For Finavia, companies operating at Finavia’s airports, and airlines, safety is always the top priority and will never be compromised. If the pre-flight procedures cannot be carried out without compromising quality, airlines may have to cancel flights.
Service providers operating at Kittilä and Rovaniemi airports, together with Finavia, have actively communicated with airlines about the challenging weather conditions and their impacts, so that each airline can make the best possible preparations for their operations in this exceptional situation.
In addition to the severe frost, there is moisture in the air, especially in the Kittilä area, which is unusual at such low temperatures. The combination of extreme cold and moisture intensifies the effects of the weather.
We ask passengers to closely follow updates from their airline or tour operator. Finnair has published a travel update for passengers on its Ivalo, Kittilä, Rovaniemi and Oulu flights.
Impacts on processes and flights
Frost does not directly affect the airport itself, but it can impact airport processes. In Finland, airports do not close even in severe frost. However, extreme cold and winter conditions slow down work in outdoor areas, and for companies operating on the apron, the current weather and approximately –40°C temperatures can create challenges. In practice, this can mean that connectors on maintenance, ground handling, and refueling equipment freeze, and doors and hatches on ground vehicles can easily freeze shut. In some cases, outdoor operations may need to be suspended.
Currently, the biggest challenge is de-icing, which is performed before an aircraft departs. The de-icing fluids used at airports always comply with global standards and chemical limits. Airlines, together with ground handling companies, are responsible for de-icing.
Each airline assesses the overall situation created by frost and other weather conditions and decides whether de-icing is necessary before departure and whether operations are possible.
Instructions for passengers
The decision to cancel a flight is always made by the airline. Airlines have a duty of care, which includes, for example, arranging accommodation in situations where a flight is canceled or significantly delayed. The airline is also responsible for rebooking passengers on an alternative flight.
We ask passengers to closely follow updates from their airline or tour operator.
Read Finnair’s travel update dated 9 January 2026 here.
