalo, with flights resuming in the evening. However, Rovaniemi remained closed for much of the day, further complicating travel plans. As the storm raged on, these airports struggled to maintain flight schedules, causing significant disruption for tourists heading to Lapland’s famous ski resorts and holiday destinations. Flight delays and cancellations served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Arctic weather.

Aircraft Slips off Runway in Stormy Conditions

The first incident occurred when a commercial aircraft, carrying approximately 150 passengers, slid off the runway while attempting to land at Kittila Airport. According to Finavia, the Finnish airport operator, the aircraft, which had arrived from Geneva, Switzerland, came to a stop in deep snow. Fortunately, all 150 passengers were unharmed during the landing incident.

While the identity of the airline involved in the incident has not been disclosed, Finavia confirmed that the plane was attempting to land on Kittila’s main runway when it lost traction in the snow due to the storm’s intensity. The airport’s emergency response team quickly intervened to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew, with no casualties or injuries reported. The aircraft’s position on the runway posed a temporary challenge for flight operations, delaying subsequent arrivals and departures.

Smaller Aircraft Hit Snowbank

In a separate incident that same afternoon, a smaller aircraft, carrying ten passengers, also faced trouble as it slid into a snowbank while attempting to land at Kittila. This second event, although less dramatic than the first, still caused disruptions for both passengers and airport staff. Similar to the earlier incident, no injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely escorted off the aircraft.

Both incidents were a result of the challenging weather conditions that made navigating the airport’s runway particularly hazardous. The snowbanks and icy patches left by the storm created dangerous conditions for aircraft attempting to land and take off.

Delays and Cancellations Across Lapland’s Major Airports

The storm did not limit its impact to Kittila alone. Finland’s other northern airports, including Rovaniemi and Ivalo, also experienced severe weather disruptions. These airports, which are major hubs for winter tourism in the Lapland region, saw multiple cancellations and delays as a result of the adverse weather conditions.

At Kittila, recovery operations to remove the aircraft that slid off the runway were underway throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Finavia worked quickly to ensure the aircraft was removed from the runway, although the ongoing operations contributed to significant delays for incoming and outgoing flights. By late afternoon, air traffic restrictions had been imposed on all three airports—Kittila, Ivalo, and Rovaniemi—due to the worsening weather conditions, which included heavy snow and gale-force winds.

Flight operations were eventually resumed at Kittila and Ivalo by the evening, as the storm began to subside. However, Rovaniemi remained closed to air traffic for much of the day. Finavia noted that air traffic controllers and airport personnel were continuously assessing conditions and adjusting flight operations to ensure safety.

Lapland’s Busy Winter Season and Impact on Tourists

The timing of the storm couldn’t have been worse for the Lapland region, which is currently in the midst of its peak tourist season. Known worldwide for its enchanting winter landscapes, world-class ski resorts, and as the home of Santa Claus, Lapland is a sought-after destination for holidaymakers.

The region typically sees a surge in air traffic during the winter months, with thousands of tourists flocking to experience the Arctic charm, northern lights, and winter activities. Kittila Airport, one of the busiest airports in Lapland, serves as a major entry point for visitors traveling to ski resorts such as Levi and Ylläs, among others. Rovaniemi, home to the famous Santa Claus Village, is another key location for tourists from around the world.

Despite the disruption, local tourism officials expressed confidence that the region’s infrastructure would recover quickly, allowing visitors to continue enjoying their holidays without significant setbacks. Local businesses that rely on the influx of winter tourists, from resorts to restaurants and excursion companies, also prepared for some short-term inconveniences caused by the storm. However, tourism experts are optimistic that the weather-related disruptions will not deter visitors from experiencing the magic of Lapland.

Safety Protocols and Response

The response from airport authorities, including Finavia and local air traffic control, was swift and organized. The airport operator worked in close coordination with emergency services and airlines to ensure that all affected passengers were safely taken care of. A dedicated team was on-site to manage the recovery operations, as well as provide timely updates to passengers and their families.

Finavia also issued statements to reassure the public that all necessary safety precautions were being followed, and efforts were underway to minimize the disruptions to air traffic. It was made clear that, while the airport experienced significant operational challenges due to the weather, passenger safety remained the top priority.

Looking Ahead: Weather Conditions and Recovery

As of the evening of December 27, Finavia reported that flight operations at Kittila and Ivalo were gradually returning to normal, with air traffic restrictions lifted. However, Rovaniemi remained closed to flights as the storm continued to affect the area. Authorities continued to monitor the situation closely, assessing the impact of the storm on both flight operations and passenger safety.

With more snow expected in the coming days, Finavia has urged all passengers traveling to or from the Lapland region to stay informed about any changes to flight schedules. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport and to account for potential delays or cancellations.

Conclusion

The storm at Kittila Airport serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather in the Arctic regions. While the situation at Kittila, Rovaniemi, and Ivalo has been managed effectively, it has nonetheless caused significant disruptions to both local tourism operations and air travel. As Lapland continues to attract visitors from around the globe, the ability to manage such incidents with efficiency and safety is paramount for the region’s airports.

Finavia and other local authorities are continuing to monitor conditions in real-time, working tirelessly to ensure that Lapland’s airspace is safe for travelers. The holiday season in Lapland remains an exciting and enchanting time for many, despite the temporary disruptions caused by the storm.