Northern Lights by Private Jet: Lapland and Iceland

Chasing the aurora by private jet, heading Far North

Four main hubs concentrate the viewing, each with its access airport. The table below places them.

For these links, a light to midsize jet is enough: browse our light jets fleet and our full fleet.

When and where to see the aurora

The phenomenon is seen under a dark, clear sky, away from light, generally between 22:00 and 02:00 according to NOAA. At the high latitudes of Lapland and Northern Norway, it is frequent even with moderate geomagnetic activity. The season runs from September to early April; at Abisko, known for its "blue hole" of often-clear sky, the best chances fall in September-October and then from December to March. A useful note: the phenomenon remains weather-dependent and never guaranteed, which we always state plainly.

Finnish and Swedish Lapland

In Finland, Rovaniemi (RVN), on the Arctic Circle, and Ivalo (IVL), the northernmost airport in the European Union, open access to the region's lodges. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and its glass igloos, near Saariselkä, lie around 37 km from Ivalo. Kittilä (KTT) serves the resorts of Levi and Ylläs.

In Sweden, Kiruna (KRN) is the gateway to Abisko, around 90 to 100 km away, close to 1 hour 15 of transfer. It is there, near the summit of Mount Nuolja, that the STF Aurora Sky Station stands, reached by chairlift in about thirty minutes. These transfers, sometimes long and in deep cold, are prepared in advance.

Northern Norway and Iceland

In Norway, Tromsø (TOS) is the main international airport of the Arctic and a major viewing base; the polar night reigns there from roughly late November to mid-January. Alta (ALF), in Finnmark, presents itself as the city of the northern lights. In Iceland, Keflavik (KEF), the main international gateway around 50 km from Reykjavik, and Reykjavik airport (RKV), a few kilometres from the centre, give access to Iceland's dark season. Note that at Rovaniemi the strict "polar night" lasts only two days, but the days there are extremely short around the solstice.

Which jet, which access for the Far North?

From Western Europe, a light to midsize jet comfortably covers the links to Lapland, Tromsø or Iceland, in around 3 hours 30 to 4 hours depending on aircraft and winds. These times are indicative, to be confirmed with the flight plan. Reaching Nordic airfields in deep winter brings its own logistics: very short days, cold-weather operations with de-icing, tight slots at seasonal airports in peak season (Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Tromsø). That is where we come in, timing flights and transfers around the viewing window. Our concierge services coordinate the final kilometres to the lodges.

Planning your aurora trip with IBC Aviation

A successful aurora trip comes down to coordination: the airport closest to the lodge, the ground transfer in deep cold, and timing the stay around clear nights. We are the ones who arrange the flights and all the logistics, from the runway to the remote lodge. To choose the aircraft category, see our guide to range by aircraft category and our private jet destinations.

Private jet charter with IBC Aviation:

Our teams advise you on the private jet best suited to your itinerary and requirements, and organise your trip to or from the Far North. Available 24/7:

• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• Dubai: +971 55 303 5161
• Bangkok: +66 81 808 2866
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to see the northern lights?

The viewing season runs from September to early April, peaking from December to February when the nights are longest. At Abisko, the best chances fall in September-October and then from December to March. The phenomenon remains weather-dependent and is never guaranteed.

Which airports do you fly to for an aurora trip by private jet?

The main gateways are Rovaniemi (RVN), Kittilä (KTT) and Ivalo (IVL) in Finnish Lapland, Kiruna (KRN) for Abisko in Sweden, Tromsø (TOS) and Alta (ALF) in Northern Norway, and Keflavik (KEF) or Reykjavik (RKV) in Iceland. From Paris, allow around 3 hours 30 to 4 hours in a light to midsize jet.

What time should you watch the aurora?

According to NOAA, activity is generally highest one to two hours around midnight, that is between 22:00 and 02:00 local time, under a dark, clear sky, away from city lights, with a clear view to the north.

Where to stay to watch the aurora?

Among the recognised sites: the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and its glass igloos near Saariselkä in Finland, the STF Aurora Sky Station on Mount Nuolja in Abisko National Park in Sweden, and the viewing bases around Tromsø and Alta in Norway. Always check the ground transfers from the airport, sometimes long and in deep cold.

Which aircraft for Lapland in winter?

A light to midsize jet comfortably covers the links from Western Europe. You must always confirm the availability of de-icing and handling at seasonal airfields, as well as the aircraft's performance in deep cold; our teams see to this.