British Airways Launches New Winter Flights to Lapland
British Airways is adding a festive twist to its flight schedule with the launch of new routes to Lapland this winter. Starting December 3, 2024, the airline will operate twice-weekly flights from London Gatwick to Ivalo, Finland, home to the northernmost airport in the country.
Ivalo, a quaint village situated on the Ivalo River within the Arctic Circle, becomes a hub of winter activities and Christmas cheer during the colder months. This scenic locale serves as a gateway to Saariselkä, a popular resort known for winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling, and tobogganing. Visitors to the area can also experience the magic of the Northern Lights and meet Santa Claus at the Northern Lights Village.
The new flights, managed by BA Euroflyer, British Airways' short-haul subsidiary at Gatwick's South Terminal, will accommodate winter sports enthusiasts by allowing skiing and snowboarding equipment as checked baggage. CEO Tom Stoddart expressed excitement about the new route, highlighting Ivalo's snowy landscape as perfect for a picturesque Christmas getaway.
The flights to Ivalo join British Airways' expanding winter schedule, which already includes destinations like Innsbruck and Geneva. Recently, the airline also announced a new route to Tromsø, Norway, set to begin in December from London Heathrow. The Ivalo flights are scheduled to run twice a week, with return fares starting at £345, continuing until February 14, 2025.
For travelers seeking winter sun, BA Euroflyer has also introduced daily flights to Larnaca, Cyprus, from November 4, 2024. These flights will offer both morning and afternoon options, providing flexibility for customers flying from either London Heathrow or London Gatwick.