Sleet likely to disrupt flights at Helsinki, Tampere airports

Freezing rain may affect flights at Helsinki Airport and Tampere Airport on Tuesday, said Finavia, the company operates country’s airports on Monday, quoting weather forecast.

The sleeting could make the airport’s runway and apron surfaces very slippery. The weather is also challenging because the cold rain can freeze onto aircraft wings and engines.

According to the current forecast, the freezing rain could last all day.

“Together with key airport companies, we are prepared for Tuesday's difficult weather conditions. There may be delays if the runway capacity has to be reduced due to slippery conditions or if aircraft have to be de-iced more than usual”, said Jani Elasmaa from Finavia, who is responsible for Helsinki Airport's runway and apron operations.

The authority asked the passengers to be prepared for delays and to follow the instructions and information provided by their own airline in case of cancellations or longer delays.

The airlines will also be responding to enquiries about luggage.

“Safe and smooth air traffic is the backbone of the operations of all companies and all personnel operating at the airport. Finavia is responsible for the anti-slip treatment of runways and the apron, the airlines for the deicing of aircraft and the defrosting of engines, and air traffic control for the possible runway restrictions for inbound and outbound air traffic,” the Finavia official said.

Based on current information, freezing rain is also forecast in Tallinn and Riga airports.