Savonlinna Airport

Savonlinna Airport is not merely a gateway, but a cosy start to your journey into the heart of the Lakeland in Finland. Situated amidst picturesque forests and lakes, it creates a peaceful atmosphere from the very first minutes of your arrival. This small air harbour comes especially alive in summer when it welcomes guests from all over the world rushing to the famous Opera Festival. For many tourists, this airport becomes the starting point for exploring the amazing nature of the Saimaa region.

The main advantage of Savonlinna Airport is its compact size and convenience. There are no long queues or the hustle and bustle typical of large hubs here. Check-in and security control procedures are quick and stress-free, allowing travellers to save time and peace of mind. The airport offers basic services, including a café and car rental facilities, making it ideal for starting an independent journey across the region.

Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in the transport accessibility of Eastern Finland. It provides regular air connections to Helsinki, and during the summer season, it receives charter flights from other countries. Its location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring national parks, the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, and the endless waterways of Lake Saimaa.

Below you will find useful contact details for Savonlinna Airport (SVL), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential questions.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official portal of the operator, Finavia: www.finavia.fi/en/airports/savonlinna
• Information Service Phone: For general information, you can call the unified Finavia helpline at +358 20 708 000.
• Airport Address: Lentoasemantie 50, 57310 Savonlinna, Finland.
• Email: For general enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official Finavia website.
• Social Media: You can follow news on the general pages of the operator Finavia on social networks such as Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: For questions regarding lost items and baggage, please contact Airpro Travel Service. Phone: +358 20 708 7800, email: sln.lostandfound@airpro.fi.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passenger support, the general Finavia information line mentioned above is used.

Getting to Savonlinna Airport, located approximately 15 kilometres northeast of the city centre of Savonlinna, is quite simple. Despite its compact size, transport connections with the city are well-established, especially if you plan your trip in advance. The travel time by car is usually 15–20 minutes.

The most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport is by taxi or pre-booked transfer. The taxi rank is located directly outside the terminal exit. A trip from the city centre will cost approximately 30–40 Euros. To ensure vehicle availability and fix the cost, it is recommended to book a car in advance through one of the local taxi services or use the transfer service often offered by hotels.

Regarding public transport, there is no regular city bus route to the airport. However, special shuttles or shared taxis (lentokenttäkuljetus) are usually organised for flight arrivals and departures. This is a more economical option, but it is extremely important to check the schedule and the need for prior booking on the airport website or with the carrier, as transport runs irregularly and is tied exclusively to the flight schedule.

If you plan to explore the Lakeland of Finland on your own, renting a car is an excellent solution. You can rent a car in the city and drive comfortably to the airport, leaving it in the parking lot. Savonlinna Airport has a convenient car park located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available here, the cost of which depends on the duration of parking.

Savonlinna Airport (SVL) is a small and very convenient regional airport in Finland, which consists of one passenger terminal. Its compactness is a major advantage, making navigation simple and intuitive for all travellers. The terminal serves both domestic and rare international charter flights.

All airport infrastructure is located in one small building, which eliminates the need for complex maps. Right at the entrance, you will find check-in counters and the baggage drop-off area. After checking in, passengers proceed to a single security checkpoint, after which they enter a cosy departure lounge. The arrival area with a baggage claim belt is also located in the same terminal, in close proximity to the arrivals hall.

Since there is only one terminal in the airport, the question of transfers between them is irrelevant. All procedures, from check-in to boarding the flight, take place in one logical flow. Thanks to the low passenger traffic, passing through check-in and security control usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport about an hour to an hour and a half before departure to complete all formalities without haste.

Orienting yourself at Savonlinna Airport is extremely easy. The signs are clear and understandable, and the short distances allow you to quickly move between all necessary zones. In fact, it is impossible to get lost here. All main services—from a small café to car rental counters—are within sight in the main hall, making your stay at the airport as comfortable and carefree as possible.

The history of Savonlinna Airport (SVL) is inextricably linked with the development of tourism in the picturesque Lakeland of Finland. The airport was opened in 1973 to provide air connections for the city of Savonlinna and the surrounding Saimaa region, which was becoming increasingly popular among travellers. Initially, it was a small airfield capable of receiving light aircraft, but its potential was evident from the start.

A key factor influencing the airport's development was the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival. To accommodate a larger number of guests and larger aircraft, significant modernisation was carried out in the late 1990s. The main stage was the reconstruction and extension of the runway, which allowed the airport to receive jet liners. In parallel, the passenger terminal was renovated and expanded to cope with the increased flow of tourists during the summer season.

Since then, the airport has undergone several stages of modernisation aimed at improving passenger comfort and meeting modern aviation safety standards. Although Savonlinna Airport cannot boast records for passenger traffic on a national scale, its achievement is stable and reliable operation as a gateway to one of the most beautiful regions of the country. It plays a vital role in supporting cultural tourism and the local economy.

An interesting fact from the airport's history lies in its pronounced seasonality. In summer, during the Opera Festival, its schedule becomes significantly denser, and charter flights from various European cities appear. During the rest of the year, it mainly serves domestic flights, connecting the region with Helsinki. Thus, the history of the airport is a history of the successful integration of transport infrastructure into the cultural and tourist life of an entire region.

Savonlinna Airport (SVL) is a small regional airport serving the city of the same name and its surroundings in Finland. Given its compact size, the range of services here is basic but sufficient for a comfortable wait for your flight. The airport's infrastructure is focused on meeting the key needs of passengers before departure or immediately after arrival.

There is a small café operating within the terminal where you can order beverages, fresh pastries, and light snacks. This is the main place for dining at the airport. There are no specialised restaurants or large Duty-Free shops here. Free Wi-Fi is available for all passengers, and power outlets for charging electronic devices can be found in the waiting hall.

The airport does not offer VIP lounges or business lounges. The waiting area is common for all passengers. Also, the terminal lacks bank branches, currency exchange points, and full-fledged business centres or conference rooms. It is recommended to exchange currency and settle financial matters in advance in the city of Savonlinna.

For passengers with children, mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables are available. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance. This service should be booked in advance, at least 48 hours before departure, through the airline. There is no specialised medical centre at the airport, but in emergency cases, staff will provide first aid and call an ambulance.

There are no hotels directly on the territory of Savonlinna Airport. The nearest hotels and apartments are located in the city, which can be reached by taxi or bus in about 15–20 minutes. This is a convenient option for those travelling early in the morning or arriving late in the evening.

When planning a departure from Savonlinna Airport (SVL), it is important to consider that this is a very compact regional airport serving primarily seasonal flights. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is limited, but the opportunity to have a snack before the flight is still available.

A small café operates in the single terminal of the airport, which is the main and only place for food. It is located in the general area accessible to all visitors. A key feature of its operation is its link to the flight schedule. The café opens to serve passengers some time before departure and closes after the flight departs. The assortment usually includes coffee, tea, soft drinks, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. This is a convenient option to quickly have a coffee and eat something light while waiting for boarding.

You are unlikely to find full-service restaurants with hot meals or a wide menu for passengers with special dietary needs (for example, vegan or gluten-free options) at the airport. If you are counting on a hearty lunch or dinner, or require specific dietary options such as Halal, it is strongly recommended to do so in advance at one of the numerous cafés or restaurants in the city of Savonlinna. This approach will allow you to enjoy your meal calmly and without haste before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Savonlinna Airport (SVL) goes smoothly and comfortably, make use of our tips. This small but cosy airport serves the picturesque Lakeland of Finland, and knowing some nuances will help you avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival time at the airport. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic flights—1.5–2 hours. Although Savonlinna Airport is compact and queues are rare, an extra buffer of time will allow you to calmly go through all formalities, especially at the height of the tourist season.

Check-in and security. The fastest way to check in for a flight is to do it online on the airline's website. Have your passport and boarding pass ready at the airport. The security procedure is standard: you will be asked to place laptops, tablets, and other large gadgets, as well as your bag of liquids, into a separate tray.

Choosing a seat on the plane. If you want to enjoy stunning views of Finnish lakes and forests from a bird's eye view, choose a window seat. If the ability to move freely during the flight without disturbing neighbours is more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

Hand luggage. Remember the restriction on carrying liquids: all must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. It is prohibited to take weapons, sharp objects, and flammable substances into the cabin. Always keep documents, money, medicines (with a prescription), and valuable electronics with you in your hand luggage.

Passengers with transfers. Savonlinna Airport is mainly used for direct flights, most often to Helsinki. If you have a connecting flight, clarify with the airline staff when checking in your luggage whether you will need to collect it at the intermediate airport. Usually, luggage is checked through to the final destination.

Customs control. Since Finland is part of the Schengen Area, there is generally no passport control on flights between member countries. If you are arriving from a country outside the Schengen zone (such as the UAE), you will need to go through the standard passport control procedure and possibly customs inspection upon entry into the Schengen area (often at Helsinki if connecting).

Saving time and money. Check in for your flight online to avoid standing in line at the counter. To save money, book tickets and car rentals in advance. Take an empty water bottle with you—after security check, you can fill it at a drinking fountain, avoiding the purchase of drinks at inflated prices.

Flight delay. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, first contact your airline representative. According to EU legislation, in the event of long delays, passengers are entitled to care: drinks, meals, and if necessary, hotel accommodation. Airport staff will also be able to provide you with up-to-date information.