A new three-year tender for the procurement of air transport for the Helsinki–Savonlinna route has begun

The new service, according to the tender launched by the City of Savonlinna and Traficom, will start on January 19, 2026 and will last until the end of 2028. The tender is open until 9th of June 2025. All airlines located in the European Union that meet the minimum tender criteria have the opportunity to submit their bids.

The procurement is based on a public service obligation and the offers received

In the case of air transport purchased with public support, Traficom decides on the public service obligation to be imposed on the route in question.

The City of Savonlinna and the State of Finland are responsible for the costs of the acquisition. The state participates in the procurement each year by bearing 50 per cent of the costs, up to a million euros. The primary aim of the procurement of scheduled air services is to ensure the transport connections necessary for the trade and industry of Savonlinna. The City of Savonlinna and Traficom determine the ceiling prices for air tickets, which ensures the reasonableness of pricing and the competitiveness of air connections compared to alternative means of transport.

The goal is to conclude a new purchase air traffic agreement in the autumn 2025 and to start air traffic under the new agreement on 19 January 2026 after the old agreement expires in late 2025.

The procurement notice will be published in the Official Journal of Finland and on Traficom's website. Tender materials and information on the public service obligation are also available on Traficom's website.

Documents concerning the call for tenders and information about the public service obligation