“The renovation of Kuusamo Airport was very successful. We remained on schedule and on budget, and we will be able to open the airport to air traffic on Wednesday 16 August 2023,” says Jonna Pietilä, Finavia’s Vice President, Lapland airports.
Of the total value of the investment, just under EUR 2 million was allocated to a new runway lighting system, the implementation of which took environmental impacts into account. A total of 160 new energy-efficient LED lights were installed on the runway. The energy efficiency of the new lights is 50% better than that of the old lights.
In addition to the runway lighting system, the renovation work in the summer also included resurfacing part of the apron and the entire taxiway. The improvements made on the apron and runway are part of maintaining the airport’s infrastructure and enable airlines to operate smoothly at the airport.
Kuusamo Airport has a busy winter season, during which many scheduled and chartered flights arrive at the airport from Europe. In 2022, more than 117,000 passengers travelled via Kuusamo Airport, with a total of 765 domestic and international passenger flights. The number of passengers in January–June 2023 was 66,185, which amounts to an increase of 8.5% year-on-year.
“The magic of Lapland attracts tourists to Kuusamo. It’s very important that airport operations are smooth for both airlines and passengers. The development of tourism in Lapland is a common goal for many operators. At Finavia, we want to make sure that the airport is ready to welcome tourists to Lapland and Kuusamo,” Pietilä says.
Several local businesses from the Kuusamo area participated in the renovation. In addition, Finavia employees from Kuusamo, Oulu and Kajaani airports took part in the project.
The main objective of Finavia’s ongoing sustainability programme is to reduce the carbon emissions of Finavia airports to net zero by the end of 2025. At the airports of Kuusamo, Kittilä, Rovaniemi and Ivalo, the net zero level will already be reached by the end of 2023.
Finavia is actively working to build flight connections and develop the infrastructure and service level of its airports to meet the needs and wishes of international passengers.
