The new flights are part of airBaltic’s expanded winter schedule. The program includes additional weekend services as well as the stationing of one aircraft at Kuusamo Airport during the busiest winter months. Having the aircraft overnight in Kuusamo enables multiple direct connections between Kuusamo and various European city destinations.
“We are pleased to open direct flights to Kuusamo from five European cities across three different countries. Ruka–Kuusamo is a growing winter destination that offers excellent skiing opportunities and a unique northern natural environment. Together with our existing route to Kittilä, these new additions provide our customers in Finland, Latvia, Germany and the United Kingdom with even more options for planning their winter holidays,” says Mantas Vrubliauskas, Vice President Network Development at airBaltic.
“It is wonderful to see travel to Kuusamo’s unique winter landscapes continue to grow. airBaltic’s new direct routes significantly strengthen the region’s international appeal and provide travellers with even smoother connections to Finland. Through Riga’s extensive network, it will also be possible to travel to Kuusamo from numerous other European destinations,” says Petri Vuori, Vice President Route Development at Finavia.
“Kuusamo Airport will become a seasonal base for an airBaltic aircraft, making this a historically significant development. At the same time, it creates direct scheduled connections from two new markets – the United Kingdom and Latvia – to Ruka–Kuusamo and strengthens accessibility from Germany, one of our key source markets. These new flight connections are a strong indication of our region’s growing position in international markets,” says Janne-Juhani Haarma, CEO of Ruka–Kuusamo Tourism Association.
The new routes complement Kuusamo’s existing direct connections from Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Zurich. They offer even more choices for winter holiday travellers coming from Europe to Ruka–Kuusamo – and, in turn, from Koillismaa to Central Europe.
“AirBaltic’s new connections offer an excellent opportunity to make Ruka-Kuusamo’s attractive winter activities and beautiful natural landscapes accessible to an increasing number of European travelers. These new route openings highlight the results of long-term collaboration and a strong, shared commitment to developing tourism in the region,” says Teemu Ahola, Director of International Operations at Visit Finland.
The new flight connections will allow an estimated 11,840 international visitors to enjoy the winter offerings of Ruka–Kuusamo, including the ski slopes of Ruka Ski Resort, the region’s stunning national parks and a wide variety of winter experiences.
Awarded at the Scandinavian Outdoor Award Travel in 2025, Ruka–Kuusamo is one of Finland’s most versatile holiday destinations. In addition to a top-level ski resort, the area offers hiking opportunities in three national parks, northern lights viewing, insights into local reindeer herding, and relaxation in traditional Finnish saunas. Alongside the wide range of activities, Ruka–Kuusamo is known for its extensive event offering: international sports competitions as well as music and light festivals bring their own unique atmosphere to different seasons.
More information and flight tickets are available on the airline’s website.
More information about Kuusamo and Ruka.
Image: Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association /Harri Tarvainen
