Gällivare Airport

Overview

Gällivare Airport, officially known as Lapland Airport Gällivare, is a small regional airport serving the town of Gällivare and the surrounding mining and tourism areas in northern Sweden. Located about 8 kilometres east of Gällivare city centre, the airport primarily handles domestic flights and occasional charter services, especially during the winter season when visitors come to experience the Arctic wilderness, the Northern Lights, and the famous Icehotel in nearby Jukkasjärvi. The airport is also a key transport link for the mining industry in the region, as Gällivare is home to one of the world's largest underground iron ore mines (Kiruna’s neighbour). Despite its modest size, the airport provides essential connectivity to Stockholm and other parts of Sweden, with flights operated by major airlines like SAS and sometimes leisure carriers.

Location & Access

Gällivare Airport is situated approximately 8 kilometres east of Gällivare town centre along the E10 highway. The drive takes about 10–15 minutes by car. There is no direct public bus service to the airport, so passengers typically use taxis or rental cars. Taxis are available from the town centre and can be pre-booked. Rental car agencies operate at the airport, including larger chains that serve the region. The airport is also a convenient starting point for road trips to the Abisko and Kebnekaise areas. For those travelling from Kiruna, the distance is about 80 kilometres north (about 1 hour by car). The nearest major city is Luleå, roughly 220 kilometres southeast (about 2.5 hours by car). The airport does not have a railway station, but Gällivare town has a train station with connections to Stockholm and Narvik.

Facilities

Despite its small size, Gällivare Airport offers essential amenities for passengers. The terminal is compact, with a check-in area and waiting lounge. Confirmed facilities include:

• Wheelchair-accessible car park with designated spaces close to the terminal entrance.
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance with automatic doors and level access.
• Wheelchair-accessible toilet available in the terminal.
• Standard toilets for all passengers.

The airport does not have a restaurant or café, but vending machines may be available. There is no duty-free shop or lounge. Given the airport’s size, passengers are advised to bring any food or drinks they may need before or after security. The check-in and security areas are small, so queues are generally short, but arriving at least an hour before departure is recommended for domestic flights.

About the Region

Gällivare is located in the heart of Swedish Lapland, a region known for its vast forests, mountains, and unique Arctic culture. The area is a hub for winter tourism, with activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and Northern Lights viewing. The famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi (about 15 kilometres from Gällivare) attracts visitors from around the world. In summer, the Midnight Sun provides 24-hour daylight, perfect for hiking, fishing, and exploring the Laponia World Heritage area, including the national parks of Sarek, Padjelanta, and Muddus. The region is also rich in Sami culture, with opportunities to visit reindeer herding communities and learn about indigenous traditions. Gällivare itself is a mining town, with the Malmberget iron ore mine nearby, offering guided tours. The airport serves as a gateway for both business travellers (mining industry) and tourists seeking Arctic adventures.

Practical Information

• Airport Code: GEV (IATA)
• Address: Lapland Airport Gällivare, Föreningsgatan, 982 36 Gällivare, Sweden
• Phone: +46 970 780 00
• Website: gallivare.se/lapland-airport
• Opening Hours: The airport is not open every day. It operates according to flight schedules, typically opening a couple of hours before scheduled departures. Passengers should check the website for specific days and times. Peak hours are around 2 pm and 3 pm when most flights depart.
• Parking: The car park is free of charge and includes designated accessible spaces.
• Flights: Primarily domestic flights to Stockholm (Arlanda) and sometimes to other Swedish cities. Seasonal charters may also operate.
• Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK). Cards are widely accepted, but it’s advisable to have some cash for taxis.

For the most up-to-date information on flight schedules and airport status, check the official website or contact the airport directly.