Since the planning for the coming winter season starts right after the previous one ends, Finavia airports are always well prepared for winter. The lessons learned during the winter are used to develop even more efficient processes so that each snowflake is dealt with by a precisely planned operating model and a competent team. Finavia’s Snowhow is a combination of top-notch equipment, experience and cooperation that keeps Finnish airports open in any weather.
Preparation for winter begins already in the spring
Finavia’s maintenance professionals start preparing for the next winter already in the spring. The winter fleet of more than 200 machines – sweeper blowers, snow blowers, wheel loaders and anti-skid agents - undergoes thorough maintenance, upgrades and testing. At the same time, the competence and training of the personnel is ensured.
The recruitment of new seasonal employees starts already in May, so that the teams will be ready in October when the winter season begins.
The maintenance work for the summer season is also carried out in the spring and summer. In the extensive airport areas, hundreds of hectares of grass are mowed, runway and taxiway painted markings are refreshed, and electrical equipment is maintained. The airport infrastructure is inventoried so that maintenance operations can be targeted correctly. Each year, Finavia carries out both minor maintenance projects and major renovations with a total value of EUR 8-17 million.
Readiness increases and cooperation intensifies as the autumn approaches
Winter operations that are carried out around the clock begin in October. The cooperation between Finavia’s maintenance, air traffic control and apron professionals is seamless. The winter maintenance processes are reviewed and practised in practice so that everything will run smoothly and safely when the first snowfall occurs.
Weather forecasts and sensor data provide real-time information about the weather parameters that are continuously monitored and used to support decision-making. The aim is that measures can be taken at just the right time – often even in advance.
At this stage, everything should be ready. The main objective is to ensure safe air traffic in all weather conditions.
When the snow arrives, the machines operate on a tight schedule
When the first snow falls on the runway, it has been prepared for and the measures start immediately. The vehicles which weigh tens of tonnes move in a precisely agreed order, and each has its own defined place. Maintenance vehicles can clear the runways using several different sweeping patterns, and the chosen method depends on the prevailing wind conditions.
It takes about 11 minutes on average to clear one runway of snow at Helsinki Airport. At network airports, the duration varies depending on the conditions. At the same time, as the runways are being cleared of snow, another group takes care of the aprons. At Helsinki Airport's aprons, the Target Snow Removal method ensures that the work proceeds in a controlled and safe manner. At the same time, the close exchange of information between air traffic control and maintenance ensures that air traffic can continue as smoothly as possible.
In the winter, daily maintenance consists of constant readiness and prioritisation. The weather can change in an instant, and decisions are made according to the situation – managing all areas inside the safety fence. Safety is always the main objective. The work is carried out around the clock, and prevention, communication and cooperation between different units are emphasised. Every winter day is different, but the common goal remains the same: to ensure safe air traffic in all conditions.
A moment of rest in the spring before the work continues
When the spring sun melts the last snow piles, maintenance work does not stop; instead, it shifts to analysis and development. Accurate data is collected from each winter to further improve processes and training. The teams review successes, lessons learned and new ideas.
Major construction and renovation projects are also carried out in the spring and summer. Finavia invests annually in the maintenance of runways, aprons and other airport infrastructure. In addition, maintenance teams maintain the fleet and ensure that everything will be ready when the next winter arrives.
Therefore, Finavia’s Snowhow is not just about surviving the winter; it also involves continuous development. It is the result of cooperation, practice and prevention – as well as competence that attracts international attention.
Snowhow – an export product of Finnish expertise
Finavia’s winter expertise, i.e. 'Snowhow', attracts international interest year after year. Visitors arrive to learn how the network of the world’s northernmost airports remains operational even in harsh weather conditions – and even when snow covers everything.
Snowhow is much more than equipment and processes – it is teamwork that keeps Finland’s connections to the rest of the world open around the year.
During the 2025 winter season, Finavia will continue to develop Snowhow to be even more data-driven - with the aim of ensuring that the winter operations of Finnish airports continue to be the most efficient in the world.
