Kittilä International Airport

Overview

Kittilä International Airport (also known as Kittilän lentoasema) is a regional airport located in the municipality of Kittilä in Finnish Lapland. Though classified as international, its traffic is heavily seasonal, peaking during the winter months when tourists flock to the nearby Levi ski resort and other Arctic destinations. The airport primarily handles charter and scheduled flights from across Europe, including from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. It is a key gateway for travelers aiming to experience the Northern Lights, snow-covered fells, and Santa Claus-themed attractions. During summer, traffic drops but remains steady with visitors drawn to hiking, fishing, and the midnight sun.

Location & Access

Kittilä Airport lies about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Kittilä town center and roughly 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of Levi, Finland’s largest ski resort. The airport’s address is Lentokentäntie 340, 99100 Kittilä.

Transport options:

• Car: The main road (Route 79/E8) connects the airport to Kittilä and Levi. Rental cars are available at the terminal from major companies.
• Bus: Coaches and shuttle services operate between the airport and Levi, especially during ski season. Timetables align with flight arrivals.
• Taxi: Fixed-rate taxis are available outside arrivals. A trip to Levi takes about 15 minutes.
• Private transfers: Many hotels and tour operators offer pre-booked transfers.

For those driving, the airport has a wheelchair-accessible car park close to the terminal entrance.

Facilities

Kittilä Airport is a compact terminal but provides essential amenities for passengers:

• Wheelchair accessibility: The car park, entrance, and toilets are wheelchair-accessible. The airport is designed to be easy to navigate.
• Baggage storage: Limited luggage storage is available – suitable for short-term holds.
• Toilets: Clean facilities, including a baby changing table.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the terminal, allowing travelers to stay connected before boarding or upon arrival.
• Changing table: A dedicated changing table is available in the restrooms.

The airport does not feature extensive dining or shopping – expect a small café or vending machines. Services are concentrated in the single terminal building. Note that there is no 24-hour operation; the airport opens and closes according to flight schedules.

About the Region

Kittilä Airport serves not only the town but the entire Tunturi-Lapland (Fell Lapland) region. Kittilä is located roughly 150 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, placing it in the heart of Finland’s winter wonderland.

• Levi Ski Resort: The main draw. Levi offers over 40 slopes, cross-country trails, and après-ski. It is also a popular venue for Northern Lights viewing – the aurora is visible from late August to April.
• Fells and Nature: The surrounding fells (e.g., Levi Fell, Kätkätunturi) provide hiking in summer and skiing in winter. The region is part of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, about 50 km west.
• Activities: Winter visitors enjoy snowmobiling, reindeer safaris, husky sledding, and ice fishing. Summer brings midnight sun hikes, berry picking, and canoeing.
• Santa Claus: While Rovaniemi is the official Santa Claus Village, many tour operators in Kittilä offer Santa-themed experiences.

The area is sparsely populated, with forests and lakes dominating the landscape. The indigenous Sámi culture has a presence, though the region is more modernized than northernmost Lapland.

Practical Information

• Website: Finavia – Kittilä (in Finnish, English available)
• Phone: +358 200 14919
• Hours: The airport does not operate 24/7. It opens approximately two hours before flights and closes after the last departure. Peak hours are around 9 pm and 10 pm, corresponding to arrival waves from European charter flights. Check your flight’s schedule for exact opening times.
• Currency: Euro. ATMs are limited – bring cash for taxis or small purchases.
• Language: Finnish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Plan ahead for food and supplies as the terminal’s offerings are minimal. If arriving late, arrange transport to your accommodation in advance.