airBaltic Adds 5 New UK & European Routes to Kuusamo for Winter 2026-2027

airBaltic Unlocks Winter Access to Northern Finland with New Kuusamo Routes

Starting this December, airBaltic is set to significantly improve winter travel options to Kuusamo, Finland, with the launch of five new direct routes from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Latvia. The new service, operating between December 2026 and March 2027, will connect Kuusamo Airport directly with London, Manchester, Berlin, Hamburg, and Riga, aiming to boost tourism to the region and provide easier access to its renowned ski resorts and natural landscapes. The airline will also station one aircraft at Kuusamo during peak winter months, a move designed to increase flight frequency and operational flexibility.

This expansion represents a substantial investment in Kuusamo’s growing status as a winter tourism destination. The initiative is a collaborative effort between airBaltic, Finnish aviation authorities, and local tourism organizations, all working to enhance the region’s appeal to international visitors. The addition of these routes is projected to bring nearly 12,000 additional international visitors to the area during the winter season, providing a significant economic boost to local businesses.

What’s Changing for Travelers?

For travelers planning winter trips to northern Finland, the new airBaltic routes offer a more convenient and streamlined travel experience. Previously, reaching Kuusamo often involved connecting flights, adding time and complexity to the journey. These direct routes eliminate those connections, making it easier for visitors from the UK and Germany, in particular, to access the region’s winter attractions. The ability to connect onward through Riga also expands access for travelers from other European destinations.

The New Routes: A City-by-City Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at the new routes and what they mean for travelers:

• London & Manchester (United Kingdom): Direct flights from both Gatwick and Manchester will provide convenient access for UK travelers seeking winter sports and northern experiences. Flights will operate every Sunday, utilizing the same aircraft based in Kuusamo.
• Berlin & Hamburg (Germany): These routes will open up Kuusamo to a significant German market, known for its appreciation of winter tourism.
• Riga (Latvia): As airBaltic’s hub, the Riga route not only provides direct access but also facilitates connections to a wider network of European cities.

airBaltic’s Strategic Aircraft Basing

A key component of this expansion is airBaltic’s decision to base one of its aircraft at Kuusamo Airport during the peak winter season. This strategic move allows the airline to operate multiple direct connections and improve flexibility across its network. Having an aircraft stationed locally enables more efficient operations and the addition of weekend services, catering to the typical travel patterns of leisure tourists. Finavia officials highlighted the historical significance of this development, marking Kuusamo Airport as a seasonal base for airBaltic.

Kuusamo: A Rising Winter Tourism Destination

Kuusamo is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier winter tourism destination in Finland. The Ruka-Kuusamo area offers a diverse range of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, northern lights viewing, and traditional Finnish sauna experiences. The region attracts over a million tourists annually, and the new airBaltic routes are expected to further increase visitor numbers. Head for Points notes Kuusamo’s growing popularity, positioning it as a major winter sports center.

What’s Next for Kuusamo and airBaltic?

The launch of these new routes is just the beginning. The collaboration between airBaltic, Finnish aviation authorities, and tourism organizations is ongoing, with a focus on further developing international travel to the region. Future plans may include expanding the route network to include additional European cities and increasing flight frequency during peak season. The success of this initiative will likely depend on continued demand from travelers and the ability to maintain efficient operations. Travel Wires reports that the expanded schedule highlights this continued collaboration.

This expansion by airBaltic underscores the growing demand for accessible winter travel experiences and positions Kuusamo as a key destination for European tourists seeking adventure and natural beauty.