icance of air traffic has been widely studied internationally—far less so in Finland. A new study released today reveals the substantial regional economic impact of Seinäjoki Airport and uncovers significant untapped potential.
In 2023, the airport’s impact on turnover in its catchment area reached €1.5 billion, accounting for 12% of all business revenue in South Ostrobothnia. Notably, over 98% of this figure comes from non-aviation sectors, highlighting the catalytic ripple effect of air travel.
“The greatest societal value of aviation lies in its broader economic influence on the efficiency and growth of other industries. Air travel enhances performance across the entire industrial spectrum,” says Hanne Junnilainen, CEO of Kiila Consulting and co-author of the study.
In South Ostrobothnia, air-traffic-dependent jobs total approximately 3,800, representing 8% of all regional employment. These jobs also generate around 8% of the total tax revenue (approximately €91 million). By comparison, internationally and nationally, on average 25% of business revenue is reliant on air transport.
This raises a crucial question: How effectively can South Ostrobothnia internationalize without a functioning local airport, and is it economically justifiable from Finland’s perspective? Importantly, 76% of the region’s air-traffic-dependent revenue stems from industrial activities—such as machinery manufacturing, timber and paper production, food processing, and the chemical industry.
Air traffic also plays a central role in investment: over the past ten years, it has directly influenced more than €500 million in regional investments—equivalent to over one-third of total investments in the area—and this air-driven investment share is higher than the EU average.
Aviation’s Impact on Business Competitiveness
Regional firms rank air connectivity as the fourth most critical competitive factor, behind skilled workforce, access to raw materials and pricing, and road infrastructure. Nearly 60% of South Ostrobothnian companies say they would increase their turnover and investments if air connections were more suitable. For nearly one-third, aviation is essential for:
- Senior management travel (34%)
- Stakeholder meetings (34%)
- International expansion (30%)
Seinäjoki Airport is perceived as particularly crucial for sales growth, attracting skilled talent, boosting productivity, and ensuring fast part and product deliveries.
Supporting Airports Is Economically Sound
Although Finland has debated closing smaller airports and reducing state support, the study shows that in South Ostrobothnia, the economic benefits of aviation exceed its operating deficit by over 5,000-fold. Thus, the airport serves as a cost-effective economic engine, making continued support and development a sound investment.
Untapped Passenger Potential
Currently, two-thirds of corporate flights from the region go through Helsinki-Vantaa, one-third through Vaasa, and just 1% through Seinäjoki Airport. Yet, Seinäjoki Airport has an estimated 700,000-users potential, with 90% international traffic—based on current travel profiles rerouted locally. Realizing this would translate to 18–20% growth in GDP, 25% increase in investment, and 60% jump in productivity.
📞 More information & contacts:
- Elisabet Kivimäki, Into Seinäjoki — elisabet.kivimaki@intoseinajoki.fi, +358 40 760 3907
- Hanne Junnilainen, Kiila Consulting — hanne.junnilainen@kiilaconsulting.fi, +358 50 301 0001
This evaluation is based on a survey conducted between October 2023 and January 2024 among 86 companies from South Ostrobothnia, representing one-third of the region’s business turnover (€3.6 billion). Unlike many global studies, this survey spans all industries, enabling direct comparison with assessments of 14 Finnish airports (e.g., Enontekiö, Ivalo, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, etc.) carried out in 2023–2024. The methodology follows internationally recognized standards, allowing comparison with global averages.
A new methodology developed by Kiila Consulting determines aviation potential, backed by extensive statistical data. Scenario models project outcomes based on current travel patterns, assuming services shift to Seinäjoki Airport.
The research was commissioned by Into Seinäjoki Oy and conducted by Kiila Consulting Oy and WSP Finland Oy.
📄 Read more:
Explore the full report on the “Regional Economic Impact of Air Traffic in South Ostrobothnia” and learn more about the Seinäjoki and Ilmajoki partnership in this article: [link]
