There has been good news for the accessibility of the Arctic Coast of Finland lately. Finnair has announced that flights to Kemi and Kokkola will continue on a commercial basis after the current Public Service Obligation (PSO) agreements end in February 2028.
From the end of February 2028, Finnair will operate flights between Helsinki and both Kemi and Kokkola without public support. The new schedules have been designed especially to provide smooth onward connections through Helsinki Airport, connecting the coastal region with destinations across Finland and the wider international flight network.
This is a positive step towards strengthening the region’s long-term accessibility and international connections.
Kemi (KEM) and Kokkola (KOK) remain connected
Flights between Helsinki and Kokkola will include direct services, as well as connections through the multi-stop route serving Oulu (OUL), Kemi and Kokkola. Kemi will be served through this combined route, providing onward connections via Helsinki.
The schedules are designed with connecting passengers in mind, making it easier for international travellers to combine international flights with onward journeys to the Arctic Coast of Finland. The flights will be operated with ATR aircraft, and some services will connect more than one regional airport. This approach allows Finnair to operate the routes commercially while providing continued connectivity to the regions they serve.
More connections along the coast
At the southern end of the wider coastal region, Vaasa (VAA) has frequent Finnair connections to Helsinki and is also connected by air to Umeå (UME) in Sweden, creating another link across the Bothnian Bay. For the wider coastal region, these connections add flexibility to travel planning. Travellers can approach the coast from different directions, combine air travel with rail, road or ferry connections, and create longer journeys that cross regional and national borders.
Connectivity opens the coast to more travellers
For an international traveller, accessibility is about how easily different parts of a journey fit together. The Arctic Coast of Finland is not dependent on one mode of transport. Regional airports, rail connections, road travel and ferry services all contribute to making the coastal region accessible from different directions. Visit Arctic Coast brings together destinations and experiences across the coast, while Arctic Coast DMC helps international travellers and tour operators connect these destinations through coordinated travel arrangements, road trips and tailor-made itineraries.
This variety is particularly valuable for international tour operators planning longer stays and multi-destination itineraries. It makes it possible to combine different parts of the coast and create journeys that extend beyond a single destination.
Developing connectivity further
Connectivity is not only about the routes already in place, but also about understanding where new opportunities lie. Through projects such as Runways to Arctic Coast and CHARLES, the City of Kalajoki alongside its project partners are working to better understand flight connections, develop travel chains and raise awareness of the Arctic Coast’s potential among international partners.
More information about the projects: City of Kalajoki
A stronger foundation for year-round travel
Reliable connectivity supports tourism throughout the year. It makes the region easier to reach not only during the busiest travel seasons, but also when travellers are looking for winter experiences, springtime on the coast, summer by the Bothnian Bay or the colours and atmosphere of autumn. For the Arctic Coast of Finland, the continuation of commercial air services to Kemi and Kokkola is therefore an encouraging sign for the future. As the region continues to develop its international tourism offering, strong and reliable connections will remain an essential part of making the Arctic Coast accessible to travellers from near and far.
Welcome, explorers from near and far!
Images:
Main image, credits to Kokkola Airport
Other image, credits to Visit Kalajoki
