In winter conditions, forecasts and planning are crucial steps to ensure smooth air traffic. When weather forecasts predict challenging conditions, preparations begin at the airports. The first proper winter conditions of this winter season are expected at Helsinki Airport in mid-November, and winter operations will likely continue until March. At Lapland airports, winter conditions and operations continue significantly longer into the spring compared to airports in southern Finland.
Finavia is responsible for runway clearing, and during heavy snowfall, a runway may need to be cleared twice in an hour. When a runway is being cleared, it is not available for air traffic. During that time, planes have to wait their turn. Therefore, at busy airports like Helsinki Airport, the number of departing and arriving flights may need to be reduced which can cause delays. Closing a runway due to weather conditions is very rare in Finland, but on some occasions, this measure may be necessary to ensure safety. Usually, a runway closure is considered when freezing drizzle makes the runway surfaces extremely slippery.
Air traffic may also need to be restricted due to very strong wind or slippery conditions. Additionally, during the winter season, aircraft need to be de-iced and the engines defrosted before departure. Ensuring safety is the most important thing in all airport operations. It is normal for heavy snowfall, gusty winds and otherwise challenging weather conditions to cause delays for air traffic. Finavia and the airport communities at all Finavia airports do their best to make travelling safe and smooth.
Instructions for passengers
We kindly ask passengers to actively follow their airline’s passenger communications for up-to-date information. When weather conditions affect air traffic, other forms of transportation are usually also impacted. To ensure a smooth start to your journey, we ask passengers to allow enough time to arrive at the airport, so that there is sufficient time for parking, check-in, baggage drop, security checks, and border controls.
During very heavy snowfalls, operations on the apron are slowed down. It can cause delays in baggage drop-off, because transporting baggage from the apron to the terminal is slower than normal due to the snow. Airlines are responsible for luggage. If needed, we ask passengers to contact their airline regarding luggage. The service points related to baggage drop-off are located in the baggage drop-off hall. In addition, many airlines ask passengers to fill out an electronic form if there are problems with handing over their luggage. The electronic form can usually be found on the airline's website.
Read more about winter maintenance and snowhow
How Finavia prepares for the winter season
What is "target snow removal"?
Updated 13.12.: Added the subheading "Instructions for passengers" and added content related to the topic.
Updated 21.11.: Added a request that passengers contact their airline for delayed and lost luggage.
Updated 20.11.: Added a call to monitor your own airline's communications.
