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The Northern Lights over Tromsø, Norway
Travel

British Airways to Launch Winter Flights to Tromsø, Norway

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

Calling all aurora borealis enthusiasts and winter sports lovers! British Airways is thrilled to announce its inaugural flights to Tromsø, Norway, this December.

This picturesque city, nestled within the Arctic Circle, will become the airline’s northernmost destination, offering a gateway to unforgettable winter experiences.

Gateway to the Arctic

Tromsø boasts a prime location for witnessing the dazzling Northern Lights. Nicknamed “The Gateway to the Arctic,” its position directly under the auroral oval.

This location maximizes an observer’s chances of catching this celestial phenomenon. But Tromsø’s charm also extends beyond those with an interest in skywatching.

With average winter temperatures hovering between 0°C and -5°C, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for skiing, mountaineering, and even whale watching excursions.

Even those seeking a more festive experience won’t be disappointed. Tromsø’s charming Christmas market in the main square, Stortorget, is a sight to behold, complete with a magnificent Christmas tree.

Tromsø Joins BA Network

“We’re delighted to welcome Tromsø to our network,” says Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer.

“This destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exciting winter activities, making it a perfect getaway for short trips.”

“As the only premium carrier flying from the UK to Tromsø, we’ve optimized our schedule for three and four-night stays, ensuring you can maximize your Arctic adventure.”

Looking for a complete Tromsø package? British Airways Holidays offers a variety of options to suit your needs, starting with deposits as low as £60 per person.

These packages provide peace of mind with flexible payment options, ATOL protection, a 24-hour helpline, and a generous 23kg baggage allowance.

Holiday Offers

For instance, British Airways Holidays offers a three-night room-only stay at the Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø, starting from £379 per person for travel in January 2025.

This package includes roundtrip economy flights from London Heathrow and one checked bag. Don’t forget, booking by May 31st, 2024, secures this fantastic deal!

Ready to embark on your Arctic adventure? Book your return flights starting from £153 with British Airways. Flights operate twice weekly until March 27th, 2025.

And for those winter sports enthusiasts, you can even pack your ski or snowboard equipment within your checked baggage allowance (Restrictions apply: 190 x 75 x 65cm).

So, don’t miss this exciting opportunity! Experience the magic of Tromsø with British Airways this winter.

British Airways Flight Network

As the UK’s national flag carrier, British Airways serves more than 190 destinations. The network spans more than 65 countries, including routes with its partnership airlines.

The airline proudly offers customers flights to more destination from London than any other carrier.

British Airways customers have access to one of the world’s most extensive flight networks, both domestically and internationally, offering flights to and from central airports at convenient times.

It operates out of three major London airports: London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City, and serves up to 26 cities in the US alone.

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Last weekend, Wideroe flight WF910 between Tromso and Honningsvag suffered a cracked windshield over the Hammerfest area.
Incident

Wideroe Flight WF910 Suffers Cracked Windshield Over Hammerfest

by James Field
written by James Field

Last weekend, Wideroe flight WF910 between Tromso and Honningsvag suffered a cracked windshield over the Hammerfest area.

Information is limited surrounding this incident, but below is what we know on this so far.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

Wideroe WF910 – Tromso to Honningsvag: Hammerfest Diversion…

Last weekend, Wideroe flight WF910 between Tromso and Honningsvag suffered a cracked windshield over the Hammerfest area.
Data provided by RadarBox.com.
Last weekend, Wideroe flight WF910 between Tromso and Honningsvag suffered a cracked windshield over the Hammerfest area.
Felix Goetting (GFDL 1.2 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html or GFDL 1.2 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html), via Wikimedia Commons

Wideroe flight WF910, which diverted to Hammerfest, is a routine scheduled flight between Tromso and Honningsvag.

Furthermore, it is understood that the aircraft involved in the incident is LN-WIP.

As per data from Planespotters.net, LN-WIP is a 33.8 year old De Havilland Dash 8-100 that started out life with Tyrolean Airways in October 1990.

By March 1996, the aircraft was returned to De Havilland Canada, and was immediately transferred to Wideroe, where it has been since.

Furthermore, of the Dash 8-100 variant, WF has 24 of them in their fleet.

Within that 24, 20 are in active service and four are parked, with an average flleet age of 29.8 years.

As well as that particular aircraft variant, Wideroe has the following other aircraft in their fleet:

  • 3 Dash 8-200s.
  • 3 Dash 8-300s.
  • 16 Dash 8-400s.
  • 3 Embraer E190-E2s.

Wideroe flight WF910, which suffered the cracked windshield, departed Tromso on July 28 and tracked north-easterly towards Honningsvag.

As per The Aviation Herald, it is understood the aircraft developed a crack in the windshield near Hammerfest.

From there, the decision was made to divert, with the aircraft landing safely without further incident.

Aircraft Needs Some Maintenance…

Teemu Pesonen (GFDL 1.2 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html or GFDL 1.2 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html), via Wikimedia Commons

The safety outlet notes that the Wideroe aircraft, originally bound for Honningsvag, was grounded in Hammerfest for around 30 hours following the cracked windshield, before positioning back to Tromso, where it has remained grounded since at the time of writing (30/7/24 @ 2045 UK time).

At this stage, it is unclear what the extent of the crack is on the windshield, as long as how long it will take to fix.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on when the airframe is back in commercial service, particularly with it’s age potentially being a factor at this stage.

As soon as we have more information on this, then we will update you accordingly.

Such updates will be seen at the bottom of the article if and when news comes through.

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An easyJet flight on climb after takeoff.
Airline

easyJet to Operate 41 New Winter Routes, Including Luxor

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

easyJet has unveiled an impressive expansion of its UK network, announcing five additional routes from four UK airports, including a new Luxor service.

This latest addition brings the airline’s total count of new routes to 41 for the upcoming winter season, spanning destinations across Europe and North Africa.

Among the highlights is the reintroduction of flights to Luxor, Egypt, marking the airline’s return to this historic destination after a decade-long absence.

The expansion follows last month’s announcement of 36 new routes, demonstrating easyJet’s commitment to enhancing connectivity for UK travelers.

New destinations include City of Derry airport in Northern Ireland, Tromso in Norway, and Strasbourg in France, offering passengers an array of exciting travel options.

Luxor Flights from London Gatwick

London Gatwick will serve as the launch point for twice-weekly flights to Luxor, commencing November 11.

Operating on Mondays and Thursdays, these flights will cater to history enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

Luxor is often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum. It boasts iconic ancient Egyptian sites such as the Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, and the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Ruins at Luxor

In a pioneering move, easyJet holidays is introducing Nile River cruise packages in Luxor. These seven-night voyages, offered in partnership with Jaz Hotels and Resorts, promise a unique travel experience.

Passengers will sail from Luxor to Edfu and Aswan, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Nile River, lush green fields, and desert mountains, before returning to explore the renowned Karnak open-air museum.

For those preferring land-based accommodations, easyJet holidays also offers a selection of luxurious 4-star and 5-star hotels in Luxor, providing comfort and convenience near the area’s main attractions.

Connections from Liverpool and Manchester

easyJet’s Egyptian expansion also includes new winter flights to Sharm El Sheikh from Liverpool starting February 14.

Operating twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays throughout the winter season, this addition solidifies easyJet’s position as the leading airline for UK-Egypt seat capacity.

The airline is also strengthening its Scandinavian connections with new routes to Oslo from Manchester and Liverpool.

These services, launching on November 15 and 29 respectively, will operate twice weekly during the winter months.

The timing is perfect for travelers planning Christmas getaways or ski holidays. To complement these flights, easyJet holidays will offer various city break packages to Oslo, allowing visitors to experience the Norwegian capital’s vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisine, iconic architecture, and scenic natural beauty.

Photo Credits: easyJet

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion: “We’re thrilled to launch more new routes from UK airports to fantastic leisure destinations.”

“This expansion offers our customers greater choice and connectivity across the UK, whether they’re seeking winter sun, planning a magical getaway, or hitting the slopes. We look forward to welcoming them on board.”

Summary

The latest additions further cement easyJet’s strong presence in the UK market. The airline now serves 21 UK airports, offering an extensive network of 584 routes to 136 destinations across Europe and beyond.

This comprehensive coverage ensures that UK travelers have access to a wide range of travel options, from city breaks and beach holidays to cultural experiences and winter sports adventures.

As the travel industry continues to recover and adapt to changing consumer preferences, easyJet’s expansion strategy demonstrates its commitment to meeting diverse travel needs and fostering connectivity across the UK and Europe.

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The Norwegian Group has this week released very positive numbers for the second quarter of this year, with strong growth ahead.
Airline

The Norwegian Group Performs Well in 2Q24: Strong Growth Ahead

by James Field
written by James Field

The Norwegian Group has this week released very positive numbers for the second quarter of this year, with strong growth ahead.

Furthermore, the airline is beginning to experience success from strong demand in the Summer and is preparing well for the Winter.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

The Numbers from The Norwegian Group…

The Norwegian Group has this week released very positive numbers for the second quarter of this year, with strong growth ahead.
Photo Credit: Adrian Olstad/AviationSource

The Norwegian Group produced a operating profit of NOK 593 million in 2Q24, with profit before tax amounting to NOK 477 million.

Across the mainline airline and their recently-acquired Wideroe, they run a fleet of 135 aircraft.

For the mainline carrier, they handled 6.3m passengers, with an additional one million at Wideroe, totalling 7.3m at the Group.

Quarterly load factor for both carriers stand at 82.4% and 70.2% respectively.

The improvements were down 2% and up 1% too respectively.

Within The Norwegian Group, a total of 27 new routes will be launched for the Winter season, with some consisting of:

  • Dubai
  • Agadir
  • Hurghada
  • Tromso
  • Harstad/Narvik.

In-all, the numbers have been pretty positive for the company.

CEO Karlsen: Delivered Good Operations…

The Norwegian Group has this week released very positive numbers for the second quarter of this year, with strong growth ahead.
Photo Credit: Emil Bree/AviationSource

Commenting on the strong results in 2Q24 was Geir Karlsen, the CEO of The Norwegian Group:

“We have delivered good operations in the second quarter amidst a hectic ramp-up into the summer season, and I am glad that Norwegian in May once again was named Europe’s most punctual airline.”

“Both Norwegian and Widerøe are delivering strong passenger growth.”

“With an increasing number of routes, frequencies and destinations, we look forward to welcoming passengers on board”.

Karlsen confirmed that for The Norwegian Group, overall capacity in 2024 is expected to grow by 12%.

By Summer 2025, the fleet at Norwegian will increase to 90 aircraft, but they did caveat that growth is expected to slow due to Boeing delivery delays.

Overall…

Photo Credit: Emil Bree/AviationSource

In conclusion, The Norwegian Group has had a strong showing in 2Q24.

The current quarter will be important as we continue to enter the peak period of the Summer 2024 schedule.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on how the Group performs over this vital season.

Once that is over, all eyes will then turn to their Winter 2024/25 program, to establish what other successes can be seen from there.

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Air France has this week announced new flights to Kilimanjaro from Paris, as they aim to grow their presence in Tanzania.
Airline

Air France Says Bonjour to Kilimanjaro With New Paris Flights

by James Field
written by James Field

Air France has this week announced new flights to Kilimanjaro from Paris, as they aim to grow their presence in Tanzania.

The French airline will operate this flight as an extension of Zanzibar, and will replace Dar Es Salaam.

Let’s find out more about these new flights.

The New Paris-Kilimanjaro Flights with Air France…

Air France has this week announced new flights to Kilimanjaro from Paris, as they aim to grow their presence in Tanzania.
Steven He, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Air France will launch the new flights from Paris to Kilimanjaro via Zanzibar on November 18.

It is understood the Airbus A350-900 will operate the flights, with the following seating layout:

  • 34 seats in Business.
  • 24 seats in Premium Economy.
  • 266 seats in Economy.

Air France has provided the timings for the flights between Paris & Kilimanjaro via Zanzibar:

  • AF874: departs Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 10:10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, arriving in Zanzibar at 9:10pm. Departure from Zanzibar at 10:55pm, arrival in Kilimanjaro at 11:55pm (same day).
  • AF874 (same flight number): departs Kilimanjaro at 1:25am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, arriving at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 8:50am (same day).

This comes following their additional announcements made regarding the Winter 2024/25 season:

Air France will be adding two new international routes from it’s base of operations in Paris CDG.

From October 28, the airline will be adding flights to Salvador, Brazil using their Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Flights will operate on a thrice weekly basis, operating on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Air France will also add flights to Male, Maldives on a twice-weekly basis on Fridays and Sundays.

These flights will begin on December 20, but will only run until January 5, 2025.

Closer to home, the airline will be adding flights to Kiruna, Sweden, and will join the following destinations for Lapland flights:

  • Rovaniemi
  • Kittila
  • Tromso
  • Narvik Lofoten

Finally, Air France will also be extending it’s flights from Paris to Denver and Phoenix in the United States.

Dar Es Salaam Will Remain Available but from Amsterdam…

Air France has this week announced new flights to Kilimanjaro from Paris, as they aim to grow their presence in Tanzania.
Leaderofthewave., CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With the Paris-Zanzibar-Kilimanjaro flight established for November, this means that Dar Es Salaam will no longer be connected.

However, the French carrier has stated that through their links with the Air France-KLM Group, passengers can fly via Amsterdam instead.

The Dutch carrier currently operates flights to the Tanzanian capital around six times per week.

If passengers in the capital need to get to Paris, then they can connect via the Dutch capital onwards.

Overall…

Anna Zvereva, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In conclusion, this is an exciting development for Air France with the new Paris-Kilimanjaro flights.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the new flights perform over the Winter season.

The way the airline is advertising this new route is through warmer climates and advertising the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the national park.

If the flights perform well, then there could be grounds to expand the services for the Winter 2025/26 season.

But for now, all eyes will be on launch day to see what the initial load factors are on the route.

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An easyJet Airbus flies over snow covered mountains.
Airline

easyJet Sets Record Number of New Routes for Winter

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

easyJet has laid out its most ambitious route expansion yet, unveiling a staggering 60 new routes for this winter season and beyond.

This will include 33 routes launching from 11 UK airports, with flights taking off for the first time from this winter.

The new range of routes includes flights to Tromso in Norway and Strasbourg in France for the very first time.

Winter Awaits in Norway

For adventure enthusiasts seeking a unique winter experience, easyJet offers a thrilling new service to Tromso, Norway.

This enchanting city nestled within the Arctic Circle is renowned for its captivating displays of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.

Twice-weekly flights will commence this November, departing from London Gatwick, Manchester, and Bristol.  

Broadening Horizons with New Destinations

The expansion will then extend beyond the winter season. easyJet will introduce a year-round route from London Gatwick to Strasbourg, a charming French city steeped in history and culture.

This addition further broadens the airline’s reach and caters to travelers seeking a quintessential European city break experience.

Furthermore, the expansion encompasses a range of new routes from London Luton, including Athens, Basel, and Djerba in Tunisia.

This caters to diverse travel preferences, offering a taste of Greek history, Swiss landscapes, or the sun-drenched beaches of Tunisia.

Easyjet A319 G-EZAB
Easyjet A319 departing Innsbruck. (Photo: Thomas Saunders/AviationSource)

Regional Connectivity Across the UK

The planned expansion encompasses a significant investment in various airports across the country. Birmingham gains five new routes, including year-round services to the vibrant city of Prague and the allure of Marrakech.

Bristol benefits from new connections to the bustling city of Agadir and the historic city of Istanbul. Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Belfast International airports are not left behind.

These airports see an influx of new routes, offering both winter sun getaways and year-round city break options.

Travelers can now escape to the warmth of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, or Marrakech.  Alternatively, explore the cultural delights of Prague, Berlin, or Malta, all with convenient connections from local airports.

Photo: easyJet

Winter Ski Travel

For those planning a winter ski adventure, easyJet offers added convenience with the introduction of new routes during peak season.

Starting in January and February 2025, travelers can fly directly from Leeds to Geneva and Newcastle to Lyon. This eliminates the hassle of connecting flights and ensures a smoother journey to the slopes.

Additionally, Newcastle gains a year-round route to Paris, providing greater flexibility for travelers throughout the year.

easyJet’s Ali Gayward Comments

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the expansion.

“We’re thrilled to offer this incredible range of new routes for winter, with 33 new services from 11 UK airports. This expansion strengthens our network and provides even more fantastic choices and great value for our customers.”

Travelers seeking inspiration for their next getaway can leverage easyJet’s user-friendly Low Fare Finder tool.

This innovative platform allows users to search for the most affordable fares across the entire easyJet network.

easyJet A320 OE-IJJ parked on the tarmac.
Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Summary

easyJet operates an impressive network of flights from 21 UK airports, offering a staggering 584 routes to 136 destinations across Europe and beyond.

This expansion further solidifies their position as a leading provider of short-haul flights in Europe, ensuring easy and affordable connections for travelers across the continent.

easyJet’s planned expansion also reflects the overall optimism within the travel industry. As travel restrictions ease and consumer confidence rises, this expansion positions easyJet at the forefront of the travel rebound.

With a wider range of destinations, convenient connections, and competitive pricing, easyJet is well-positioned to empower travelers to explore the world with greater ease and affordability.

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London Heathrow Landing Fees: Why Were They So High?
Airport

40,000 Toblerones! Heathrow Airport Enjoys a Record Month in May

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

London’s Heathrow Airport continues to break passenger traffic records, solidifying its position as the UK’s premier travel hub.

The latest figures reveal a staggering 81.5 million passengers utilizing the airport in the twelve months leading up to May 2024.

This surpasses all previous records, marking a significant milestone for the airport. In an interesting side note, the airport also set quite a record for Toblerone sales for the month.

Read on for some rather unconventional monthly performance stats…

Heathrow May Performance: Record Breaking

May itself witnessed a record-breaking month, with passenger numbers exceeding 7.2 million for the first time ever.

This trend is expected to continue throughout the upcoming summer season. Forward projections estimate that a further 30 million passengers to pass through Heathrow across the peak travel season.

Passengers can travel with confidence across summer, knowing that airport staff successfully handled these recent surges in passenger volume.

This includes various improvements within the terminals, such as the recent opening of the UK’s first Jones the Grocer branch in Terminal 2.

This new addition offers passengers a delightful selection of freshly prepared meals and artisan products.

Photo Credit: London Heathrow Airport.

T2: Queen’s Terminal 10th Annversary

Terminal 2, also known as The Queen’s Terminal, celebrates its 10th anniversary this summer. Throughout its ten years of operation, it has seen an impressive 148 million passengers travel through its gates.

The Terminal has facilitated travel to over 30 destinations on more than a million flights during that time

New research conducted in honor of the anniversary revealed some interesting passenger habits. Apparently, many travelers indulge in little luxuries at the start of their journeys, including breakfast pastries, impulse purchases, or even a pre-flight drink.

London Heathrow Handles 5.8m Passengers in February
Passengers with luggage arriving at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2.

40,000 Toblerone Bars!

As an interesting aside, it seems the record passenger numbers weren’t the only highpoint for Heathrow in May.

In fact, May alone saw passengers indulge their sweet tooth with a staggering 40,000 Toblerone bars – that’s roughly one per minute and enough chocolate to stretch the entire length of the airport’s northern runway!

Looking beyond summer, Heathrow is already preparing for the winter season. Travelers seeking winter escapes will be excited to learn about British Airways’ new route.

This will operate from Heathrow to Tromsø, Norway, a perfect destination for aurora borealis enthusiasts and arctic adventurers.

The Northern Lights over Tromsø, Norway
Photo Credit: British Airways

Additionally, SAS airlines has confirmed a new route connecting Heathrow to Sälen in Sweden.

Heathrow CEO, Thomas Woldbye, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements: “We have a winning team at Heathrow that has demonstrably moved past the challenges of Covid-19.”

“Through their extraordinary efforts, we are now facilitating record numbers of journeys, seamlessly connecting people with the world.”

“Supporting 81 million journeys doesn’t just create cherished holiday memories for families, but more importantly, strengthens the vital trade and business links that a hub like Heathrow fosters for the UK’s economy.”

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Snow covered Ivalo village in Lapland.
Travel

Santastic! British Airways Launches Winter Lapland Flights

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

This winter, Brits can forget the drudgery of cold weather for a magical escape! British Airways is spreading Christmas cheer with some exciting new flight options.

The airline has announced flights to the heart of Lapland, the legendary home of Santa Claus. This may well be a great opportunity to prove to the kids one and for all that Santa really exists!

Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Ivalo, Finland. Departing twice-weekly from London Gatwick starting December 3rd, 2024, British Airways whisks you to this charming village set in the Arctic Circle.

Ivalo: Gateway to Saariselkä

Ivalo boasts Finland’s most northerly airport and serves as the gateway to Saariselkä, a winter wonderland renowned for its stunning scenery and thrilling activities.

Saariselkä caters to every winter enthusiast’s desires. Imagine carving fresh tracks down pristine slopes, embarking on exhilarating snowmobile safaris through snow-covered forests.

Or perhaps try your hand at traditional activities like tobogganing and snowshoeing. The crisp winter air invigorates, while the breathtaking scenery fills you with a sense of wonder.

For those seeking a personal audience with the legendary Santa Claus, the Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä offers a delightful opportunity.

Imagine the excitement on your children’s faces as they meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes! And imagine your own satisfaction when you prove to the kids he’s real!

But Lapland’s magic extends beyond the festive cheer. Ivalo’s remote location provides a breathtaking backdrop for witnessing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

Picture yourself basking in the ethereal glow of this natural phenomenon – an unforgettable experience that will leave you speechless.

Santa Claus holding a lantern nearby a snowy mountain hut in the frozen forest at night, Lapland, Finland

BA Euroflyer via London Gatwick

British Airways understands the importance of convenience, especially when traveling with winter gear.

Flights are operated by BA Euroflyer, their short-haul subsidiary, departing from the conveniently located South Terminal at London Gatwick.

For added peace of mind, you can bring your skiing or snowboarding equipment as part of your checked baggage (restrictions apply: size must not exceed 190 x 75 x 65cm).

“We are thrilled to welcome Ivalo to our expanding winter schedule,” said Tom Stoddart, CEO of BA Euroflyer.

“Lapland is synonymous with winter, and Ivalo offers a quintessential winter experience. Whether you dream of snowy adventures or a magical encounter with Santa, Saariselkä promises an unforgettable escape.”

Looking to expand your winter travel horizons? Ivalo joins Tromsø, Norway, another exciting winter destination recently announced by British Airways.

And for those seeking a dose of winter sun, BA Euroflyer has also launched daily flights to Larnaca, Cyprus, departing from London Gatwick this November.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create lasting memories! Book your Lapland adventure now and secure return flights from just £345.

Flights operate twice-weekly until February 14th, 2025. This winter, the family can experience the magic of Lapland with British Airways.

Close-up of a British Airways BA Euroflyer aircraft parked on the ramp.
Photo Credit: British Airways

About British Airways

As the UK’s national flag carrier, British Airways serves more than 190 destinations across more than 65 countries, including routes with its partnership airlines.

The airline proudly offers customers flights to more destination from London than any other carrier.

It operates out of three major London airports: London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City, and serves up to 26 cities in the US alone.

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Finnair aircraft parked on the tarmac.
Airline

Finnair Adds Winter Flights to Lapland and Norway

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

Finnair’s winter scheduling comes with a special clause. Well, technically it’s a Santa Claus.

Fueled by a surge in demand for Nordic getaways, Finnair is significantly increasing flights between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus.

“Last winter showed that interest in our northern destinations continues to grow,” says Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer of Finnair.  

The additional frequencies serve especially well the European network and guarantee smooth daily connections to the north via Helsinki.”  

Flights to Helsinki and Rovaniemi

Finnair has added flights to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, and Tromsø and Trondheim in Norway for the next winter season.

With up to 63 weekly flights, this represents a 26% jump from last year’s program. This will mean more options than ever to find the perfect flight for a winter escape.

During peak periods, travelers can even choose flights departing every 30 minutes, offering an almost shuttle-like service to whisk you away to the Arctic wonderland.

This expanded capacity to Rovaniemi complements Finnair’s existing network of over 14 destinations in Finland. This will ensure easy onwards connections to Lapland’s other popular destinations like Ivalo, Kittilä, and Kuusamo.

Increased Connections to Northern Norway

Beyond the Finnish border, Finnair is also boosting connections in Northern Norway. The popular route between Rovaniemi and Tromsø, the gateway to the Northern Lights, will see a frequency increase. This will rise significantly from two to six flights per week.

This exciting development allows international travelers to fly into Helsinki and experience both Rovaniemi and Tromsø – the Arctic’s two most captivating cities.  A convenient return home is then offered via Helsinki.

Finnair stands out as the only airline offering this unique connection above the Arctic Circle, on top of its existing year-round flights from Helsinki to Tromsø.

For those with a taste for adventure and delicious food, Finnair is also adding flights to Trondheim, a foodie haven in Norway.

Flights from Helsinki to this vibrant city will double from three to six times per week this winter, providing improved connections for British and Irish travelers.

Anssi Partanen, Finnair Market Director Europe, shares his enthusiasm. “Last winter, travel within the Nordic region, particularly among British and Irish travelers, boomed thanks to the unique experiences we offer.”

“We’re thrilled to be adding even more flights to Lapland and Northern Norway for the upcoming season, making it easier than ever for our customers to reach their favorite winter destinations.”

A Finnair Embraer flying over mountains.
Markus Eigenheer from Genève, Schweiz, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Conclusion

Finnair is a network airline, specialising in connecting passenger and cargo traffic between Asia, the Middle East, North America and Europe.

As the only airline offering year-round flights to Lapland, Finnair allows you to experience the region’s beauty throughout the year, not just during the festive season.

Choose from Finnair’s extensive network of 14 destinations in Finland and over 25 destinations in the wider Nordic region.

All flights are conveniently timed to allow for smooth connections from major UK airports like London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin. Plus, with all flights operating from the same terminal, transferring between flights takes as little as 35 minutes.

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Closeup of a Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) jet engine in flight.
Airline

SAS Announces Winter Routes to Northern Lights & Ski Hotspots

by Len Varley
written by Len Varley

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), a leading carrier renowned for its commitment to Scandinavian heritage, has expanded its winter program.

This season, SAS caters to the increased demand for winter travel experiences. It will introduce five new direct routes to captivating destinations in Northern Scandinavia.

A Gateway to Winter Wonders

Travelers yearning for snowy adventures can now effortlessly access the magic of Tromsø, Kiruna, Rovaniemi, and Sälen-Trysil with the addition of these direct routes.

Tromsø, often dubbed the “Arctic Capital of Norway,” boasts stunning fjords, majestic mountains, and the possibility of witnessing the breathtaking Northern Lights.

Kiruna, a Swedish town nestled above the Arctic Circle, offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, including the renowned Icehotel sculpted from the frozen Torne River.

Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, promises a festive atmosphere and enchanting winter activities like reindeer sleigh rides and husky safaris.

Sälen-Trysil, encompassing Sweden’s largest ski resort and Norway’s popular Trysil mountain area, is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.

These new routes open a world of possibilities for travelers seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Reindeer at dusk

Increased Presence in the North

SAS further strengthens its presence in Northern Scandinavia by increasing frequencies on existing routes to Tromsø, Longyearbyen/Svalbard, Luleå, and Åre-Östersund.

This expansion allows for greater flexibility and convenience for exploring the diverse landscapes of the Arctic region.

Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost permanent settlement, offers a glimpse into a unique Arctic environment, while Luleå and Åre-Östersund provide access to pristine winter scenery and renowned ski resorts.

Beyond the Arctic Charm

SAS prioritizes its commitment to connecting travelers with the captivating winter destinations of Northern Scandinavia. Beyond this focus, the airline also caters to those seeking sunshine and warmth as well.

For Scandinavians yearning to escape the winter chill, SAS is adding more flights to popular sunny destinations like Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Agadir.

These beautiful islands offer stunning beaches, vibrant cultures, and idyllic escapes from the winter months.

Global Connectivity and Sustainability Efforts

SAS, with its main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, continues to be a leading force in connecting travelers across continents.

The airline’s extensive network provides streamlined connections between Europe, North America, and Asia, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Furthermore, SAS demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability. The airline actively pursues initiatives to reduce carbon emissions through the use of sustainable aviation fuels. It also engages in investments in fuel-efficient aircraft, and technological advancements.

SAS collaborates with partners to drive innovation in the aviation industry, aiming to achieve the industry target of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

An SAS Airbus A320neo on the tarmac after delivery.
Photo Credit: SAS

Summary

This winter season, SAS empowers travelers to choose their ideal adventure. Whether it’s embarking on thrilling escapades in the captivating landscapes of Northern Scandinavia or seeking relaxation on sun-drenched beaches.

SAS, Scandinavia’s leading airline, with main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, flies to destinations in Europe, USA and Asia.

SAS offers a comprehensive network and commitment to sustainability, ensuring a comfortable and seamless travel experience.

Explore the magic of winter wonderlands or embrace the warmth of sunny escapes – SAS has travellers well covered this season.

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