Route development to/from Vaasa Airport

Before the pandemic, passenger volumes at Vaasa Airport ranked among the top six in the country. Since the COVID-19 crisis, we have not regained the level of air traffic we previously had, which is also reflected in passenger numbers.

When comparing the number of flights in 2019 (2,892 flights) to 2023 (1,385 flights), we can see a 52% decrease in flights in 2023. The decline in available seats is even greater, as larger aircraft types were used on some routes before the pandemic. This year, the number of flights is increasing slightly, but the number of seats still lags far behind.

The reasons for this are partly due to a slight decrease in demand, as digital solutions have replaced some travel. However, the main reason today is the lack of capacity and flight frequency. We know that current demand exceeds supply — we hear this in discussions with companies and travelers. Insufficient availability leads to a significant number of “invisible” passengers, i.e., those who now travel by train to Helsinki Airport and then continue by air.

This results in longer travel times for employees and higher travel costs for businesses. In turn, this can hinder business development and discourage new establishments in the region.

The aim of this two-year project is both to increase the number of flights to existing destinations and to lay the foundation for new routes.

The project's purpose is to raise awareness and spark interest in the Vaasa region among airlines and charter operators. It also aims to improve visibility among potential travelers by promoting the travel opportunities available from Vaasa.

The Vaasa region wants to highlight its potential, both now and in the future. At present, it is clear that demand exceeds supply, so the project’s top priority is to increase capacity on current routes, which is especially desired by the business community.