Arctic Lakeland Finland will soon be even more visible in the Central European markets as the German airline Eurowings initiates direct weekly flights from Düsseldorf to Kajaani for the winter season 2025. Flights will be operated once a week on Saturdays for ten weeks starting on 18.1.2025, using an Airbus 319 aircraft with approximately 150 seats. Tickets can be booked on the Eurowings website.
“Discussions with the airline began in the summer of 2023 as part of the “Direct International Flights to Kajaani” project, funded by Kainuu Regional Council, City of Kajaani, and Sotkamo municipality, managed by Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK). The negotiations have been conducted in good spirits, leading to this excellent outcome”, announced by the project’s specialist, Terhi Millar, and project manager, Saara Uusiheimala.
“The aim of the project was to initiate discussions and prepare the region to receive direct flights to Arctic Lakeland area and with this great news, we have surpassed our goals”, they rejoice. In addition to the project stakeholders, Visit Finland and Finavia have also been involved in the negotiations.
“Kajaani city’s active role in initiating and financing the project for direct flights has been a successful investment in the growth of international tourism in Arctic Lakeland. In recent years, the Arctic Lakeland tourism brand created through cooperation between Kainuu Regional Council, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, and tourism areas has gained widespread approval and momentum. The arrival of an airline like Eurowings in Arctic Lakeland is evidence of that and a demonstration of the competence of the project stakeholders”, rejoices Mayor Jari Tolonen.
“Growth of air traffic to Kajaani airport is the best way to ensure airport’s presence in Finavia’s network. Eurowings’ decision to start flights to Kajaani next winter season is a welcome addition to the airport’s operations, alongside the already scheduled Finnair flights”, evaluates Development Director Risto Hämäläinen.
“As KAMK, we are extremely pleased to support the development of the city and the region through long-term destination image work and development projects. We see that increasing international mobility is an excellent support and opportunity for our students. This also facilitates cooperation with our international partners”, comments Matti Sarén, the rector of Kajaani University of Applied Sciences.
“Eurowings’ route from Central Europe to Kajaani is a highly anticipated addition to our airport route offerings. Direct international routes are crucial for the accessibility of the region, and indeed, for the whole of Finland. At Finavia, we actively work with our regional partners to develop connections,” says Petri Vuori, Director of Route Development at Finavia.
“The opening of the new flight route from Düsseldorf to Kajaani, to Arctic Lakeland, is a great achievement and a fantastic development for the entire eastern Lakeland region. The long-term work to increase international sales in the area achieved a new milestone with the opening of the direct connection from Düsseldorf. Also, clarification of the Arctic Lakeland brand and area as a winter destination has proven successful and has responded to the growing interest of travelers looking for unique winter tourism experiences”, says Jyrki Oksanen from Visit Finland
Eurowings’ flights also offer a connection for the locals directly to Germany, but particularly, the flights are expected to increase the number of international tourists to Arctic Lakeland. Arctic Lakeland Finland can now showcase its potential and capabilities, perhaps attracting new players to the region, reflect Uusiheimala and Millar.
For more information:
Project specialist Terhi Millar / +358 40 153 5867 / terhi.millar@kamk.fi
Project manager Saara Uusiheimala / +358 40 483 9875 / saara.uusiheimala@kamk.fi
Arctic Lakeland coordinator Hanna Linjala / +358 40 583 7362 / hanna.linjala@kamk.fi
About Eurowings
Eurowings is the value airline of the Lufthansa Group and thus part of Europe’s largest airline group. With its clear positioning as Europe’s value carrier for leisure and business travellers, Eurowings clearly distinguishes itself from the ultra-low-cost carrier segment, allowing its customers to fly affordably and flexibly with numerous booking options and extras as well as customer-friendly services. With its value concept, the German airline is responding to the core needs of today’s air travellers: even greater flexibility, comfort and sustainability. Eurowings offers direct flights to around 150 destinations within Europe. With 13 international bases – including Mallorca as Europe’s number one vacation island – the Lufthansa subsidiary is one of the largest leisure airlines in Europe. It currently has a fleet of around 100 aircraft and employs almost 5,000 people.
