Finnair Selects Melbourne as Its Strategic Australian Gateway
Finnair has chosen Melbourne as its strategic gateway to Australia, enhancing travel options for locals and European visitors alike. Starting October 2026, the airline will operate daily flights from Helsinki to Melbourne via Bangkok. This new route opens up connections to Europe for residents of Victoria.
Flight Details and Schedule
The service will utilize Airbus A350 aircraft, featuring unique offerings such as business class amenities and AirLounge seats, which convert into beds. Passengers can choose from Premium Economy or Economy classes.
Key flight details include:
- Daily flight AY146 departs Melbourne at 3:40 PM, arriving in Bangkok at 8:50 PM, then reaching Helsinki at 6:05 AM the following day.
- The return flight AY145 leaves Helsinki shortly after midnight, stops in Bangkok at 4:30 PM, and arrives in Melbourne at 7:15 AM the next morning.
Connecting Passengers
This route will facilitate travel for Australians wishing to explore Northern Europe and beyond. Finnair’s extensive European network includes approximately 90 destinations, enriching travel experiences for both leisure and business travelers.
Melbourne is not just a popular tourist destination, but also home to a significant European community, foreign students, and expatriates. This makes the new route appealing to various demographics.
Economic Impact
The introduction of this service is expected to create numerous economic benefits for Victoria. Daily international flights contribute an estimated $190 million to the state’s economy. With Finnair’s operations, thousands of additional travelers are anticipated each week, boosting local tourism and hospitality sectors.
Melbourne Airport’s CEO, Lorie Argus, emphasized that this collaboration will enhance travel options and strengthen economic ties, highlighting Helsinki as a vibrant hub for exploration.
Supporting Local Industries
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll noted the positive implications for jobs in tourism, hospitality, and trade due to increased visitor numbers. The Visit Victoria Industry Partnerships Program will further promote Victoria as a prime travel destination, enhancing demand for this new service.
With this strategic move, Finnair joins airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways in establishing Melbourne as a key destination. The anticipated seasonal increase in travel is set to make this a record summer for Melbourne Airport.
Looking Ahead
Melbourne Airport is preparing for growth with infrastructure upgrades, including a new runway slated to open in 2031. This growth is necessary to accommodate increasing international flights and the anticipated influx of visitors.
Finnair’s choice to select Melbourne as its Australian gateway underscores the city’s global significance, supporting a robust visitor economy valued at $43.7 billion and the creation of 288,000 jobs across the state.
