Finnair has boosted flights to Lapland to meet the surge in demand from UK customers following the collapse of Thomas Cook.
The liquidation of the 178-year-old tour operator has seen Finnair fly to the rescue, operating extra flights for families looking to visit Santa this winter.
The capacity increase means as many as three extra flights a day will be running between the Finnish capital of Helsinki and top resorts in Lapland, such as Rovaniemi, Kittilä and Ivalo, surrounded by crisp winter snow and beautiful fir trees.
In total, more than 23 extra Finnair flights will operate from 20 December, 2019 to 5 January, 2020. Flights from London Heathrow to Rovaniemi, Kittilä and Ivalo via Helsinki, start from just £255 return, including all taxes and charges.
For Finnair customers looking to experience a traditional snowy winter, with reindeers and fun filled snow activities, such as skiing and sledding, there are 15 additional flights to Rovaniemi – the home of Santa Claus. Another four flights will operate to both the Lappish villages of Kittilä and Ivalo.
The boost comes on top of the launch of Finnair’s seasonal service which flies direct to Lapland from London Gatwick. Flights to Ivalo run from 8 December, 2019 to 22 March, 2020, while flights to Kittilä operate from 15 December, 2019 to 8 March, 2020.
Andrew Fish, Finnair General Manager UK & Ireland & Benelux, said: “Finnair is flying to the rescue of Thomas Cook customers left high and dry following the company’s collapse by offering extra flights to Lapland this Christmas.
“We know how important it is for families to enjoy time together at Christmas and Lapland offers an amazing festive getaway. Finnair is offering up to three additional flights a day on select dates to the top destinations of Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Kittilä from Helsinki, with quick and convenient connections from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin.
“We’re also thrilled to start our direct seasonal services in December from London Gatwick to Ivalo and Kittilä. We hope these extra flights will make Christmas in Lapland a magical time for UK families.”
Finnair’s extra flights will commence on December 20 with three additional services operating; the AY7039 to Rovaniemi, the AY7033 to Kittilä and a further service to Rovaniemi, the AY7041 later in the day.
Flights from Gatwick to Ivalo and Kittilä in Lapland start from £240 return, including all taxes and charges.
Finnair flies up to seven times daily from London Heathrow to Helsinki, double daily from Manchester, six times a week from Edinburgh and nine times a week from Dublin.
Finnair offers a generous baggage allowance of 23kg per customer in Economy Class, with quick connections between flights in Helsinki and complimentary inflight drinks and dining on short and long-haul flights.
