The cancellations are expected to continue Monday, with the Finnish Meteorological Institute forecasting a low of -39C. The first flight scheduled to depart from Kittila on Monday was already cancelled.
According to airport operator Finavia, the extreme cold complicates aircraft de-icing procedures and can cause ground maintenance and refueling equipment to freeze. Finavia told public broadcaster Yle that moisture in the air exacerbated the situation by creating slippery frost.
Lapland, a region spanning northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland, is known for its cold and snowy conditions. However, Finnish Lapland typically experiences an average winter temperature of -14C, with occasional dips to -30C, according to the nation's tourism board. Kittila airport primarily serves travelers heading to nearby ski resorts.
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