Finavia to Invest €3 Million in Rovaniemi Airport Terminal Extension to Enhance Passenger Experience
(IN SHORT) Finavia has announced a €3 million investment to extend Rovaniemi Airport’s terminal, which is set to be completed by winter 2025–2026. The extension will enhance the airport’s capacity to handle the growing number of international passengers visiting Lapland. This is part of Finavia’s ongoing efforts to support the region’s tourism growth, which has seen a 30% increase in passenger traffic in 2024. The extension will add 1,000 square meters to the departures hall and improve passenger services.
(PRESS RELEASE) VANTAA, 2025-Apr-25 — /Travel PR News/ — Finavia has announced a €3 million investment to extend the terminal at Rovaniemi Airport, aiming to accommodate the growing tourism demand in Lapland. The expansion, scheduled for completion by the winter season of 2025–2026, is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to improving the airport experience for passengers and supporting the thriving tourism sector in the region.
Rovaniemi Airport has seen remarkable growth in passenger volumes, with a nearly 30% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. The airport’s total passenger count reached nearly one million in 2024, with the majority being international visitors. This surge in tourism, particularly to Lapland, has prompted greater interest from airlines in the region, further driving the need for enhanced airport facilities.
“Finavia has long been investing in the development of airports across Lapland to foster growth in tourism. Over the years, we have made significant investments, including a EUR 60 million program in 2018–2020 for Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo airports, with Rovaniemi receiving almost half of that amount. These efforts have resulted in high levels of customer satisfaction, and it is essential that we continue to offer an exceptional passenger experience even amidst rapid growth. I am excited to announce this new investment to further support Rovaniemi Airport’s development,” said Jani Jolkkonen, Finavia’s Senior Vice President of Airport Network.
The terminal extension, which will take place from April to November 2025, will add nearly 1,000 square meters to the departures hall. As part of the extension, traffic arrangements in front of the airport will be altered during the construction period. However, the expansion will not affect air traffic operations, and construction is expected to be completed in November 2025.
Finavia’s ongoing investments in Lapland’s airports have surpassed EUR 100 million over the past decade. In addition to development investments, Finavia has also focused on regular maintenance and improvements, including runway renovations and new equipment. These efforts have contributed to Lapland’s airports achieving net zero carbon emissions in 2024, and the airports hold the Visit Finland sustainable travel certificate.
Facts About Rovaniemi Airport
In 2024, the airport welcomed a record 948,000 passengers, a 29% increase from the previous year.
The airport serves 44% international and 56% domestic passengers.
Rovaniemi Airport has a 3,000-meter-long runway that crosses the Arctic Circle.
It was ranked among the top three airports in Europe in its size category (less than five million passengers) by Airports Council International (ACI) in 2024.
In 2019, Finavia was awarded the Best Travel Achievement of the Year by the Finnish Lapland Tourist Board for improving accessibility to the region.
Past Investments at Rovaniemi Airport (2018–2020)
- €25 million investment
- 5,000 m² increase in terminal space (+75%)
- 10 additional passport control points (+50%)
- 3 new departure gates (including 1 bridge gate and 2 bus gates) (+150%)
- 6 new check-in lines (+75%)
- Expanded luggage center
- Updated shopping and restaurant services
About Rovaniemi Airport
- Construction began in 1939, with the airport opening in 1940.
- In 1984, the first Christmas charter flight from London arrived.
- The airport celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2020.
More information: Finavia media desk, tel. +358 20 708 2002
SOURCE: Finavia Group
