Did a Flight Slide Off the Runway in Finland Due to a Storm?
Synopsis
On December 28, a commercial flight with about 150 passengers slid off the runway at Kittila Airport in Finland amidst severe winter weather. Despite the alarming situation, there were no injuries reported, and recovery efforts are underway. This incident highlights the challenges posed by stormy conditions in popular winter tourist destinations.
Key Takeaways
No injuries reported in both aircraft incidents.
Severe weather conditions caused disruptions in air travel.
Recovery operations led to delays for other flights at Kittila.
Storm Hannes affected not just Kittila but also Rovaniemi and Ivalo airports.
These airports are crucial for winter tourism in Finland.
Helsinki, Dec 28 (NationPress) A commercial flight with approximately 150 passengers skidded off the runway during its landing at Kittila Airport, located in the Lapland region of Finland, amid severe storm conditions, as reported by the Finnish airport authority, Finavia.
The aircraft came to a halt in deep snow, and thankfully, no injuries were reported, according to Finavia's announcement made on Saturday afternoon (local time). The operator confirmed that this flight was arriving from Geneva, Switzerland, though the airline has not been disclosed.
In another incident, a smaller plane carrying 10 individuals also encountered difficulties, crashing into a snowbank at Kittila on Saturday afternoon, but again, no injuries were reported, as cited by Finnish daily Ilta-Sanomat. Finavia corroborated this occurrence, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Finavia noted that recovery operations for the aircraft led to delays for other flights at Kittila. The stormy weather also affected air traffic at Rovaniemi and Ivalo, both situated in Lapland, resulting in further delays and cancellations.
Air traffic restrictions were imposed at Ivalo, Kittila, and Rovaniemi airports starting from 4 p.m. local time on Saturday due to the extreme weather conditions, as stated by Finavia.
Later in the evening, flight operations resumed at Ivalo and Kittila, while air traffic at Rovaniemi remained suspended. Finavia added that they are continuously evaluating conditions, wind strength, and the resumption of flight operations in partnership with air traffic control.
These airports—Ivalo, Kittila, and Rovaniemi—are popular winter tourism spots and experience increased air traffic during the holiday period.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute reported that a low-pressure system, termed Storm Hannes, was advancing southward across northern Finland on Saturday, bringing stronger north-northwesterly winds. The storm was anticipated to peak late Saturday evening before gradually subsiding.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to report events like this with accuracy and integrity. The incident at Kittila Airport serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather and its potential impact on air travel. We remain committed to bringing you timely updates while ensuring safety is prioritized for all travelers.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flight to slide off the runway?
The flight skidded off the runway due to severe storm conditions at Kittila Airport in Finland.
Were there any injuries reported?
No injuries were reported in the incident involving the commercial flight or the smaller aircraft.
How many passengers were on the flight?
The commercial aircraft was carrying approximately 150 passengers.
What other incidents occurred at Kittila Airport?
Another smaller aircraft with 10 people on board also hit a snowbank at Kittila Airport on the same day.
Is air traffic affected in other areas due to the storm?
Yes, air traffic at Rovaniemi and Ivalo airports was also disrupted due to the storm, leading to delays and cancellations.
