City of Derry Airport will operate a direct charter flight to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland on December 18, 2026. The flight partners with Murray Travel and The Lapland Experience for a one-day trip targeted at families from Derry City and Strabane, Causeway Coast and Glens, and surrounding areas.

The itinerary includes reindeer sleigh rides, husky sledding, snowmobile trips, a visit to Santa Claus village for elf workshop activities, and private meetings with Santa Claus. No connecting flights or overnight stays are required.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, stated the partnership provides convenient travel options for the North West region. He noted short travel times from car park to departure gate under 10 minutes and competitive parking rates.

Frazer added that families with children or adults needing support can arrange pre-flight airport visits for familiarization. The Amelia Earhart Lounge is available for pre-booking as a quiet space before boarding.

Scott Murray, CEO of Murray Travel, said the Lapland day trip offers Northern Ireland families access to Santa's homeland from their local airport in a single day.