Helsinki is about to get a little closer to Melbourne after Finland’s airline announced a new daily service will start in October 2026.
Finnair says the daily Helsinki-Melbourne service will travel via Bangkok using an Airbus A350 aircraft from October 26.
The flight will depart Melbourne daily at 3:40pm, stop over at Bangkok at 8:50pm and land at Helsinki at 6:05am; the return flight will depart Helsinki just after midnight, stop at Bangkok at 4:30pm and land in Melbourne at 7:15am the next day.
“We are very excited to introduce service to a new continent,” says Finnair’s chief revenue officer Christine Rovelli in a press statement.
“By connecting Helsinki and Melbourne, on opposite sides of the world, we can offer a truly unique bridge between the northern and southern hemispheres.
“We expect that this new route will appeal to travellers …”
Finnair’s Area Vice-President Pasi Kuusisto says the new service connects southern Australia and northern Europe.
“Our extensive network, especially (our) strong offering across the Nordics and Baltics, provides excellent options for Australian travellers,” he says.
“Melbourne is not only a popular holiday destination for Europe but (is) also home to a large European diaspora, students and expatriates, making this route an attractive choice.”
AIRPORT WELCOMES FINNAIR
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus says Finnair joins a small number of European airlines like Turkish Airlines, Qatar and Emirates flying to Australia.
“Travel is what connects us and brings people together. We’re pleased to have Finnair launch daily services,” she says.
“Helsinki is one of Europe’s most innovative cities, Finland is regularly voted one of the happiest countries in the world …”
“We know that an average daily international flight is worth $190 million to the Victorian economy so Finnair choosing Melbourne to launch its Australian operations is not only a huge vote of confidence, but also a boost for jobs in our state,” Argus says.
“This will be a record summer of international travel for Melbourne Airport with more than 2.5 million people expected through our international terminal across December and January.”
The airport is currently expanding with a third runways due to open in 2031.
“We know that an average daily international flight is worth $190 million
to the Victorian economy …” Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus
A MASSIVE WIN, SAYS GOVT
Deputy Victorian Premier Ben Carroll said the new flights represent a massive win for his state.
“Finnair’s decision to make Melbourne their Australian gateway brings thousands of visitors each week, strengthens our ties to European markets, and boosts our economy while creating jobs across tourism, hospitality and trade,” he said.
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements said the addition of another international airline would benefit travellers and exporters.
“This is good news for Victorian producers and exporters who will no doubt benefit from additional access to international markets.”
Its service will feature AirLounge seats (a no-recline seat that turns into a bed).
Finnair is also the official airline of Santa Claus with daily year-round flights to Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle, home to Santa’s ‘village’.
