Kuusamo Airport

Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is the small international gateway to Finland’s northeastern Lapland, originally opened in the 1950s and operating from a single compact terminal that handles scheduled and seasonal charter traffic. Serving as the main access point for Ruka ski resort and surrounding wilderness, the airport is modest in size but regionally important, with year-round Finnair connections to Helsinki and a rotating roster of European charter carriers during winter and summer peaks. Located roughly 6–8 km from Kuusamo town, it’s easy to reach by shuttle bus, taxi or rental car. Generally affordable for off-peak travelers, prices can rise during the winter holiday season.