Eurowings to set up at base at Stockholm Arlanda

Things are beginning to look up for Swedavia, with both Eurowings and Finnair announcing their intention to expand their operations from Stockholm Arlanda.

Eurowings is to set up a base at Arlanda in the summer of 2022, its decision will add at least 20 direct new routes to Europe from the Swedish capital.

While Finnair will strengthen its North American services from the new base at Stockholm Arlanda ahead of the winter season by launching two new long-haul routes to Los Angeles and New York.

Finnair will also introduce direct routes from Stockholm to Miami, Phuket and Bangkok, as previously announced.

Finnair and Eurowing’s decision to expand out of Stockholm follows May’s announcement by Irish-based low-cost carrier Ryanair that its plans to open a base initially with two aircraft and some 20 European routes as well as domestic service to Gothenburg and Malmö.

“Eurowings’ continued expansion in Sweden entails a major increase in capacity and is a complement to our airports’ existing range of flights on offer,” says Swedavia’s director of aviation business, Elizabeth Axtelius.

“The fact that Eurowings has now chosen to set up a base at Arlanda is clear evidence of the airline’s strong faith in development opportunities in the largest market in Scandinavia and in the attractiveness of the Stockholm region. This improved access is important to the tourism industry across Sweden.

“The expansion also suggests further growth can be expected in the low-cost segment of the Swedish market going forward. We have a good collaboration with Eurowings, which we happily look forward to developing in the future.”

Talking about Finnair’s expansion plans at Stockholm Arlanda, Axtelius notes: “The new connections and improved accessibility to the US are important additions to Arlanda’s existing route offering both from a passenger and cargo point of view.

“North America is one of Sweden’s largest trading partners and we normally welcome a large number of American visitors, so this is good news for both the export industry and the hospitality industry throughout Sweden.”