Exciting News for Melbourne: Finnair Becomes Second Mainland European Airline with Routes to Australia
Melbourne is gearing up for an exciting addition to its international flight offerings. Finnair has announced it will begin daily flights from Helsinki to Melbourne starting in October 2026. With this announcement, Finnair becomes the second mainland European airline to connect directly to Australia, following the footsteps of Turkish Airlines.
New Route Details
The Helsinki-Melbourne flights will operate daily and will include a stop in Bangkok. Passengers can expect a comfortable journey aboard Finnair’s A350 aircraft, which features:
- Business Class with AirLounge seats
- Premium Economy
- Economy Class
Flights will depart Melbourne at 3:40 PM, arrive in Bangkok at 8:50 PM, and touch down in Helsinki the following morning at 6:05 AM. The return leg will leave Helsinki at midnight and land in Tullamarine at 7:15 AM.
Impact on Travel and Economy
Finnair’s introduction of this route is particularly significant for increasing European travel options for Australians. The service will not only facilitate access to Finland, known for its innovative culture and high quality of life, but also offer connections to Lapland and approximately 90 other European destinations through Helsinki.
Local officials have highlighted the broader impact on Victoria’s economy. Lorie Argus, CEO of Melbourne Airport, noted Finnair’s contribution could inject an estimated $190 million into the state each year. This influx is expected to bolster the local tourism, dining, and hospitality sectors.
Support for Community Connections
With Melbourne being home to a substantial European diaspora and a growing number of foreign students, this new route provides enhanced travel options for both leisure and business travelers. Brendan McClements, CEO of Visit Victoria, emphasized that Finnair’s arrival is expected to stimulate tourism growth, contributing to Victoria’s $43.7 billion visitor economy.
Looking Ahead
As travel demand continues to surge, particularly over the upcoming summer season, Melbourne Airport anticipates over 2.5 million international travelers during December and January. To accommodate this increase, infrastructure improvements are underway, including a new runway expected to open by 2031.
Finnair’s decision to launch services in Melbourne represents a significant milestone for Australia’s aviation landscape, enhancing competition and offering additional choices for travelers. As the airline strengthens its presence in the market, both leisure and business travelers will benefit from improved connections via Helsinki.
