Kuusamo Airport

Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is the gateway to a world of snow-covered forests and winter adventures in Finnish Lapland. Located near the Arctic Circle, it serves as the main transport hub for tourists heading to one of the most popular ski resorts in Finland — Ruka. Although the airport receives flights all year round, it truly comes alive in winter, filling with travellers anticipating skiing, snowmobile safaris, and hunting for the Northern Lights. It is a compact and modern airport, with operations perfectly tuned to welcome guests during the peak tourist season.

The main feature of Kuusamo Airport is its strategic location. It is located just 27 kilometres from the Ruka ski centre, making it the ideal arrival point for winter sports enthusiasts. For their convenience, the SkiBus runs between the airport and the resort, with a schedule coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. This allows you to reach hotels and slopes quickly and without hassle.

Despite its modest size, the airport offers all necessary services for a comfortable start and end to your journey. Here operate offices of several car rental companies, giving freedom of movement around the picturesque surroundings. In the terminal building, there is a café where you can have a snack while waiting for your flight, and a small shop. The airport serves both regular domestic flights, mainly to Helsinki, and numerous seasonal international charters from various European countries.

Below you will find contact information for Kuusamo Airport (KAO) to help you plan your trip and resolve potential issues.

• Official Website: You can find all current information about flights, services, and airport rules on the official Finavia operator website: www.finavia.fi/ru/aeroporty/kuusamo.
• Information Service Phone: For inquiries, you can call the unified Finavia information service at +358 20 708 000.
• Airport Address: Lentokentäntie 100, 93600 Kuusamo, Finland.
• Email: A direct email for general questions is not provided. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: News and updates for all Finnish airports, including Kuusamo, are published on Finavia's official social media pages.
• Lost Baggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you should first contact your airline's representative. For items left or found within the airport, the Lost & Found service answers, usually provided by Airpro.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to airport operations, contact the Finavia information service. For questions regarding tickets, flight check-in, baggage transport, and special services, you must contact your airline directly.

Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is conveniently located just 6 kilometres from the city centre of Kuusamo and approximately 27 kilometres from the popular Ruka ski resort. You can get to or from the airport in several ways, allowing travellers to choose the most suitable option depending on their budget, time, and vacation plans in Finland.

Public Transport — the most economical way. The special skier bus (SkiBus) and the Airport Bus run the route Airport – Kuusamo Centre – Ruka Resort. The schedule is usually coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, especially during the high winter season. The trip to the city centre takes about 10-15 minutes, and to Ruka — approximately 30 minutes. This is not only a budget-friendly option but also convenient if you are travelling light.

Taxis and Transfers — the ideal choice for those who value comfort, travel with family, or have a lot of luggage. The taxi stand is located right at the terminal exit. A trip to Kuusamo centre will cost more than the bus but ensures maximum convenience. For trips to Ruka resort or remote cottages, it is recommended to book a transfer in advance — this can be more cost-effective and guarantees a car upon your arrival.

Car Rental — an excellent option for independent travellers wishing to explore the region's picturesque surroundings. Counters of several international and local rental companies operate at Kuusamo Airport. Having your own car gives complete freedom of movement, allowing you to easily reach national parks, lakes, and other attractions. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially on peak dates.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented car, parking is provided. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. Parking is paid, but it ensures the safety of your vehicle during your trip.

If your plans include travelling through the northern part of Finland, consider other nearby airports as well. Among them are Rovaniemi Airport (approximately 166 km), Kajaani Airport (203 km), and the major hub Oulu Airport (215 km), from where you can also reach Kuusamo by bus or rental car.

Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is a small and cosy aviation hub serving the region of the same name in northern Finland. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making it very convenient for travellers, especially for those arriving here for the first time.

The airport has just one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to its compact size, all infrastructure is located in one building, and getting lost here is practically impossible. The terminal is conditionally divided into several functional zones located within walking distance of each other.

Layout and Navigation:

• Departure Area is located in the main part of the terminal. Airline check-in counters are located immediately at the entrance. The check-in procedure usually goes quickly, especially in the low season. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers head to the security checkpoint located right there.
• Arrival Area is also integrated into the common space. After exiting the plane, passengers enter a small hall for baggage claim. There is only one baggage belt, so waiting does not take much time. The exit to the general meeting area is located immediately after the baggage claim zone.

Since there is only one terminal, no transfers or shuttles between terminals are required. All procedures — from entering the airport to boarding the plane — take place in a single, logically organised space. During peak periods, especially in winter when many ski enthusiasts visit the region, the airport can be busy, but even then, completing all formalities rarely takes much time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to pass check-in and security screening without rushing.

Navigation inside the terminal is intuitive, with signs in Finnish, Swedish, and English everywhere. Airport staff are always ready to help and give directions. Compactness and a simple layout are the key features of Kuusamo Airport, ensuring a comfortable start and end to your journey.

The history of Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is a story of how modern technology helped unlock the tourism potential of one of the most picturesque but remote regions of Finland. The air harbour was built and officially opened in 1972. The main goal of its creation was to ensure transport accessibility for the rapidly growing Ruka ski resort and unique natural areas that were previously difficult for mass tourists to reach.

Initially, the airport was a modest airfield with a small runway and a basic passenger terminal. However, with the growing popularity of winter vacations in the 1980s and 1990s, it became obvious that the infrastructure required expansion. During this period, the first works were carried out to extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft. The real breakthrough happened in the early 2000s when a large-scale reconstruction was carried out. The terminal was radically modernised and enlarged to handle the peak flow of passengers, especially charter flights from the UK, the Netherlands, and Central Europe during the Christmas season.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is its distinct seasonality. In the winter months, it turns into a bustling international hub, receiving dozens of flights a week, while in summer its activity decreases significantly. Over its half-century history, Kuusamo Airport has gone from a small regional airfield to a modern gateway that annually welcomes thousands of travellers flying for snow, the Northern Lights, and unforgettable impressions in Finnish Lapland.

Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is a compact but modern and functional aviation hub, especially lively during the winter season. Despite its small size, it offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight.

In the airport terminal, you will find a cosy café-restaurant where you can have a snack, drink a hot beverage, or try local delicacies before departure. There is also a small shop offering souvenirs, travel goods, and locally produced products, such as venison or berry jams. It is a great place to buy last-minute gifts.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. You can also find outlets for charging your electronic devices in the waiting lounges. Although there are no separate VIP or business lounges at the airport, the general waiting areas are clean and comfortable. There is an ATM in the airport building, but currency exchange points are absent, so it is recommended to take care of exchanging money in advance.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. Assistance service is provided for people with reduced mobility, which should be booked in advance through the airline. For travellers with small children, there is a mother and child room with a changing table. First aid can be provided by airport staff if necessary.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but the nearest hotels and cottage complexes are just a few minutes' drive away, in the area of the popular Ruka ski resort and in the city of Kuusamo. Specialized business centres or conference rooms are absent in the terminal building, but such services can be found in nearby hotels.

Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is a compact and cosy airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is concentrated in one main location. Travellers will not have to search long for a place to have a snack before departure or after arrival.

The main place for food in the airport is the café-restaurant located in the general terminal hall, before the security zone (landside). Here you can quickly drink coffee with fresh pastries or have a full lunch. For those in a hurry, sandwiches, salads, and various snacks are always available. If you have time, it is worth paying attention to local cuisine dishes. Depending on the season, the menu may feature traditional Finnish creamy salmon soup (Lohikeitto) or other hearty hot dishes that are perfect for warming up on a cold day.

Regarding special dietary needs, basic vegetarian options are usually available (for example, vegetable salads or sandwiches). It is better to check the availability of gluten-free, vegan, or Halal dishes with the staff on-site, as the assortment may be limited. Prices correspond to the average level for Finnish airports.

The café's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule: it opens well in advance of the first departure and closes after the last plane departs. After passing security control (airside), the selection is usually limited to a small kiosk or vending machines with drinks and snacks. Therefore, if you plan a full meal, it is better to do so before entering the departure zone.

Travelling through Kuusamo Airport usually proceeds calmly and without fuss, but a few tips will help make it even more comfortable. Despite the compact size, it can be quite crowded during the peak winter season. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one to pass all formalities without rushing.

Flight check-in and baggage drop-off are quite fast. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. At security control, be ready to present liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Regarding seat selection on the plane, window seats offer stunning views of the snow-covered landscapes of Finland, especially during takeoff and landing.

It is forbidden to take sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml in hand luggage. Ski and other oversized equipment must be checked in as baggage, having clarified the rules and tariffs of your airline in advance. Passengers with connections should note that Kuusamo Airport is not a major transit hub, so transfers here are rare. If you do have a connecting flight, clarify whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Customs control for those arriving from Schengen area countries is usually absent. If you are arriving from outside Schengen, standard EU customs rules apply. To save money, book a transfer from the airport in advance online — this is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. You can also bring a small snack with you, as prices at the airport can be high.

In case of flight delay, contact your airline counter for information and clarification of your rights in accordance with EU rules (for example, for drinks, meals, or a hotel during a long wait). There is a café and free Wi-Fi in the terminal to help pass the time. Stay calm and keep your phone charger handy to stay connected.