Brussels Airlines is expanding its winter leisure network with three new scheduled routes to the Nordic region, adding Evenes in Norway and Kemi and Kittilä in Finland as demand for Arctic winter holidays continues to grow.
The Belgian carrier announced on Monday, 17 August, that the three destinations will join its winter timetable, giving passengers direct access to Norway’s Nordland region and Finnish Lapland. Brussels Airlines already operates charter flights to the Arctic in cooperation with travel agencies, but the new services will also be available as regular scheduled passenger flights.
Kittilä will receive the largest capacity, with three weekly flights between 10 December 2026 and 27 March 2027. Kemi will be served up to twice a week from 25 December until 10 March, while Evenes will receive one weekly flight during February and March.
“The Arctic region in winter is no less than magical. Brussels Airlines has been offering these winter wonderland destinations in cooperation with travel agencies, but as demand grows, flights to the region will from now on also be offered as scheduled passenger flights, allowing travellers even more choice to discover outdoor adventures and distinctive local culture,” said Greet Vandebos, Head of Leisure Sales at Brussels Airlines.
Both Nordland and Lapland are popular winter tourism destinations, offering snow-covered landscapes, outdoor activities and opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
Tackling aviation seasonality
The expansion is also part of Brussels Airlines’ strategy to address the pronounced seasonality of European aviation. Passenger demand typically peaks during the summer months, leaving airlines with the challenge of making efficient use of aircraft and staff throughout the quieter winter season.
Brussels Airlines has introduced several measures to address the imbalance, ranging from employing student cabin crew members to provide additional capacity during the summer peak to developing a stronger winter leisure network.
Since winter 2024, the airline has offered four destinations in the Canary Islands, including Fuerteventura. Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madeira, was also added to the schedule as a destination offering mild temperatures throughout the year.
The addition of the Nordic routes marks a further diversification of the strategy, targeting travellers looking for winter experiences rather than warmer climates.
Brussels Airlines prepares for Starlink Wi-Fi
The network expansion comes as Brussels Airlines also prepares for an upgrade to its onboard connectivity as part of Lufthansa Group’s investment in Starlink-powered high-speed internet.
As Travel Tomorrow recently reported, Lufthansa Group is beginning the rollout of free Starlink Wi-Fi across around 850 aircraft, with the first equipped Lufthansa Airbus A320neo due to enter service on 19 August.
Brussels Airlines is among the first group carriers scheduled to receive the technology, alongside Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines. ITA Airways, Edelweiss, Discover Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa City Airlines and Eurowings will follow.
The group plans to equip both existing aircraft and new deliveries, with the full rollout expected to be completed by 2029. Once finished, Lufthansa Group says it will operate Europe’s largest airline fleet equipped with Starlink.
