Vantaa Airport
In winter, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport transforms into a scene straight out of a Nordic snow globe. Blanketed in snow and surrounded by frost-covered landscapes, the airport operates like a well-oiled machine, embodying Finnish precision and resilience. Despite the sub-zero temperatures and frequent snowfalls, the airport remains a model of efficiency, handling winter challenges with calm expertise. One of the most fascinating sights during this season is the deicing of planes, an essential process that ensures safe flights in icy conditions. Aircraft are guided to designated deicing areas, where they’re treated with a specialized glycol-based fluid. This vivid, almost neon-colored liquid is sprayed over the aircraft’s wings and fuselage to remove ice and snow while preventing further accumulation during takeoff. Inside the airport, the warmth and light of its Nordic design provide a striking contrast to the frosty exterior. Natural wood tones and soft lighting create a welcoming atmosphere, while travelers enjoy Finnish delicacies like korvapuusti and steaming coffee to ward off the cold. The large glass windows offer a front-row view of the snow-clearing operations on the runways, where fleets of snowplows work in harmony to keep everything moving smoothly.