On Saturday, December 2, 2023, Austrian Airlines operated the first flight between Vienna and Rovaniemi. The Finnish destination will be served once a week during the 2023/24 winter flight schedule.

“We see increasing demand and high interest in traveling in winter. We have therefore expanded our winter flight schedule and now fly to other 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. “We enable our passengers to fly directly from Vienna into the beautiful 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 have specifically expanded our winter flight schedule to include attractive tourist destinations and are thus fulfilling the travel wishes of our passengers. With our new destination Rovaniemi, Austrian Airlines is heading to the Lapland region and making it possible to fly directly from Vienna to the Northern Lights in winter.”

Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland and lies close to the Arctic Circle. This makes it not only an ideal destination for marveling at the northern lights, but it also impresses with its unique winter landscape, guaranteed snow and a comprehensive range of winter sports. But that's not all: According to legend, the so-called “Gate to the North” is also the seat of Santa Claus. The first flight to Rovaniemi takes off from Vienna Airport just in time for Advent. The passengers will be delighted with one or two Christmas surprises. Among other things, there will be a flying Christmas market with cookies and punch on board. Even after that, Christmas will continue to arrive at Vienna Airport.

“We are very pleased about the new connections from Austrian Airlines to Finavia Lapland Airports! The new route to Rovaniemi allows passengers to experience the wonders of Finnish Lapland in just one flight. Santa Claus himself greeted the lucky passengers who arrived on the first flight to Rovaniemi Airport. After all, this is Santa's official airport. The world-famous Levi ski resort is also just a flight away from Vienna – the slopes are just 13 kilometers from Kittilä Airport,” says Jonna Pietilä, Vice President of Finavia Lapland Airports and Director of Kittilä Airport.