TUI to launch new flight series from the Netherlands to Kuusamo for winter 2025–26

TUI is expanding its capacity and introducing a new flight series from the Netherlands to Kuusamo for the 2025–26 winter season

TUI Netherlands has announced the launch of a new charter flight series from the Netherlands to Ruka for winter 2025–26. The new route will operate Amsterdam–Kuusamo–Ivalo–Amsterdam, further strengthening Ruka’s position as a popular winter travel destination in international markets.

The new flight series will operate on Thursdays from 15 January 2026 onwards on the route Amsterdam–Kuusamo–Ivalo–Amsterdam, with the last return flight on 12 March 2026. This means eight incoming flights, shared with Ivalo. The new route complements TUI’s existing flight connections from the Netherlands to Ruka and Northern Finland.

With TUI Netherlands’ expanded flight offering, Kuusamo will have flights arriving three days a week during the 2025–26 winter season:

Thursdays: Amsterdam–Kuusamo–Ivalo–Amsterdam (15.1.2026–12.3.2026)
Fridays: Amsterdam–Kajaani–Kuusamo–Amsterdam (16.1.2026–13.3.2026)
Saturdays: Rotterdam–Kittilä–Kuusamo–Rotterdam (10.1.2026–14.3.2026)

“This new flight series is a significant improvement for Ruka’s accessibility and strengthens our position among Dutch travelers. We are very pleased with TUI’s decision to increase its capacity to Ruka. This decision reflects the region’s appeal and the high-quality services on offer,” says Janne-Juhani Haarma, CEO of Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association.

Dutch travelers are an important target group for winter tourism in Ruka-Kuusamo. They especially value the wide range of winter activities in the region, such as skiing, and unique experiences like the northern lights, husky rides, and snowshoeing.

With the new flight series, Ruka-Kuusamo expects an increase in Dutch visitor numbers during the 2025–26 winter season. This will have a positive impact on local tourism businesses and service providers.

“The Dutch are our third largest source market, and this winter overnight stays have already increased by 16%. This new flight series will support that growth excellently,” sums up Janne-Juhani Haarma, CEO of Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association.

Further information:
Janne-Juhani Haarma, CEO, Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association
0400 411 577, janne-juhani.haarma@rukakuusamo.fi

Ruka-Kuusamo’s International Tourism Development Receives Project Funding

The Ruka-Kuusamo region is currently implementing the project Rethinking North – Year-Round Tourism as a Key to Success, which aims to increase international awareness and tourism demand in the area, particularly during the snow-free seasons. The project focuses on developing sustainable and responsible tourism, improving accessibility, and creating new products tailored to international target groups.