Why Did Extreme Cold Ground Flights and Strand Tourists in Finnish Lapland?

Extreme cold caused widespread Kittilä airport flight cancellations in severe cold northern Finland over the weekend, leaving thousands of stranded tourists in Finnish Lapland.

Finland’s national public broadcaster Yle reported the temperature. On the morning of January 11, it dropped to minus 37 degrees Celsius (-34.6 degrees Fahrenheit) at the airport. This frigid air made Aircraft de-icing operations and other ground tasks difficult. The deep freeze was expected to continue in Kittilä. Temperatures were forecast to reach almost minus 40 degrees Celsius (-40 F).

Operational Challenges at Kittilä Airport

Airport operator Finavia confirmed the cancellations. They noted the severe cold created challenges for ground operations. Ground equipment connectors and vehicle hatches froze. This made essential tasks like de-icing and refuelling unfeasible. Safety is the paramount concern for all operations. Airlines will not compromise safety standards. If pre-flight activities fail, flights must be cancelled.

Finnair, a major operator, cancelled 23 flights on Sunday alone. This included 15 international and eight domestic services. Many European hubs had scheduled flights to Kittilä. These hubs include London, Paris, and Amsterdam. The cancellations hit full flight rotations. This created a multi-day backlog risk for travelers. The extreme temperature flight delays highlight aviation’s vulnerability to weather.

Wider European Aviation Disruption

This cold wave is more severe than usual. It has impacted large parts of central and eastern Europe. The European aviation disruption extended beyond Finland. Delays were reported at other Finnish airports. Airports in Germany, including Berlin and Hamburg, also saw cancellations.

Ground transport was also severely affected. Germany’s Deutsche Bahn halted all rail service in the north. Icy roads and heavy snow made travel difficult. Authorities in the Baltic states urged drivers to delay nonessential travel.

Industry and Passenger Impact

The situation underscores the need for robust winter operational protocols. Finavia and airlines must adhere to strict safety guidelines from bodies like EASA. Extreme cold affects both aircraft and ground support systems. For example, Airbus aircraft and others have specific cold weather operating limits. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) tracks global operational challenges. This event is a reminder of the significant costs of weather-related delays. Stranded passengers face long waits for rebooking. Travelers should monitor their airline's updates closely. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit https://flying.flights.

• 23 Finnair flights were cancelled on January 11, including 15 international services.
• Temperatures reached -37°C (-34.6°F), making de-icing and refuelling unworkable.
• The severe cold caused a multi-day backlog of flights, stranding thousands of tourists in Lapland.