Austrian Airlines took off to Rovaniemi for the first time. After the first flight to the Andalusian capital took off in October, the winter flight schedule in the north is now being expanded. From December, Austrian Airlines will fly once a week to the seat of Santa Claus, the Finnish town of Rovaniemi. In cooperation with a tour operator, Austrian Airlines will also fly to the small town of Kittilä, known for its winter sports.

“We are seeing increasing demand and a high level of travel interest in winter. We have therefore expanded our winter flight schedule and are now flying to two further destinations in the north in addition to tourist destinations in the south. The capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, will now be served weekly from Vienna from December. This will enable our passengers to fly directly from Vienna to the dreamlike landscape of northern Finland to see the Northern Lights, go on a husky tour or explore the unique winter sports landscape,” emphasizes CCO Michael Trestl.

“We are really excited to welcome Austrian Airlines’ connections to Finavia Lapland Airports! The new route to Rovaniemi enables passengers to experience the wonders of Finnish Lapland with just one flight. Santa himself was there to greet the lucky passengers arriving on the first flight to Rovaniemi Airport. After all, it’s the official airport of Santa Claus. The world-famous Levi ski resort is also just one flight away from Vienna – the slopes are located only 13-kilometers from Kittilä Airport, says Jonna Pietilä, Finavia’s VP Lapland Airports and Kittilä Airport director.

Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland and is located right next to the Arctic Circle. This makes it an ideal destination not only for marveling at the Northern Lights, but also for its unique winter landscape, guaranteed snow and extensive range of winter sports. But that’s not all: according to legend, the so-called “Gateway to the North” is also the home of Santa Claus. The first flight to Rovaniemi takes off from Vienna Airport just in time for Advent. Passengers will be treated to a Christmas surprise or two. Among other things, there will be a flying Christmas market with cookies and punch on board. Even after this special event, Christmas will continue to arrive at Vienna Airport. Among other things, on December 5, three days after the first flight to Rovaniemi, an Austrian Airlines Santa Claus will present passengers with “Servus” chocolate coins.

Flight details at a glance: