Finnair is set to enhance its Nordic and Lapland travel network by introducing 12 new European routes during its Summer 2026 schedule. These routes will operate from Helsinki Airport, supported by an expanded partnership with the Danish airline Jettime.
New Destinations and Schedule
The airline’s network will grow to 113 destinations, featuring 93 in Europe, 11 in Asia, seven in North America, and two in the Middle East. This expansion follows an announcement from Finnair about increasing travel options across Europe, driven by rising demand.
Enhancements in European Travel
More than half of the new routes will enhance service to Southern Europe. Here are the cities to be added:
- Alta, Norway – 5 flights weekly
- Catania, Italy – 3 flights weekly
- Florence, Italy – 2 flights weekly
- Kos, Greece – 2 flights weekly
- Kuressaare, Estonia – 3 flights weekly
- Luxembourg, Luxembourg – 3 flights weekly
- Stavanger, Norway – 8 flights weekly
- Thessaloniki, Greece – 3 flights weekly
- Tirana, Albania – 2 flights weekly
- Turin, Italy – 3 flights weekly
- Umeå, Sweden – 9 flights weekly
- Valencia, Spain – 2 flights weekly
Finnair will have a total of nine routes to Norway due to the addition of Alta and Stavanger. This move comes just in time for the city’s popular Gladmat food festival, attracting food enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Direct Flights to Finnish Lapland
Enhancing its commitment to the winter travel market, Finnair plans to launch direct flights from three European capitals to Finnish Lapland destinations as part of its Winter 2026 schedule. These new nonstop flights aim to boost visits to sought-after locations, featuring:
- Kittilä: Known as the gateway to ski resorts Levi and Ylläs.
- Rovaniemi: The capital of Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus.
Both locations offer unique winter activities, including skiing, husky safaris, and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.
Addressing Recent Challenges
Despite a challenging year marked by cancellations and operational hurdles, Finnair remains optimistic. The carrier has successfully strengthened its position, notably enhancing its Asian services and capacity across its European network. With an encouraging surge in passenger load factors, airline officials express excitement about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for the travel industry.
Through these expansions, Finnair aims to cater to both business and leisure travelers while continuing to grow its strategic network linking Europe with long-haul destinations via Helsinki.
