It’s April 9th, 2022 and for many people around the world, spring has already made its appearance. In Stockholm, Sweden, there’s a different story. It’s cold.

I decided to not fall asleep on the 8th, and to do something different: catch the first arrival of the day at Stockholm Arlanda, a Finnair A350 from MIA at that time. Was I scared, afraid or anxious about where it was going to land the night before? You know it!

I cooked myself a really nice late meal and studied a little bit for one of my courses regarding climate change. Then it was time to head to the bus station. During the day, my normal route to go to the airport would have taken me on a bus ride to Ulriksdal, followed by a ride with the Pendeltåg (the commuter rail) and then a final bus (or two) depending on the desired runway where I’d go. At that time, there was no Pendeltåg running, I think the first was at 5 AM or so, which of course would have been already too late.

From where I was living, there was a bus stop close by that only required maybe a 10–15-minute walk. During the walk, I didn’t get to see much around, it was pitch black, but I truly felt the coldness. Man, it was cold! I knew I had a thermos with hot tea and some cookies, but these were reserved for later. So, here I am, waiting at a bus station to board probably one of the only buses that were running at that time from Stockholm to Arlanda. Of course – I was the only fool at the bus stop. Public transport in Sweden, or perhaps, Stockholm is incredible. If you look at any public transport schedule and it says that the bus arrives at a specific time, then do not hesitate to believe that – you are in Stockholm!

So, here I am, just a 21-year-old ‘kid’ with a backpack, a winter jacket, and a winter hat already on the bus. Surprisingly, the bus is quite full, most people being foreign flight crews. It feels so good to be inside the bus, I get myself a seat in front where I could see the highway and we start rolling. We pass some really nice towns and there’s a lot of snow accumulation considering it is spring (anything but spring for me, obviously). Well, I was so cozy and so warm in my seat that I truly felt like it was spring.

We get in no time to Arlanda T5, it takes around 35 minutes (which is extremely fast, unfortunately during the day that bus is not running). I look around and see the avalanche of people getting inside the terminal… meanwhile… I am the only fool outside waiting for another bus. The next bus comes in around 15-20 minutes, which is not really a problem, I get to look around T5 with an amazing view over the ATC tower. The panel showing the next arrival of the bus is already fully white and covered in snow making the scenery even more dramatic. “It is baltic!!” as some of my Irish or British colleagues would put it…

I am at Stockholm Arlanda, ready to photograph airplanes but I have no idea where I am heading. There are 3 runways at Stockholm Arlanda, where do I go from where I am now? Do I go to the longest runway, 01L-19R? Why don’t I listen to air traffic controllers who direct airplanes for an approach pattern? Oh, wait… because there’s no one talking on that frequency at this time. The first Airbus A350 from the United States is now flying over Norway. The wind is showing a direction for runway 26, but doesn’t a heavy like that land on the longest runway? A quick look at the history of past flights of that flight confirms my concern. Guess what the crazy fool does? I am now boarding bus 579 which would take me to Halmsjön, the last stop for that bus. For those who are familiar with Arlanda, that bus stop is the closest to go to runway 26 on foot. Despite its history, I decide to go where I feel like the airplane is going to land….

I start walking like a gal, in some areas, there is such a great accumulation of snow that even my knees could feel it. Again, it’s April 9th… Spring?! I like to document as much as I can, so even though my hands are freezing I manage to keep a GoPro steady and record my foolishness on my way to the desired, now well-known and adored place for watching arrivals.

It’s now 5 AM and the A350 is in front of me. The rest…. Well… There are no words to describe what my eyes are seeing right now!!!

For the ATC working that shift and directing the A350 where I was patiently waiting – I still feel the need to show them some compassion with a Fika or Selma or whatever they want…. So, if they ever see that… contact me! The same goes for the pilots, flight attendants, or the PAX aboard…

Dedicated to all of my Swedish friends made in 2022. To many more!

-Luca.