Finnish aerodrome operator Finavia anticipates continued flight traffic growth across Lapland for the 2026/27 winter season. Regional passenger numbers are projected to rise by five to ten percent, while aircraft movements are expected to increase by four to eight percent. Growth is primarily driven by direct international scheduled routes as well as transfer traffic routing through Helsinki.
To manage the heightened operational demand, Finavia opened 120 seasonal jobs across Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo, and Kuusamo. This recruitment marks a 20 percent increase over the previous year, attracting 460 applicants—up nearly 60 percent compared to 2025. Consequently, local airport personnel numbers will more than double during the cold-weather peak.
Infrastructure upgrades accompany this operational expansion. In September, Rovaniemi commissioned a new 4000 square-meter parking zone featuring 130 spaces, alongside improved traffic routing for taxis, buses, and private vehicles. Passenger handling facilities were also modernized: Rovaniemi and Kittilä received upgraded check-in kiosks, while Ivalo introduced automated baggage drop stations.
To regulate traffic flows, Rovaniemi and Kittilä maintain a coordinated slot allocation mechanism introduced during the previous winter. This scheduling framework disperses traffic peaks and optimizes existing runway and apron capacity under winter operations.
Why it matters for your training
Coordinated airport slot allocation and expanded ground turnaround capacity directly impact flight planning and operational margins during winter line flying.
