Flight disruption strands tourists in Lapland

Severe cold weather has grounded flights at Kittila Airport, in Finland’s Lapland region, leaving thousands of tourists stranded.

Kittila Airport is popular with tourists – particularly those looking to see the Northern Lights, or visit nearby ski resorts in places such as Levi and Ylläs.

Flights on 11 January to cities such as Amsterdam, Bristol, London, Manchester, and Paris did not go ahead, as temperatures did not go above -35°C.

According to predictions by the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), this disruption is due to continue on 12 January, as temperatures are expected to go as low as -39°C.

Finnish Lapland has an average winter temperature of -14°C, although dips to -30°C are not unusual.

The extreme cold makes de-icing planes difficult, while refuelling and maintenance equipment can also freeze. Planes need to be de-iced prior to takeoff, because ice and snow build-up on wings can significantly disrupt air flow, reduce lift, and increase drag – making takeoff and flight unsafe.

Flights to the Caribbean were also disrupted earlier this month due to US military operations in Venezuela.