Savonlinna Airport (SVL/EFSA): Your Essential Gateway to Finnish Lakeland and the Opera Festival
Savonlinna Airport (SVL), also known by its ICAO code EFSA, is a crucial regional airport serving the picturesque Savonlinna area in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland. Located just 15 km north of the city center, it provides a fast and convenient entry point for tourists drawn to the region’s stunning nature, intricate lake systems, and, most famously, the globally recognized Savonlinna Opera Festival held annually at the medieval Olavinlinna Castle.
As a smaller, user-friendly airport, SVL is operated by Finavia, Finland’s national airport company, ensuring professional standards and services tailored for regional travel.
Up-to-Date Flight Connections and Airlines
Savonlinna Airport primarily serves domestic connections, acting as a vital link between Eastern Finland and the capital region.
- Primary Destination: The only regular non-stop route from SVL is to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL).
- Current Operations: The Helsinki route is typically a subsidized service, ensuring year-round domestic air access. Flights usually operate five days a week (Monday to Friday), with the journey taking approximately 55 minutes.
- Operating Carriers: The flights are often operated by regional carriers such as FlexFlight or BASe Airlines, frequently via codeshare agreements, providing essential access to Finland’s primary international hub.
- Seasonal Charter Flights: The airport experiences its busiest period during the summer months due to the renowned Opera Festival. During this time, the number of scheduled services may increase, and the airport handles various private and charter flights, which occasionally require customs and immigration clearance (available upon 24-hour prior notice – PNR).
Key Airport Information and Services
Despite its modest size, Savonlinna Airport is efficiently managed, offering essential services for a smooth travel experience.
- Operator: Finavia (www.finavia.fi/en/airports/savonlinna).
- Codes: IATA: SVL | ICAO: EFSA.
- Terminal: The airport operates with a single, compact terminal building.
- Amenities: Passengers have access to complimentary free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and a small café offering refreshments before or after flights.
- Accessibility: Services for passengers with reduced mobility are available, though due to the terminal’s size, services may be limited. Travelers are advised to contact the airport or their airline in advance for special assistance.
- Runway: The airport features a single asphalt runway (12/30) with a length of 2,300 meters (7,545 ft).
Getting To and From SVL: Ground Transportation Guide
Traveling between the airport and the city center of Savonlinna is quick and easy, with several options available to suit different needs.
- Distance to City Center: Approximately 15 km.
- Taxi Service: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal during operating hours. The ride to central Savonlinna is short, taking about 15 minutes, with an estimated fare of 20–25 EUR.
- Bus Connection: A limited public bus service connects the airport to the city. The travel time is around 20 minutes, with a low ticket price (typically around 4 EUR). Schedules are coordinated with flight arrivals and departures.
- Car Rental: While the offering is limited compared to major international hubs, local rental firms provide car hire services, which are ideal for exploring the vast Lakeland region independently.
- Parking: A major benefit for travelers is the availability of free car parking at the airport.
Strategic Importance: The Opera Festival Gateway
Savonlinna Airport’s strategic importance spikes dramatically during the Savonlinna Opera Festival. It serves as the primary arrival point for high-profile guests, international artists, and a significant portion of the festival’s foreign audience. This seasonal surge in traffic highlights SVL’s role not just as a domestic link but as a key cultural gateway for Finland. Travelers arriving for the festival should book ground transportation in advance due to high demand.
Contact and Location Information
For all official inquiries, Finavia’s official channels should be used.
- Address: Lentoasemantie 50, FIN-57310 Savonlinna, FINLAND
- Official Website: www.finavia.fi/en/airports/savonlinna
- Telephone: +358 15 7118100 (General Airport Information)