The cancellations are expected to continue into Monday, with the Finnish Meteorological Agency forecasting a low of -39C. The first flight scheduled to depart from Kittila on Monday was already cancelled.
The extreme cold poses significant challenges for aircraft operations. According to airport operator Finavia, the conditions make it difficult to de-ice planes, and maintenance and refuelling equipment on the ground is susceptible to freezing. 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 climate. However, Finnish Lapland typically experiences average winter temperatures 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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