The new connection will significantly boost Arctic Lakeland’s accessibility in the international tourism market, making travel to the region smoother from Europe and across the globe.
The Arctic Lakeland Finland region is set to gain a major international flight connection as Discover Airlines, a member of the Lufthansa Group, announces a new direct scheduled route between Frankfurt and Kajaani for the 2027–2028 winter season. Tickets will go on sale in December 2026.
“We are absolutely delighted with this new launch. A direct flight connection to Frankfurt is a major step forward in strengthening our region’s international accessibility. Until now, our focus has been on establishing charter flight connections. As a result of this long-term work, we are now opening international scheduled traffic from Germany’s largest airport by passenger volume,” says Aija Laukkanen, CEO of Vuokatti Tourism Ltd.
Germany represents the largest source market for international tourism in both Finland and the Arctic Lakeland Finland region. Frankfurt Airport serves as Discover Airlines’ primary base and main hub, where the airline operates the majority of its flights. “Thanks to this new connection, Arctic Lakeland will be even more accessible to both leisure and business travelers through the Lufthansa Group’s extensive route network. Frankfurt offers connecting flights to numerous European destinations, as well as to North America, Asia, and other international markets,” Laukkanen adds
enthusiastically.
Flight schedule
Flights will operate once a week on Fridays between December 17, 2027, and March 24,
- Frankfurt (FRA) – Kajaani (KAJ): 10:40 AM – 2:35 PM
- Kajaani (KAJ) – Frankfurt (FRA): 3:40 PM – 5:35 PM
“Travel to the Nordic countries remains very popular—as evidenced by rising booking numbers. With Kainuu, Arctic Lakeland Finland, we’re expanding our offerings to include a special destination that gives travelers access to the untouched nature and vast landscapes of Finland’s north. With seasonally tailored routes, we’re responding specifically to the wishes of our guests and our tour operator partners, offering them travel experiences suited to every season,” says Marco Götz, Chief Commercial Officer of Discover Airlines.
“The new direct scheduled flight connection between Frankfurt and Kajaani Airport is a long-awaited development that strengthens international connections for Arctic Lakeland Finland and the surrounding areas. This new service by Discover Airlines—part of the Lufthansa Group—reflects the region’s growing profile as a winter tourism destination, a trend supported by active local collaboration to promote tourism,” says Petri Vuori, SVP, Route Development at Finavia.
“Discover Airlines’ new route launches—connecting Frankfurt to Kajaani for the 2027 2028 winter season and to Savonlinna for the summer of 2027—are excellent news for the accessibility of Eastern Finland and the development of year-round tourism. These new summer and winter connections will boost Eastern Finland’s appeal in Germany and across Central Europe, while creating new opportunities for developing tourism products and collaborating with tour operators. Frankfurt Airport is a major aviation hub, and Discover Airlines’ membership in the Lufthansa Group enables seamless connections from numerous key source markets. The new route to Kajaani is the result of long-term, systematic, and determined effort, as well as active collaboration,” says Teemu Ahola, Director of International Operations at Visit Finland. Visit Finland’s contribution is being implemented as part of the Sustainable Tourism Growth Programme for Eastern Finland, funded by the appropriation for supporting sustainable regional growth and vitality (AKKE) and awarded by the Regional Council of South Savo.
Developing Tourism in Collaboration
Negotiations with Discover Airlines were conducted during the Arctic Lakeland Charter development project. The project was executed by the Municipality of Sotkamo (August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2026) and funded by the Municipality of Sotkamo, the Regional Council of Kainuu, and the cities of Kajaani and Kuhmo. Aija Laukkanen led the project as the project manager.
During the negotiations, the region’s full tourism offering was presented to the airline. “Our goal in the negotiations was to promote the sales of tourism products under our Arctic Lakeland Finland brand, and to increase the number of international visitors across all tourism centers in the region. Regarding the Frankfurt-Kajaani route, the work now transitions to discussions between the companies in the holiday destinations and
tour operators. Product development for the new winter 2027–2028 flight route starts immediately,” states Aija Laukkanen.
A New Opportunity for Year-Round International Tourism in Eastern Finland
In addition to the new winter route to Kajaani Airport, Lufthansa Group will also launch summer flights to Savonlinna in summer 2027. This creates a unique opportunity to strengthen Eastern Finland as a year-round international tourism region.
“This is a significant opportunity to develop year-round tourism in Eastern Finland region, where several tourism destinations complement one another. Together, we create greater value than the destinations could individually.” say Aija Laukkanen, CEO of Vuokatti Tourism Ltd., and Jaana Komi, CEO of Savonlinna Travel Ltd. Germany is one of the most important international source markets for both the Arctic Lakeland region and the Savonlinna region. The new direct connections from Frankfurt provide an excellent opportunity to increase visitor numbers and take interregional
cooperation to a new level. With Kajaani served during the winter season and Savonlinna in the summer, the regions can jointly develop year-round tourism products by combining the complementary offerings in both regions.
“We can now develop new touring itineraries and Fly & Drive packages that allow visitors to experience the Lake Saimaa region, Savonlinna’s rich cultural heritage, Vuokatti’s year-round activities, Arctic Lakeland’s cultural attractions and bear watching programs, and the diverse experiences Eastern Finland has to offer. Together, we can create attractive travel routes that encourage longer stays, increase tourism revenue, and strengthen Eastern Finland’s international competitiveness,” says Komi and Laukkanen.
Further information
Arctic Lakeland Charter development project (1.8.2023 – 31.7.2026)
Aija Laukkanen, Project manager
www.arcticlakeland.com/en/areas/
Vuokatti Tourism Ltd. Kidekuja 2, 88610 Vuokatti, Finland
www.vuokatti.fi/en/
www.dmo.vuokatti.fi/en/releases-news-stories/
Aija Laukkanen, CEO, +358 40 611 6950, aija.laukkanen@vuokatti.fi