Latvian airline airBaltic is doubling down on winter travel demand with a major expansion into Finnish Lapland, unveiling a series of new direct routes to Kuusamo starting in December 2026.

The move positions the airline at the heart of Europe’s fast-growing Arctic tourism market, with new connections from London, Manchester, Berlin, Hamburg and Riga, its home base. The expansion forms part of the carrier’s 2026-2027 winter schedule and reflects surging interest in snow-based holidays and northern experiences.

Lapland’s rising winter appeal

Kuusamo, home to the popular Ruka ski area, has been gaining traction as a winter destination thanks to its reliable snowfall, Arctic scenery and opportunities to witness the northern lights.

“Ruka-Kuusamo is a growing winter destination that offers excellent skiing opportunities and a unique northern natural environment,” said Mantas Vrubliauskas, vice president of Network Development at airBaltic, according to Finavia.

He added that the new routes complement the airline’s existing connection to Kittilä, giving travellers across Northern Europe more flexibility when planning winter holidays.

Flight schedule and capacity

The UK routes will operate weekly on Sundays between 13 December 2026 and 28 March 2027, with departures from London Gatwick Airport and Manchester. Flights will be operated using the Airbus A220-300, accommodating up to 148 passengers per journey.

To meet peak seasonal demand, airBaltic will also base one aircraft overnight at Kuusamo Airport, enabling additional direct connections and expanded weekend services during the busiest winter months.

Travellers already have access to direct flights to Kuusamo from Düsseldorf, Zurich and Frankfurt, reinforcing the region’s growing accessibility.

Broader European expansion

Beyond Lapland, airBaltic is also strengthening its southern European network. New routes from Gran Canaria will connect to Poznań, Warsaw and Katowice, while Tenerife will see added services to Liège, Palanga and Ljubljana.