Manchester Airport launches Lapland flights launch for winter 2026

AirBaltic is launching a new direct route from Manchester Airport to Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland, starting December 13, 2026, with weekly Sunday flights running through to the end of March 2027.

The service marks the first regular scheduled connection between Manchester and Lapland, offering an alternative to the charter flights for Santa-themed trips.

Timed for both the festive season and the quieter post-Christmas months, the route opens up access to one of Europe’s most popular winter destinations.

airBaltic (Image: Manchester Airport)

Visitors can enjoy activities such as husky and reindeer sledging, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, along with the chance to see the northern lights.

Flights will be operated by airBaltic’s Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which seats 148 passengers across Economy and Business Class.

The airline is also rolling out complimentary SpaceX Starlink internet across its fleet, with more than half of its aircraft already equipped.

Fares will start from £120 one-way in Economy and £309 in Business Class.

Mantas Vrubliauskas, VP Network Management at airBaltic, said: “We are pleased to launch new direct flights between Manchester and Kuusamo.

“The new route offers a convenient and comfortable travel option for those looking to enjoy a skiing holiday, as well as the opportunity to experience the beautiful Nordic nature and the northern lights.

“Flights are scheduled at convenient times and operated with our modern Airbus A220-300 fleet, which is gradually being equipped with complimentary Starlink internet on board.”

The Manchester–Kuusamo route is part of airBaltic’s wider winter 2026/2027 expansion, which will see the airline add 12 new routes across its network.

Alongside strengthening its presence in Gran Canaria and launching a seasonal base in Tenerife, airBaltic is also expanding operations in Kuusamo, with new routes to Berlin, Hamburg and London Gatwick.

 A weekly service between Riga and Kuusamo will also launch on December 11, 2026.

Vrubliauskas added: “Winter remains an important time for our customers to travel for leisure, and decisions around new routes must be made well in advance to secure the best opportunities for them.

“As the current winter season comes to a close, we are already looking ahead to the next one, starting in late October 2026.

“With additional routes to sunny destinations such as Gran Canaria and Tenerife, alongside new connections to Kuusamo for winter sports and Nordic experiences, we continue to diversify our network and adapt to evolving travel demand.”

airBaltic currently serves around 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Caucasus, operating one of the youngest Airbus A220-300 fleets in Europe.