Why the Arctic is this Winter’s Hottest Market for European Airlines

25.05.2024 - 12:09 / skift.com / Air France / Neil Chernoff / Gordon Smith

Hundreds of new flights will serve the European Arctic region this year, collectively offering tens of thousands of additional seats. In recent weeks, major airlines from across the continent have announced a flurry of routes to destinations deep within the Arctic Circle. 

Notably, many of the services will be operated for the very first time, suggesting a shift in travel demand and broader consumer behaviors. 

As Skift reported earlier this week, Scandinavian countries are becoming more popular as the effects of climate change take hold. Higher average temperatures in traditional ski areas such as the French and Swiss Alps are a key factor. 

According to a report published by the European Tourism Commission, the search for more reliable weather conditions is driving many winter sports enthusiasts further north.

The demand for vacations away from the crowds has also been a broader post-pandemic shift. In 2022, Skift highlighted the ‘rapid ruralization of travel’ as one of its Megatrends, countering over-tourism in more established destinations.  

Here is just a selection of the major new air routes operating into and around the region this coming winter:

While the title of Santa Claus’ hometown is contested, Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, claims to be his official residence. From November 30, Lufthansa will fly twice a week from its Frankfurt hub for the first time. 

Alongside Rovaniemi, the German flag carrier already serves the northern Finnish destinations of Oulu, Kittilä, Ivalou, and Kuusamo, as well as Helsinki. 

From December 1, British Airways will add Tromsø as the most northerly destination on its global route map. The city sits comfortably within the Arctic Circle and is known as a prime location to view the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. It will be the first time the airline has served the Norwegian city. 

Neil Chernoff, BA’s Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said the airline’s schedule has been optimized to allow three and four-night trips that are in particular demand. Flights will operate twice a week until March 27. 

Joining its sister airline British Airways in Tromsø this winter is Iberia. The Spanish flag carrier will begin flights from its Madrid hub on December 1, with twice-weekly frequencies on Thursdays and Sundays until March 2. A total of 9,000 seats will be available during the three-month season. 

As well as Tromsø, Iberia is bringing back its Rovaniemi service. The airline, which described the route’s performance last year as “very successful,” is ramping up capacity for the coming winter. Flights will start on November 30 and end on March 1, representing an extra month of flying compared to a year earlier. The peak holiday period in