The introduction of a weekly flight service from Manchester to Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland by airBaltic, commencing December 13, 2026, marks a significant development for winter tourism in the region. This service will continue until the end of March 2027, providing travelers with direct access to one of the most popular winter destinations.
Kuusamo is situated approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Rovaniemi, which is renowned as the official home of Father Christmas. This proximity allows visitors to enjoy a variety of winter activities, including husky and reindeer sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
This new route represents the first regular scheduled service from Manchester to Lapland, expanding travel options for those looking to experience the unique winter landscape and activities the region offers.
Flights will be operated using airBaltic’s Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which accommodates 148 passengers in both Economy and Business Class. The pricing for this service is competitive, with one-way fares starting at £120 in Economy and £309 in Business Class.
As the winter season approaches, this new flight service is expected to attract a significant number of tourists eager to explore the enchanting winter scenery and partake in various seasonal activities.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential impact on local tourism businesses, but the introduction of this flight service could lead to increased visitor numbers in the region.













