Emirates, the world\u2019s largest international airline, has touched down in Helsinki for the first time. The launch of the daily flight marks the only year-round, direct connectivity between Finland and the UAE, introducing consistent and reliable services to unlock new leisure, corporate and trade opportunities for both countries.<\/p>\n
Flight EK167 arrived at Helsinki Airport at 13:30 and was met by Her Excellency Amna Fikri, UAE Ambassador to Finland and Non-Resident Ambassador to Estonia; Petri Vuori, Senior Vice President of Route Development from Finavia; and Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President of Commercial Operations, North and West Europe, Emirates; along with a group of dignitaries, government representatives, media, guests and members of the travel industry. The Emirates delegation on the inaugural was led by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, along with a VIP delegation.<\/p>\n
In addition to customers from Dubai, the inaugural flight carried passengers from over 20 cities on Emirates\u2019 global network including Mumbai, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney. Passengers received commemorative keepsakes including a collectible red leather pouch, embossed with the flight number and route details and lined with the official coat of arms of Helsinki. Inside the pouch is a bespoke Emirates keychain, complete with flags of both the UAE<\/a> and Finland, and a miniature A350 charm, a pack of 3D puffy Finland stickers, a beanie also featuring the Helsinki coat of arms and a certificate to celebrate the inaugural flight.<\/p>\n Following the welcome ceremony, both VIPs and guests toured the\u00a0Airbus A350<\/a>, the newest aircraft to join Emirates\u2019 fleet, to explore the airline\u2019s signature products across every cabin. The Emirates A350 accommodates 298 passengers in Business, Premium Economy and Economy, offering bright and airy cabins that have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every journey. Complementing the outstanding cabin experience, Emirates provides customers with regionally inspired cuisine, industry-leading inflight entertainment systems in every cabin and a multinational crew who deliver the airline\u2019s signature inflight experience at 38,000 feet.<\/p>\n Commenting on the start of operations,\u00a0Adnan Kazim<\/strong>\u00a0said, \u201cHelsinki is an exciting addition to our global network, connecting Finland with Dubai and our extensive network beyond, year-round. As a gateway to Finland, Helsinki offers travellers a unique blend of vibrant culture, beautiful nature and an abundance of opportunities for business and trade, while also serving as a key connector for travellers to explore more of Finland.<\/p>\n “Our thanks go to the authorities in Finland and the UAE for their support in making this launch possible. We look forward to bringing our award-winning product and service to travellers heading to Finland for business or leisure, and to connecting Finnish travellers with our global network.”<\/p>\n Petri Vuori, Senior Vice President, Route Development, Finavia<\/strong>\u00a0said, \u201cWe are delighted to welcome Emirates to Helsinki Airport. The launch of a daily year-round service between Helsinki and Dubai is a significant addition to Finland\u2019s international connectivity, strengthening links between Finland and the Middle East, as well as Asia, Africa and Australia through Emirates\u2019 extensive global network. Strong air connectivity is essential for Finnish businesses, international trade, tourism and investment. We are also pleased that Finnish travellers will benefit from Emirates\u2019 luxurious Airbus A350, bringing an enhanced onboard experience on the Helsinki route. We look forward to a successful partnership with Emirates and to further strengthening Finland\u2019s position as a globally connected destination.\u201d<\/p>\n Emirates flight EK167 departs Dubai at 08:15hrs*<\/sup>, arriving in Helsinki at 14:30hrs*<\/sup>; the return flight, EK168 departs Helsinki at 16:20*<\/sup>, landing in Dubai at 00:20*<\/sup>\u00a0the following day. The daily service has been\u00a0scheduled<\/a>\u00a0to ensure smooth onward connections, offering convenient access to and from key destinations across East and Southeast Asia, and connectivity across West Asia and popular Indian Ocean points; major cities in Africa, the Middle East and GCC; as well as Australasia.<\/p>\n Elevated comfort on the Helsinki service<\/strong><\/p>\n Delivering on its fly better promise, Emirates provides an outstanding travel experience, with elevated comfort and thoughtful touches in every cabin class. In a sky blue, bronze and cream colour palette, Economy Class seats offer generous seat pitch, leather headrests and extra legroom for a comfortable journey, while the airline\u2019s expansive catalogue of content is available to watch on a 13.3inch 4K adjustable touchscreen. Premium Economy, the airline\u2019s award-winning new cabin offers enhanced comfort, comparable to a Business Class experience on many other airlines with spacious leather, reclining seats, in-seat charging points and an elevated dining experience. Business Class, configured in 1-2-1 layout, offers a spacious, private environment for passengers, with a fully lie-flat seat in soft cream leather and personal minibar, complemented by a snack display area at the back of the cabin, to help passengers arrive at their destination refreshed.<\/p>\n Passengers on the Dubai-Helsinki route can dine on regionally inspired, curated multi-course menus. Dishes in Business Class include an appetiser of juniper-marinated centre-cut salmon, served with compressed cucumber ribbons, pickled purple radish, cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche and dill oil, followed by seared venison served with sage butter, blackberry sauce, potato gratin, roasted cauliflower, golden beetroot and braised red cabbage with green apple. Passengers in Premium Economy can enjoy pink peppercorn-crusted salmon trout, served with dill cream, steamed broccoli, carrots and salsify pur\u00e9e; while Economy passengers can savour pan-fried salmon, served with dill cream, mashed potatoes, broccoli and carrots.<\/p>\n Lingonberries, colloquially called \u2018red gold of the Nordic forests\u2019, take centre stage across desserts in every cabin, featured in a marbled cheesecake and a variety of accompaniments across cabins, to complement the tart berry.<\/p>\n Emirates\u2019 award-winning inflight entertainment system,\u00a0ice<\/i>, is available on every screen in all classes, offering over 6,500 channels of entertainment in multiple languages \u2013 including Finnish movies such as\u00a0Sisu<\/i>\u00a0and the sequel\u00a0Sisu: Road to Revenge<\/i>,\u00a0100 Litraa Sahtia<\/i>, and\u00a0Jossain on Valo Joka ei Sammu<\/i>. Emirates also offers music from some of the biggest Finnish entertainers including JVG, Isac Elliot, Ares, Mirella, Haloo Helsinki! BEHM and Costi.<\/p>\n Explore the happiest country in the world<\/strong><\/p>\n Named as one of\u00a0Lonely Planet\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0must-visit destinations for 2026, Finland offers year-round experiences, from Arctic adventures beneath the Northern Lights to the iconic phenomenon of the Midnight Sun during summer. Nature is at the heart of the Finnish tourism proposition, with 41 national parks and nature reserves protecting Finland\u2019s green forests, Baltic islands, Arctic fells and pristine blue lakes. Visitors can also encounter rare wildlife, including reindeer, wolves, bears, lynx and the Saimaa ringed seal, found only at Lake Saimaa.<\/p>\n For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been ranked as\u00a0the happiest country in the world<\/a>, a spirit that\u2019s encapsulated in the capital, Helsinki. Blending urban life with easy access to nature, the city is an ideal destination for business and leisure travel. Known as the home of sauna, it offers visitors an authentic insight into Finnish culture and wellbeing. From its vibrant design scene and thriving culinary landscape to its tranquil lakes and forests just minutes from the city centre, Helsinki has something for every traveller to discover.<\/p>\n