The northernmost reaches of Scandinavia and the Nordics brim with opportunities for exhilarating adventures throughout the winter months. Whether it be the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights, whizzing through snow-blanketed forests by husky sled, gliding across frozen lakes by snowmobile or paying a visit to Santa and his reindeer, the possibilities are tantalising. And now, thanks to new direct flights from British Airways, this enchanting region is even more accessible than before.
New route: London Heathrow to Tromso
Northern Lights over Tromso, Norway
Tromso, the capital of the Norwegian Arctic, is one of Scandinavia’s most compelling winter destinations. Located directly beneath the auroral oval and surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains and fjords, it offers a rare blend of urban sophistication alongside an eclectic array of epic forays into the Arctic wilderness.
Starting on 1 December 2024, British Airways will be flying directly from London Heathrow to Tromso on a twice-weekly basis, with departures on Thursdays and Sundays through to 27 March 2025 – perfect for either a three-night or four-night stay. What’s more, the convenience of the flight times allows you to make the most of your time in Tromso while also arriving home at a comfortable time.
- Three-night stay: Depart London Heathrow on Thursday at 08:25, arrive in Tromso at 13:00. Return from Tromso on Sunday at 13:40, arriving back at London Heathrow at 16:25.
- Four-night stay: Depart London Heathrow on Sunday at 08:15, arrive in Tromso at 12:50. Return from Tromso on Thursday at 14:00, arriving at London Heathrow at 16:45.
New route: London Gatwick to Ivalo
Husky sledding in Finnish Lapland
Deep inside the Arctic Circle, in the far north of Finnish Lapland, lies the village of Ivalo. It’s a fantastic gateway to the wilderness and a haven for all kinds of thrilling winter pursuits, including husky sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing – a superb alternative to the ever-popular Rovaniemi. Nearby Saariselkä offers some of Finland’s best ski slopes, while the village of Inari is renowned for its rich Sami culture and reindeer herding heritage. And of course, this is a wonderful place for a family Christmas break and the chance to meet Santa.
From 3 December 2024, British Airways will be operating a new direct route from London Gatwick to Ivalo on a twice-weekly basis, with departures on Tuesdays and Fridays until 14 February 2025. Again, these flight timings are ideally suited to a three-night or four-night getaway.
- Three-night stay: Depart London Gatwick on Tuesday at 08:35, arrive in Ivalo at 14:30. Return from Ivalo on Friday at 15:30, arriving back at London Gatwick at 17:30.
- Four-night stay: Depart London Gatwick on Friday at 08:35, arrive in Ivalo at 14:30. Return from Ivalo on Tuesday at 15:30, arriving back at London Gatwick at 17:30.
Exclusive benefits with British Airways Club Europe
Not only are these new routes the only direct routes from the UK to Tromso and Ivalo offering a Business Class cabin, upgrading to British Airways Club Europe offers a whole host of additional benefits to make your experience as smooth and as comfortable as possible from start to finish.
Pre-departure, you’ll have access to dedicated check-in desks (with extra baggage allowance), British Airways lounges and priority boarding. On board, the middle seat is kept free, affording you extra space to kick back and relax. You can also look forward to complimentary food and beverages throughout the flight, including champagne. BA Executive Club members will also unlock additional Avios and Tier points.
