On Sunday, every flight departing from Kittilä Airport in northern Finland was cancelled, as temperatures dropped to an unprecedented ‑38 °C, forcing thousands of tourists to remain stranded in the remote region. The decision was taken by airline operators following safety protocols that deem such extreme low temperatures hazardous for aircraft operation, given the increased risk of engine icing and runway adhesion issues. The sudden curtailment of air service created logistical challenges for both the visitors and the local hospitality sector, as hotels and tour operators scrambled for alternative arrangements. _2_ The aviation authorities confirmed that the cancellations were not due to equipment failure, but were reactive measures taken after meteorological reports indicated a polar vortex event moving across the Nordic region, bringing wind chill and subzero readings below the operational thresholds of most commercial aircraft. While the airports in the area had previously managed to operate with specialized equipment, the severity of this cold wave prompted a precautionary pause to prevent incidents that could endanger passengers and crew. The Finnish Transport Ministry is coordinating with local agencies to ensure that stranded travelers have access to emergency services and safe waiting accommodations, and is monitoring the situation closely as temperatures are expected to gradually rise over the coming days. _3_ The incident highlights the heightened vulnerability of the travel industry to extreme weather, especially in sparsely populated northern locales that rely heavily on inbound tourism for economic inflows. As the region continues to adapt to such climatic extremes, aviation operators and local businesses are reviewing contingency protocols to mitigate disruption. Meanwhile, authorities are encouraging visitors to maintain flexibility in their itineraries and to stay informed through official updates to avoid future surprise cancellations. The focus remains on preserving the safety of all passengers while minimizing the operational impact of the extraordinary weather event.