Sodankylä Airport (IATA: SOT, ICAO: EFSO) is a well-equipped and well-maintained airfield located just three kilometers from the center of Sodankylä. The field’s versatile infrastructure is suitable for aviation, luxury travel, motor sports, testing, and research.

Research and testing

The Sodankylä airfield has excellent potential to develop into an internationally significant test center for Arctic aviation, space, and climate research. The area offers opportunities for the development of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, the testing of drone and surveillance systems, and climate research, such as cloud and aerosol measurements and satellite data validation. The airfield is also well suited for defense cooperation and Arctic testing in the automotive and aviation industries.

Hangar

The airfield has a helicopter hangar at Lentoasemantie 56. It mainly serves the Aslak rescue helicopter and is part of its support complex. The airfield also has a storage and equipment hangar that supports the airfield’s operational activities.

Tourism

The municipality of Sodankylä is investigating the development of the airfield into an EU-certified airport that would offer air traffic control services and the possibility to receive medium-sized passenger aircraft. The aim is to find an operator for the airport and to utilize the field not only for tourism but also for feeder and small aircraft traffic, helicopter transport, and private flights. In addition, the airport is planned to serve as a logistics center for Northern Finland, particularly for transport in the mining and energy sectors and for special cargo.