KLM Launches Winter Flights to Kittilä, Opening Access to Finnish Lapland
From November 23, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will operate a seasonal weekly flight every Sunday between Amsterdam and Kittilä, a town in the northwest region of Finnish Lapland. The service will continue until March 22, 2026, using Boeing 737-800 jets. Located above the Arctic Circle, Kittilä provides an essential entry point for visitors seeking to discover northern Finland’s winter scenery and outdoor activities.
The region around Kittilä is known for its lengthy winter season and dependable snow, which supports a variety of outdoor activities. Important characteristics of the area are:
- Proximity to major ski resorts
- Location near protected natural areas
- Opportunities for diverse winter outdoor activities
- Access to unique cultural traditions specific to the Arctic environment
This combination makes Kittilä a practical point for accessing winter destinations, providing travelers from Western Europe with a direct connection that reduces airport changes.
Near Kittilä, the Ice Village of Lainio is reconstructed annually from snow and ice and includes ice tunnels, sculptures, and a chapel. Lake Jerisjärvi, when frozen, allows for activities such as ice fishing and winter swimming, along with access to traditional saunas by the lakeshore. Additionally, the Sammuntupa reindeer farm allows visitors to learn about reindeer herding and take sleigh rides in the surrounding forests.
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is a notable nearby area, featuring extensive cross-country ski trails and largely untouched Arctic wilderness. Visitors have the option to hike or snowshoe to the top of Ylläs Fell, where they can take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Snow Fun Safari Base in Köngäs offers dog sledding tours, snowmobiling excursions, and guided wilderness trips tailored to different skill levels.
Seasonal air access to northern Europe is extended with this route, in addition to flights already operating to Rovaniemi. This new route offers travelers greater flexibility in reaching the more remote areas of Finnish Lapland, particularly during the winter season when weather conditions often make ground transportation difficult or unreliable.