Easyjet to start direct flights from Milan and Paris in winter
The new flights bring a completely new route to Fell Lapland and strengthen the current network.
Next winter, it is possible to fly directly from Kittilä to Italy for the first time when one of Europe's leading airlines, Easyjet, opens a new route from Milan to Kittilä. In addition to Milan, it will also be easier to travel to Paris next winter when the airline begins to operate between Paris Charles De Gaulle and Kittilä Airport. Easyjet already flies from London and Manchester to Kittilä.
The operating time of the new flights is exceptionally long, covering almost the entire winter season. Both routes are operated twice during the winter season 2024–2025. Easyjet opens the Milan Malpensa–Kittilä connection on November 20, 2024 and flies the route on Wednesdays and Sundays until March 26, 2025. The Paris flight, on the other hand, is operated on Thursdays and Sundays from November 21, 2024 to March 23, 2025.
New route, new culture
The first direct flight from Italy to Kittilä brings a new, culturally interesting and growing international target group to Fell Lapland. The interests and needs of Italian customers are also expected to have an influence on tourism services and their offering.
– It's great to notice that the interest in Fell Lapland is growing in many countries, and we are happy to welcome a new group of customers. The typical Italian customer is looking for unique and authentic nature experiences all year round, which brings new opportunities for companies in the region, says Kati Vehmas, CEO of Visit Ylläs.
The new route also enables Finnish tourists to visit Italy. Starting in November, one can easily get to Milan from Kittilä on vacation to explore Italian culture, gastronomy and fashion. Next winter, we will also find out how Italians like reindeer on top of pizza.
Fell Lapland continues its popularity among the French
The French's interest in Fell Lapland has grown significantly over the years and remained at a high level in recent years. The new flight, which is now the third connection between Kittilä and Paris, also indicates this. In addition to Easyjet, Air France and Transavia fly from the French capital in the 2024–2025 winter season.
With the improved accessibility, the number of French tourists has grown steadily, and currently, in the winter months, the French are the second largest international customer group in Fell Lapland in terms of overnight stays. The French appreciate Lapland's snowy winter and the silence of nature. They are especially interested in the northern lights, cross-country skiing and culture in Lapland.
– The growth of French tourists started to show a clear increase in the winter of 2022-2023, when the first direct scheduled flights started from Paris. Tourists from Great Britain are still the largest customer group in the area of influence of Kittilä Airport, but their arrivals are mainly concentrated around Christmas and New Year, while the French come steadily throughout the winter season, explains Satu Pesonen, CEO of Visit Levi.
