The flag carrier of Spain – Iberia, recently introduced its new route from Madrid to Rovaniemi, Finland, the famous birthplace of Santa Claus in Lapland, offering a festive travel experience.
The first flight, IB3384, received a warm welcome from Santa Claus at Rovaniemi Airport, delighting its 183 passengers with surprises such as unique gifts and personalised letters from Santa for the children on board.
As Aviation 24 reports, running twice a week until February 10, 2024, the flight offers round-trip tickets starting at €199. The environmentally friendly Airbus A320neo serves the route celebrated for its advanced technology that minimises emissions and noise, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Since 2010, Rovaniemi has held the official title of the birthplace of Santa Claus. The iconic Santa Claus Village, located in the Arctic Circle, invites visitors to experience the magic of Christmas every day of the year.
With various activities, shops, restaurants, and charming cafes, the village offers more than just a meeting with Santa. Enthusiasts can enjoy sledging, go on snowmobile tours and explore fascinating ice formations.
Despite being renowned for Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi is not a one-trick destination. With over 500,000 annual visitors from around the globe, the city has become a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts and aurora borealis seekers.
According to Rovaniemi airport traffic data, Spain has claimed the fourth spot among European countries regarding visitor numbers, following only the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
In 2022, Lapland experienced a marked increase in its attraction for tourists from Spain, strengthening the country as an increasingly important market for the Finnish region. The presence of nearly 19,000 Spanish visitors during the year underlines the growing importance of Lapland as a sought-after destination for travellers from Spain.
For the upcoming summer season, Spain’s Iberia is set to significantly expand its long-haul flight offerings, emphasising Latin America, marking the airline’s highest commitment to the region. A record-breaking 328 weekly flights will be provided, showcasing Iberia’s dedication to enhancing connectivity.
During this summer, Spain also expanded its air travel network to reach the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago. This new connection is made possible through collaborations between the Portuguese airline SATA Air Azores, the Spanish flag carrier Iberia, and Binter, the flagship carrier of the Canary Islands. As a result, the Azores will enjoy direct connections to four Spanish airports this summer: Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Gran Canaria.
