Kemi-Tornio Airport

Welcome to Kemi-Tornio Airport — your aerial gateway to the enchanting Finnish Lapland! This cozy and modernly equipped airport, located on the coast of the Bothnian Bay, serves as the starting point for unforgettable journeys through the southern part of the region. It conveniently serves two cities simultaneously — Kemi and Tornio, being in close proximity to both, making it an ideal choice for tourists and business travelers. Adventures leading to snow castles, northern lights, and the unique nature of the North begin here.

Despite its compact size, Kemi-Tornio Airport offers everything necessary for a comfortable start or end to your trip. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, a small cafe where you can have a snack before departure, and car rental desks. The main advantage of the airport is its strategic location. It provides quick access to attractions such as the famous SnowCastle in Kemi and allows for easy access to the city of Tornio, which is located on the border with Sweden. The absence of long queues and simple navigation make this airport particularly convenient for those who value their time and prefer to travel without unnecessary hassle.

• Official Website: All current information about flights, services, and rules of Kemi-Tornio Airport can be found on the official website of the operator Finavia: www.finavia.fi/en/airports/kemi-tornio
• Inquiry Service Phone: The unified Finavia information service is available at +358 20 708 000.
• Airport Address: Lentokentäntie 75, 94500 Kemi, Finland.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the official Finavia website.
• Social Media: You can follow news from all airports in Finland, including Kemi-Tornio, on Finavia's official social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's baggage tracing service directly. The airport does not handle such requests.
• Passenger Support Service: Support for general questions related to airport operations can be obtained by calling the Finavia information service.

Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM) is located approximately 6 km from the center of Kemi and 18 km from Tornio, serving both of these cities in Finnish Lapland. There are several convenient ways to get to the terminal, suitable for different budgets and travel plans.

Public transport is mainly represented by buses. Although there may not be a direct regular shuttle, some local bus routes pass near the airport. This is the most budget-friendly option, however, it is worth checking the schedule in advance, as trips may be infrequent, especially on weekends. A bus trip from the center of Kemi will take about 15-20 minutes. There is no direct rail or metro connection to the airport.

Taxi and private transfer are the fastest and most comfortable ways to get to the airport. The trip from the center of Kemi will take just 10-15 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride will be approximately 20-30 Euros. You can find taxis at stands in the city or order a car by phone. For greater convenience, especially if you are traveling with large luggage or a group, it is recommended to book a private transfer in advance. This guarantees a fixed price and timely vehicle arrival.

Car rental is an ideal option for those planning to explore the beauties of northern Finland on their own. Several rental company offices are represented at Kemi-Tornio Airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (winter), to guarantee the availability of the desired model. The road from the city to the airport is simple and well-marked.

For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking is provided. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. This is a convenient option if you are flying away for a few days and want to leave your car in a safe place.

If you are looking for alternative routes or more flight options, it is worth considering nearby airports. The largest of them are Oulu Airport (OUL) and Rovaniemi Airport (RVN), offering a wider choice of destinations. Also nearby, already on the territory of Sweden, is Luleå Airport (LLA).

The Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM) is a small and very compact regional airport, making navigation extremely simple for travelers. Its infrastructure is designed for maximum efficiency and convenience for passengers arriving in Lapland.

Structure and Terminals

Kemi-Tornio Airport has only one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic flights (mainly to Helsinki) and seasonal charter and international flights. There are no separate terminals for domestic and international lines here — all operations, from check-in to boarding, take place in one building.

Map and Navigation

The terminal is a single-story building with a logical and intuitive layout. It is practically impossible to get lost here. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general hall, where the following are located:

• Check-in Zone: Several counters for baggage drop-off and obtaining boarding passes.
• Arrivals Zone: The baggage claim area and exit to the city are located right here, in the main hall, which is very convenient for those meeting passengers.
• Airline offices and car rental.

After check-in, passengers pass through the single security checkpoint, which leads to a small but cozy departure area. Boarding gates are located here. Since there are no transfers between terminals, all navigation comes down to following simple signs.

Processing Time and Recommendations

Thanks to the airport's compactness and low passenger flow, all pre-flight formalities take minimal time. Passing through check-in and security usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be more than enough to check in luggage without rushing, pass through control, and have a coffee while waiting for boarding. For international charter flights, it is worth allocating about 2 hours.

The history of Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM) is closely linked to the development of air travel in the northern part of Finland. The airport was founded in 1939, and already in 1940, the first passenger flight took place, operated by the airline Aero O/Y (the predecessor of Finnair). This flight connected Helsinki with the city of Kemi, making air travel to Lapland more accessible. From the very beginning, the airport played an important role in the region's transport infrastructure, serving two cities — Kemi and Tornio, which is reflected in its name.

The first decades were a time of gradual growth and establishment. An important stage was the construction of the first terminal in 1953, which allowed for improved passenger service. In 1969, the runway received a hard asphalt surface, which made it possible to accept more modern types of aircraft. During its formative years, the airport performed a key function, ensuring a reliable connection of the remote region with the southern parts of the country, which was especially important in harsh winter conditions.

Significant modernization took place at the end of the 20th century. In 1993, a new, modern terminal building was put into operation, which is still in use today. This reconstruction allowed for a significant increase in capacity and an improved level of comfort for travelers. Thanks to this, Kemi-Tornio Airport strengthened its position as an important gateway for tourists coming to experience the wonders of Finnish Lapland, such as the famous SnowCastle and the Icebreaker Sampo.

One of the interesting facts is its dual name, highlighting its significance for two municipalities simultaneously. The airport has not broken world records for passenger traffic, but its achievement lies in stable and reliable operation for over 80 years in difficult climatic conditions of the North. Today, it remains one of the key transport hubs of Lapland, welcoming both locals and guests from all over the world striving to see the northern lights and feel the magic of the Arctic winter.

Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM) is a small and cozy regional airport serving the cities of Kemi and Tornio in northern Finland. Despite its compact size, it offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The airport infrastructure is designed to meet the basic needs of travelers.

Before departure or after arrival, you can have a snack in a small cafe located in the terminal building. Here they serve hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks. There is also a small shop where you can buy souvenirs, press, and travel goods. The selection, of course, does not compare with large hubs, but everything necessary for a short wait is here.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. You can also find outlets for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited. There is an ATM in the airport, but currency exchange points are absent, so it is recommended to take care of exchanging money in advance if you are arriving from outside the Eurozone. There are no specialized VIP halls or lounges for business class passengers at the airport.

Kemi-Tornio Airport is equipped to serve passengers with limited mobility. To receive assistance with boarding, disembarking, and moving around the terminal, you must notify your airline in advance. For travelers with small children, there are mother and child rooms with changing tables. First aid can be provided by airport staff, who will call specialists if necessary.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, the nearest hotels are located in the city of Kemi, just a few minutes' drive away. There you can also find conference rooms for business meetings, as such services are not provided within the airport itself.

The Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is appropriate. Passengers should not expect a large variety of restaurants, as in major international hubs. However, everything necessary for a comfortable wait for the flight is available here.

The main and, typically, the only place for a snack at the airport is the cafe-restaurant located in the general hall of the terminal, accessible to both departing and meeting passengers (in the landside zone, before passing security control). This is a cozy place where you can quietly drink coffee and eat something before your flight.

The cafe menu is focused on quick and light snacks. Here you will find:

• Hot drinks: coffee, tea, cocoa.
• Fresh pastries, including traditional Finnish cinnamon buns (korvapuusti).
• Sandwiches with various fillings.
• Light salads and soup of the day.
• Soft drinks, juices, and beer.

There likely won't be a full hot lunch with a large selection of dishes, but for a light lunch or breakfast, the options are quite sufficient.

Regarding special dietary needs, the choice may be limited. Usually, vegetarian sandwiches or salads are available. For information regarding gluten-free, vegan, or Halal options, it is best to check with the staff on-site. Prices correspond to the average level for airports in Finland — slightly higher than in the city, but quite acceptable.

Opening hours of the cafe are directly linked to the flight schedule. It opens well in advance of the first departure and closes after the last plane departs, so you will always have time for a snack. This is the ideal place to pass the time with a cup of aromatic coffee and fresh pastries before your journey through Lapland.

To ensure your journey through Kemi-Tornio Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our useful tips. This small but effective airport serves the Lapland region, and knowing a few nuances will help you save time and reduce stress while traveling in Finland.

Arrival at the airport and check-in. For domestic flights, for example, to Helsinki, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. The airport in Kemi is compact, and queues are rare here, but it is better to have a time buffer. To speed up the process, complete online check-in for your flight in advance. The security screening procedure usually goes quickly, but do not forget standard rules: liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag.

Seat selection and carry-on luggage. If possible, choose a window seat. Depending on the season and route, stunning views of snowy forests or the coast of the Bothnian Bay may open up to you. Before the trip, be sure to check with your airline regarding carry-on luggage allowances. Standard prohibitions include sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in volumes of more than 100 ml per container.

Transfers and customs control. Most flights from Kemi-Tornio are operated with a transfer in Helsinki. If you are flying on an international flight, clarify whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transit airport. Since Finland is part of the Schengen Area, there is no customs control as such for flights within it. However, upon arrival from countries outside the Schengen Area, you will need to undergo the standard customs procedure.

Savings and unforeseen situations. To save money, order a taxi or rent a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative. Information is also duplicated on the departure boards. Remember that EU rules apply to flights by European carriers, which provide for compensation, meals, and even accommodation during long delays. Having travel insurance will also help cover unforeseen expenses.