Lappeenranta Airport faces funding debate as local residents divided over taxpayer support in Finland

Some of Finland’s airports rely on funding from local taxpayers, leading to divided opinions among residents. This is particularly notable in Lappeenranta, where the airport’s future hinges on municipal financing. A recent survey about the airport’s future and the use of taxpayer money revealed differing views among locals. Kari Tamper expressed support for the airport, stating, “It’s great to have it, even if it incurs substantial losses.” In contrast, Miika Airaksinen firmly opposed using taxpayer funds for flights, insisting, “Those who want to fly should pay for it themselves.”

Lappeenranta Airport is among four municipal or municipal-owned airports in Finland, alongside Enontekiö, Seinäjoki, and Mikkeli. It stands out as the only one with regular scheduled flights, mainly operated by Ryanair to Bergamo, Italy. Enontekiö has charter flights during winter months catering to British tourists in Lapland. The remaining twenty Finnish airports are managed by the state-owned company Finavia.

The fate of Lappeenranta Airport will be determined later this year when the governing foundation outlines plans for ongoing operations and associated costs. Last year, the city council approved a support package of 1.3 million euros, but an additional 250,000 euros is now required. Anne Kangasmuukko argued that those funds could be better allocated to healthcare.

In northern Lapland, Enontekiö, a municipality with about 1,800 residents, faces a similar dilemma. Mayor Marko Halla noted that arguments against the airport often cite its cost relative to the small community. The council will also decide on the airport’s funding in their upcoming budget, with a proposed amount of 570,000 euros, higher than in previous years due to insufficient state support.

Looking ahead, Lappeenranta has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ryanair for flights next summer to Milan Bergamo, although this agreement is not legally binding. Ryanair is already listing flights for sale online, igniting hope among some locals for the continuation of air services.