“Safe and smooth air traffic is the backbone of the operations of all companies and all airport personnel operating at the airport. In challenging conditions, we allow for delays, but we do not compromise on safety,” says Jani Elasmaa, Finavia’s Vice President responsible for Helsinki Airport’s runway and apron operations.
The key operators at the airport have prepared for today's snowstorm together. Finavia is responsible for the winter maintenance of runways, the airlines for the deicing of aircraft and the defrosting of engines, and air traffic control for the possible restrictions on inbound and outbound air traffic.
Heavy snow and strong winds are expected for Monday afternoon and evening. According to the forecast, it may snow so much that only one of the three runways at Helsinki Airport can be kept open at times. In particular, frost and strong winds are a challenge, as they make it impossible to apply anti-skid chemicals to runways.
Delays are also likely to occur while the deicing of aircraft is at full capacity. In severe weather conditions, air traffic control may have to limit the number of arrivals and departures. They slow down traffic when flights cannot take off or land as much as they normally do.
In the event of snowfall, several European airports will close their runways or will only be able to keep them open for a short period of time. This is reflected in Finland when flights in Central Europe are cancelled or delayed for several hours. The impacts also extend to the delivery of baggage, which could lead to congestion and long waiting times in the baggage claim hall.
On Monday, 12 December, we ask passengers to arrive at Helsinki Airport well in advance of the departure of their flight. In case of cancellations and long delays, we ask passengers to follow the instructions and information provided by their own airline. Baggage inquiries are also handled by the airlines.
Real-time information about arriving and departing flights at Helsinki Airport is available on the Finavia website. Those picking up passengers will also be able to see from the flight information if the aircraft has decided to fly to an alternate airport.
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Why are flights delayed in the winter? Commentary: Finavia's airports' snow-how is a seamless cooperation between many airport companies
