The cancellations are expected to continue into Monday, with the Finnish Meteorological Agency forecasting a low of -39C. According to public broadcaster Yle, airport operator Finavia stated that the extreme cold made it difficult to de-ice planes, and maintenance and refuelling equipment was susceptible to freezing. Finavia also noted that moisture in the air exacerbated the situation by creating slippery frost.

Lapland, encompassing 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.

The incident highlights the challenges posed by extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change. The grounding of flights in Lapland serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of transportation infrastructure to such events. The situation also raises questions about the preparedness of airports and airlines to handle extreme cold weather conditions.

As of Monday morning, the first flight out of Kittila had already been cancelled. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and alternative travel arrangements. The situation is being closely monitored by Finavia and other relevant authorities.