Long-term regional cooperation results in more departures to Kiruna
Kiruna will have more departures with SAS starting October 25. When the winter timetable comes into effect, both an early morning departure to Stockholm and a late evening departure back will be reintroduced.
SAS will also increase the number of departures between Kiruna and Copenhagen during the high season, between December 17 and March 7. There will be three departures per week instead of two. Copenhagen is an important hub where many people change flights to travel on to their destinations.
These new departures make it easier to travel from Norrbotten to Stockholm during the day, or perhaps further out into the world. It also makes it easier for visitors who previously had difficulty getting to Kiruna in one day.
SAS's announcement represents an important strengthening of accessibility throughout the region. It is also a result of the work that many actors in the county have done. Region Norrbotten's company Arctic Sweden Visitors Board, previously the economic association Swedish Lapland Visitors Board, has had an important role in the work of improving air traffic for both business and the tourism industry.
“Prioritized work”
In 2025, a working group was formed with representatives from the current Arctic Sweden Visitors Board, Kiruna Lappland Economic Association, Kiruna Växer, LKAB, Viscaria and Swedavia. The goal was to bring back the night stop at Kiruna Airport and make it easier to travel to and from the city.
– Attracting new flight routes between our region and the rest of the world is a priority for us. That is why we work in dedicated flight councils together with airports in Norrbotten, says Johanna Ögren, Marketing Manager at Arctic Sweden Visitors Board.
“Strengthens opportunities for regional development”
An important part of the development has been to strengthen the supply of skills at Kiruna Airport. Through new hires and close cooperation between the airport and the working group, aviation has been able to return to more stable traffic. This has brought great benefits to both companies, residents and visitors.
– When we strengthen connections to and from Norrbotten, we simultaneously strengthen our opportunities for regional development. The announcement of more departures to Kiruna is a direct result of the broad cooperation that actors in the county have pursued with great perseverance. It shows that when we collaborate around our common challenges, we can create solutions that are crucial for both people, companies and the tourism industry throughout the region, says Anders Öberg.
Text: Felicia Boström Lyckemo