Jyvaskyla Airport

Welcome to the aerial gateway to the heart of Finland! Jyvaskyla Airport is not merely a transit hub, but a cozy and peaceful starting point for your journey into the Land of a Thousand Lakes. Located in the picturesque Tikkakoski district, this air terminal combines the homely atmosphere of a small regional facility with the precise organisation typical of sites shared with the Air Force. There are no endless corridors or the hustle and bustle of major hubs here, so your introduction to the region will begin with a sense of comfort and serenity characteristic of Finnish nature.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its modest size, Jyvaskyla Airport possesses a unique character and a range of advantages that travellers appreciate.

Speed and Convenience. The compactness of the terminal is its main asset. The journey from the building entrance to the boarding gate takes mere minutes. Queues for check-in and security screening are an extremely rare phenomenon here, allowing passengers to arrive at the airport a little later than is customary at capital hubs, spending less time on formalities.

Aviation History. The airport shares its runway with the country's Air Force. This proximity guarantees the infrastructure is in perfect condition and maintains a high level of safety. Furthermore, just a few minutes' walk from the terminal is the Finnish Air Force Museum — a true gem for technology enthusiasts, where one can spend time engagingly while waiting for a flight.

Event Hub. Once a year, this quiet airport transforms radically, becoming a vital node for global motorsport. During the famous round of the World Rally Championship (WRC Rally Finland), numerous charters arrive here carrying teams and fans, filling the terminal with an international festive atmosphere.

Scenic Views. As the airport is surrounded by forests and lakes, take-off and landing here are often accompanied by breathtaking panoramic views. This is an excellent opportunity to capture the first beautiful shots of your journey even before disembarking the aircraft.

Below you will find the essential contact information for Jyväskylä Airport (JYV), which will assist you during your travels.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the official website of the operator, Finavia: www.finavia.fi
• Information Service Phone: +358 20 708 000 (unified information service of Finavia, the company operating the airport).
• Airport Address: Lentokentäntie 700, 41160 Tikkakoski, Finland. The airport is located approximately 23 kilometres north of the city centre.
• Email: For communication, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official Finavia website, as a direct email for general enquiries is not published.
• Social Media: News and updates are published on the official pages of the operator Finavia on major social networks.
• Lost Baggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you should immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service. For items left within the terminal premises, please contact the information desk or use the relevant section on the Finavia website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions, you may contact the information service by phone or speak to staff at the information desk within the airport terminal.

Jyvaskyla Airport (JYV) is located approximately 23 kilometres north of the city centre of Jyväskylä, making the journey there quick and convenient. You can reach the terminal in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. When planning your route, please note that this is a small regional airport in Finland, and some modes of transport require advance booking.

Public Transport and Shuttles. There is no direct regular bus service between the city centre and the airport. However, special airport shuttles are organised for most flights. their schedule is linked to aircraft departure and arrival times. Information on trips and fares (which are usually significantly lower than taxis) must be checked in advance on the airport website or with the carriers providing the transfer. Booking a seat on the shuttle is often mandatory, so please arrange this a few days prior to your trip.

Taxi and Private Transfer. The fastest and most comfortable way to get to the airport is by taxi. The journey from the centre of Jyväskylä will take about 20-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the trip will be approximately 50–70 Euros. You can order a car through local taxi companies or use a pre-booked transfer service, which sometimes allows for slight savings and guarantees vehicle availability at your required time.

Car Rental and Parking. If you value independence and plan to travel around the picturesque surroundings of the region, car rental is an excellent choice. The road to the airport is straightforward and follows route E75. Within the airport itself, desks for several rental companies operate, where you can both pick up and return a vehicle. For those arriving in their own car, convenient parking is provided at the terminal. There are zones for short-term and long-term parking, and typically, free spaces are always available.

Jyvaskyla Airport (JYV) is a small and modern regional airport distinguished by its compactness and efficiency. Orienting yourself here is very simple, as it consists of one passenger terminal serving both domestic and international flights (primarily charters).

The terminal layout is intuitive. All key zones — check-in, security control, boarding gates, and the arrival hall — are located in one building a short distance from each other. Immediately after entering the terminal, you find yourself in the public area, where airline check-in counters and car rental points are located. There are no transfers between terminals, as there is only one, eliminating any confusion.

The departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located nearby. After check-in, passengers pass through the single security screening point and enter a small but cosy waiting lounge. Here you will find a café and restrooms. The arrival zone is in another part of the building and includes the baggage claim belt and an exit to the public area, where you can meet arriving passengers or take a taxi.

The main feature of Jyvaskyla Airport is the rapid completion of all procedures. Thanks to its small size and low passenger traffic, flight check-in and screening rarely take much time. Generally, it is sufficient to arrive at the airport 1–1.5 hours before a domestic flight departure. For international charters, it is better to allow about 2 hours to comfortably complete all formalities.

Navigation in the airport is extremely simple. There are clear signs everywhere in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Getting lost here is practically impossible, making travel through Jyvaskyla Airport maximally comfortable and carefree.

The history of Jyväskylä Airport (JYV), also known as Tikkakoski Airport, is closely intertwined with the development of aviation in Finland. The airfield was founded in 1939, initially for military needs. For many decades, it served as an important base for the country's Air Force, and this legacy is felt here even today. Regular passenger services were inaugurated significantly later, in the 1960s, marking the beginning of its unique dual role as a military and civil air transport hub.

A key stage in the development of civil infrastructure was the construction of a modern passenger terminal, which opened in 1988. However, the most significant modernisation occurred in 2004, when the terminal was substantially expanded and renovated. This large-scale reconstruction was largely connected to the region hosting a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), one of the most iconic events for Jyväskylä. The modernisation allowed the airport to more effectively serve the growing flow of international guests and competition participants.

One of the main features of the airport is its status as a joint-base airfield. The Air Force Academy of Finland (Ilmasotakoulu) is located here, making it a centre for training Finnish military pilots. This unique combination of civil and military aviation gives it a special atmosphere. For tourists and aviation history enthusiasts, there is another pleasant bonus: in the immediate vicinity of the airport lies the Finnish Air Force Museum (Suomen Ilmavoimamuseo), where one can view an impressive collection of aircraft and learn more about the history of aeronautics in the country.

Jyvaskyla Airport (JYV), despite its compact dimensions, offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Conditions are created here for both business travellers and tourists setting off to explore the lake district of Finland.

Dining and Shopping. A cosy café operates in the terminal where you can have a snack before departure, drink a cup of coffee, or purchase light refreshments and beverages for the journey. The range of shops is limited, but you can find souvenirs and essential items here.

Connectivity and Work. Throughout the airport territory, free Wi-Fi is available for passengers, allowing you to stay connected or attend to work matters. For those needing to recharge their devices, special stations and power outlets are provided in the waiting lounge. For business travellers, there is an option to rent a small conference room or VIP lounge for meetings.

Services for a Comfortable Wait. There are no major bank branches in the airport, but ATMs are installed. Passengers with children have access to mother-and-child rooms equipped with changing tables. For travellers with reduced mobility, special assistance is provided (it is recommended to book this service in advance through the airline), and the terminal infrastructure is adapted to their needs.

Accommodation and Additional Services. Although there is no hotel directly on the airport grounds, a multitude of accommodation options can be found in the city of Jyväskylä, which is just a 20-30 minute drive away. If necessary, basic medical assistance can be obtained at the first aid point in the airport.

Jyväskylä Airport (JYV) is a compact and modern regional air hub, so all dining options are conveniently located in the main terminal. Although the selection is not as vast as in major hubs, every traveller will be able to find a suitable option to refresh themselves before a flight or after arrival.

The primary place for food and relaxation at the airport is the café located in the public area before security control (landside). This makes it accessible both for departing passengers and for those meeting or seeing them off. Thanks to its location, you can calmly spend time with friends or family before heading to the departure zone.

The café menu caters to various traveller needs. For those in a hurry, a good selection is offered for a quick snack: fresh sandwiches, salads, yoghurts, as well as aromatic coffee and traditional Finnish pastries, such as the famous cinnamon buns (korvapuusti). If you have more time, you can order a full lunch, including the soup of the day or another simple hot dish, which is an excellent opportunity to experience local cuisine.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian sandwiches or salads are usually present in the assortment. However, for passengers adhering to stricter diets (for example, vegan, gluten-free, or specific religious dietary requirements), the choice may be extremely limited. In such cases, it is recommended to arrange food in advance and bring a snack with you to avoid inconvenience. The café's opening hours are fully synchronised with the flight schedule, and the price range can be described as average for airports in Finland.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Jyväskylä goes smoothly, take advantage of these useful tips. Despite it being a small regional airport, planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights and travel within the Schengen area, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to check in luggage without haste, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website — this will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or security screening if you are travelling light.

Passing Control. Security procedures here are standard but typically proceed faster than in major hubs. Prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and large electronic devices to quickly remove them from your hand luggage. A polite and prepared passenger ensures a quick control process for everyone.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. Seat choice depends on your preferences: by the window to admire views of the lake district of Finland, or by the aisle to stretch your legs and exit quickly after landing. Always check your airline's hand luggage allowance, as rules may differ. Remember that power banks and lithium batteries must be carried only in hand luggage.

Transfer Passengers and Customs. Jyvaskyla Airport mainly serves direct flights. If you have a connection (for example, in Helsinki), clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically to the final destination. Since Finland is part of the EU and the Schengen zone, there is no customs control for flights within these zones. Standard customs rules apply when arriving from non-EU countries.

Savings and Flight Delays. To save money, book a taxi or transfer to the city in advance. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after passing security. In case of a flight delay, contact an airline representative to learn about your rights (EU261 regulation applies in the EU). Ensure your gadgets are charged and you have a book or magazine at hand — this will help pass the waiting time.