SWISS A220 Crashes into Snowbank at Kittilä Airport Amid Fierce Winds and Icy Conditions – Passengers Unharmed but Chaos Ensues

Published on December 29, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In a dramatic turn of events, a SWISS A220 found itself sliding uncontrollably into a snowbank at Kittilä Airport in Lapland, Finland, amid fierce winds and icy conditions. This incident unfolded when the A220, coming in from Geneva, had just completed its landing and appeared stationary on the taxiway. However, a powerful gust of wind, combined with the icy conditions, sent the aircraft sliding along the snow-covered taxiway, straight into a snowbank. Despite the harrowing circumstances, the good news is that all passengers aboard the flight walked away unharmed.

The incident at Kittilä Airport disrupted normal operations and caused considerable chaos. The fierce winds and icy conditions in the area contributed to a difficult recovery effort. While the SWISS A220 suffered no significant damage, the passengers were stranded for hours as airport authorities worked to resolve the situation. The scene was chaotic, but it ended on a positive note, with everyone safe.

The story serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers of flying in extreme winter conditions, especially at remote airports like Kittilä, where fierce winds and icy conditions can turn an ordinary flight into a nightmare. Continue reading to learn more about how the SWISS A220 and its passengers managed this dangerous ordeal.

SWISS A220 Slides into Snowbank at Kittilä Airport: A Lapland Winter Nightmare You Won’t Believe

In a scene that could have been taken straight out of a winter travel horror story, a SWISS Airbus A220 found itself trapped in a snowbank after a dramatic encounter with severe winter weather at Kittilä Airport (KTT) in Lapland, Finland, on the afternoon of December 27, 2025. The Airbus, coming off a smooth landing after a four-hour flight from Geneva, was left sliding uncontrollably as it was struck by a gust of wind. The once safe aircraft, filled with 150 passengers, was left stranded for hours in a thick mound of snow. But despite the chaos, everyone aboard walked away unharmed, making this incident yet another reminder of just how unpredictable air travel can be in the heart of a snowstorm.

SWISS A220 Slides into Snowbank: A Winter Nightmare at Kittilä Airport

It all started when the SWISS Airbus A220-300, HB-JCM, touched down at Kittilä Airport in Lapland, Finland, in what appeared to be a routine landing. But moments after the aircraft had come to a stop, a violent gust of wind sent it sliding dangerously across the taxiway. The tarmac was covered with thick snow, which, combined with the wind, made it difficult for the aircraft to maintain control. The aircraft found itself sliding off the runway and directly into a snowbank, leaving it stuck for hours. This mishap occurred amid a fierce winter storm that affected northern Finland.

Although the A220 was not damaged during the incident, the passengers had a tense wait ahead of them. Authorities rushed to recover the aircraft, but severe winter weather conditions delayed the recovery operation. Eventually, after several hours, all 150 passengers and crew members were able to disembark safely. The event made headlines, not only because of the freak nature of the incident but also because of the swift and safe recovery effort.

Severe Winter Storm Hits Kittilä Airport: A Deadly Combination of Snow and Wind

Kittilä Airport, a small but bustling hub for travelers seeking the winter wonderland of Lapland, was hit by severe weather during the incident. Snowstorm conditions, with powerful crosswinds and near-freezing temperatures, created an extreme hazard for planes landing and taking off from the airport. The gusts of wind were so fierce that they not only affected the A220, but also blew a small business jet off course, leaving it stranded in the snow just moments after the SWISS flight had stopped.

Reports from weather stations at the time indicate that winds gusted up to 75 km/h (around 41 knots), making the conditions dangerously slippery for both ground crews and aircraft. These extreme winter conditions created chaos, but no injuries were reported, which is a testament to the professionalism of the airline crew and the airport staff.

The business jet in question, a Nextant 400XT, had to be recovered separately, with emergency crews working tirelessly in the snowstorm to bring both aircraft back under control. The incident sparked a wave of discussions about safety measures and the preparation required for aviation operations in extreme weather conditions, particularly in remote and snow-bound locations like Kittilä.

The Recovery Effort: Hours of Tension and Hard Work in Arctic Conditions

It wasn’t just the A220 that was affected by the weather on that fateful Saturday. The combined efforts to recover the A220 and the business jet caused significant delays at Kittilä Airport. With both aircraft immobilized on the snow-covered taxiway, the airport’s operations were temporarily disrupted, leading to cancellations and delays. However, airline personnel and airport ground staff worked tirelessly to recover the aircraft in the most challenging conditions imaginable.

Passengers, who had just touched down from Geneva, were stranded for hours, but thanks to the efficient and calm actions of all parties involved, everyone was safe. One of the most surprising aspects of the incident was the lack of damage to either aircraft despite the tough conditions. This was a lucky outcome, as aircraft often incur damage in similar weather conditions.

What Caused the SWISS A220 to Slide into the Snowbank?

The primary cause of the incident seems to stem from the combination of wind gusts, snow-covered taxiways, and near-zero visibility conditions. When the A220 landed and came to a stop, the wind gusts caught the aircraft off guard, pushing it sideways across the slippery surface and into a snowbank. This wind-induced slide was made all the more dangerous by the near-freezing temperatures that contributed to the slick and slippery taxiway surface.

Such conditions are not uncommon in the Arctic Circle region, especially in places like Lapland where weather extremities and snowstorms are frequent. However, it raises critical questions about airport winterization procedures, safety protocols, and whether Kittilä Airport and other similar northern hubs are sufficiently prepared for these increasingly erratic weather patterns.

No Injuries: SWISS A220 Passengers and Crew Walk Away Unscathed

Amid the turmoil, it is worth celebrating that the incident ended without a single injury. This is a testament to the safety standards maintained by SWISS, Kittilä Airport, and the aviation industry at large. Both passengers and crew members were able to disembark the A220 without harm, and the aircraft itself was eventually recovered without serious damage. The business jet was also recovered with minimal issues, and passengers were unharmed in that instance as well.

Despite the harrowing experience, passengers on the SWISS A220 were quick to express relief at the swift action of the airline and airport staff. It was a reminder of how aviation safety continues to improve even in the face of extreme weather.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Winter Travel in Lapland

The SWISS Airbus A220 snowbank incident at Kittilä Airport is a vivid reminder of the dangers posed by winter weather in the Arctic. While both aircraft involved in the incident were recovered safely, the incident raises important questions about how airports and airlines in extreme climates like Lapland handle severe weather. As global warming and climate change continue to cause unpredictable weather events, this story could become a cautionary tale for future winter travelers looking to explore Lapland.