Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM/EFKE): The Essential Gateway to Southern Lapland, Finland
Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM/EFKE) stands as a crucial regional aviation hub, providing vital air access to the coastal region of Southern Lapland in Finland. Strategically located in Lautiosaari, Kemi, the airport efficiently serves both the city of Kemi and its neighboring twin city, Tornio, which sits directly on the border with Sweden (Haparanda). As a Finnish airport managed by the state-owned Finavia, it plays a key role in connecting this dynamic Arctic region—renowned for its unique winter attractions and strong industrial base—to the rest of the world.
Airport Overview & Key Information
Kemi-Tornio Airport is characterized by its compact, functional design, ensuring smooth and swift passenger processing, typical of a reliable regional Scandinavian airport.
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Kemi-Tornio Airport |
| IATA / ICAO Codes | KEM / EFKE |
| Location | Lautiosaari, Kemi, Finland |
| Distance to Kemi City Center | Approximately 6 km (10-minute drive) |
| Operator | Finavia |
| Runway Length | 2,500 metres (8,202 ft) |
| Regional Significance | Primary air link for Kemi and Tornio-Haparanda; essential access point for winter tourism in Southern Lapland. |
Traffic Context & Importance:
While traffic at smaller regional airports has faced challenges, Kemi-Tornio remains vital for regional connectivity and tourism. It serves as a necessary domestic connection, feeding international traffic into the broader Lapland travel market, which has seen continuous record growth, especially during the winter season.
Direct Routes and Airline Information (Updated 2025/2026)
As of the current schedule, Kemi-Tornio Airport primarily focuses on reliable domestic connectivity, which then opens up global travel opportunities through a major hub.
Primary Carrier:
- Finnair: The only airline operating scheduled direct flights from KEM.
Key Non-Stop Destination:
- Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL): The non-stop connection to Helsinki is the airport’s lifeline, typically offering daily service with frequencies of up to 5 days a week (often Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun) and sometimes up to 3 flights per day, using ATR 72/42 type aircraft.
Global Connectivity:
Through the Helsinki hub, passengers gain seamless one-stop access to an extensive network of popular international destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America, including major cities like Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), and London (LHR).
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
KEM Airport provides all essential services within its single, modern terminal building to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
- Connectivity: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
- Amenities: A café offers light snacks, beverages, and refreshments before or after flights. There is also a limited retail shop for travel essentials.
- Accessibility: The airport is fully equipped with disabled access facilities, ensuring ease of movement for all passengers.
- Nearby Accommodation: Travelers can find convenient hotel options in Kemi, such as Hotel Merihovi, Scandic Kemi, and the unique Seaside Glass Villas (popular for viewing the Northern Lights).
Ground Transportation and Parking
Traveling to and from Kemi-Tornio Airport is straightforward, with quick access to the Kemi city center and the Tornio border region.
| Service | Details |
| Taxi | Available outside the terminal. The ride to Kemi city center takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately EUR 10 to EUR 15. |
| Bus | Regular bus services connect the airport to Kemi, offering an affordable journey lasting roughly 10 minutes (ticket price around EUR 3). |
| Car Rental | Major international car rental agencies, including Avis and Hertz, operate desks at the airport, providing flexibility for exploring the wider Lapland region. |
| Parking | The airport offers an affordable, dedicated parking area for both short- and long-term stays directly outside the terminal. |
Exploring Southern Lapland: Destinations Near KEM Airport
Kemi-Tornio Airport is the perfect launchpad for experiencing the unique offerings of the Bay of Bothnia and the Arctic coastline.
- Icebreaker Sampo: Kemi’s most famous attraction, the former icebreaker offers unique cruises on the frozen sea during the winter, a key draw for international tourism.
- Kemi Snow Castle (Lumilinna): Though its construction varies, Kemi is globally known for building the world’s largest snow castle annually (or a permanent structure like the SnowExperience365 exhibition), a must-see for winter visitors.
- Tornio-Haparanda: The unique double-city spanning the Finnish-Swedish border, offering a chance to cross countries multiple times within minutes.
- Arctic Circle Proximity: Although Kemi is just south of the Arctic Circle, the region shares the same mystical atmosphere and offers excellent opportunities to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during the dark winter months.
Contact Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date flight and service information, travelers should consult the airport operator’s official website.
- Address: Lentokentäntie 75, FIN-94500 Kemi, FINLAND
- Telephone: +358 16 2118701
- Official Finavia Website: www.finavia.fi/airport_kemitornio