Finavia dismisses need for second runway at Rovaniemi Airport in Finland

Finavia, the Finnish airport company, does not see the need for a second runway at Rovaniemi Airport. The Lapland Air Command suggested constructing a new runway to improve air traffic flow and enhance readiness during crises. Currently, Rovaniemi Airport operates one runway used by both civilian and military aircraft. Henri Hansson, Finavia’s Director of Technology, Responsibility, and Safety, stated that the existing runway is sufficient to handle an increase in flights, despite the airport experiencing substantial passenger growth in recent years.

From this perspective, constructing a new runway is not deemed necessary, Hansson mentioned in a communication. The Lapland Air Command expressed dissatisfaction regarding last winter’s frost damage issues, which particularly affected operations involving fighter jets during training exercises. The runway was repaired after winter; however, the Command sees a new runway as a potential solution for future frost damage problems.

Hansson acknowledged that last winter was unusually challenging due to cold weather, resulting in more frost damage repairs than usual. He emphasized that fixing frost damage is a standard part of lifecycle management carried out at all Finavia airports annually.

The cost of a new runway remains uncertain, as it would depend on the chosen location and terrain. Currently, Finavia has no plans for significant new investments at Rovaniemi Airport, let alone a new runway. Rehabilitating the existing runway typically costs several million euros. The complete process of constructing a new runway, including permits and planning, would take several years. Finavia operates 22 runways across 20 airports and has invested €13 million this year in reconstruction work at Kuopio Airport. Additionally, €3 million has been allocated this summer for the maintenance of the third runway and other operational areas at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.