Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has arrived in Helsinki for the first time, launching a daily service that provides the only year-round direct connectivity between Finland and the UAE.

The new service is expected to create new opportunities for leisure, corporate travel and trade between the two countries while connecting Finland with Emirates’ extensive global network through Dubai.

Flight EK167 arrived at Helsinki Airport at 13:30 and was welcomed 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 dignitaries, government representatives, media, guests and members of the travel industry.

The Emirates delegation on the inaugural flight was led by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, along with a VIP delegation. The inaugural flight carried passengers from Dubai as well as more than 20 cities across Emirates’ global network, including Mumbai, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney.

To mark the launch, 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. The pouch included a bespoke Emirates keychain featuring the flags of the UAE and Finland, a miniature A350 charm, a pack of 3D puffy Finland stickers, a beanie featuring the Helsinki coat of arms and a certificate celebrating the inaugural flight.

Following the welcome ceremony, VIPs and guests toured the Airbus A350, the newest aircraft to join Emirates’ fleet, and explored the airline’s products across every cabin.

The Emirates A350 accommodates 298 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The aircraft features bright and airy cabins designed to provide more space and comfort, alongside enhanced technology and entertainment options. Customers can also enjoy regionally inspired cuisine, Emirates’ inflight entertainment system and service from a multinational crew.

Commenting on the start of operations, Adnan Kazim said, “Helsinki 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.

"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."

Petri Vuori, Senior Vice President, Route Development, Finavia said, “We 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’s international connectivity, strengthening links between Finland and the Middle East, as well as Asia, Africa and Australia through Emirates’ 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’ 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’s position as a globally connected destination.”

Emirates flight EK167 departs Dubai at 08:15hrs*, arriving in Helsinki at 14:30hrs*. The return flight, EK168, departs Helsinki at 16:20*, landing in Dubai at 00:20* the following day.

The daily service has been scheduled to support smooth onward connections to destinations across East and Southeast Asia, West Asia and popular Indian Ocean points, along with major cities in Africa, the Middle East and GCC, as well as Australasia.

Elevated comfort on the Helsinki service

Emirates’ Helsinki service offers its fly better experience across all cabin classes. Economy Class features leather headrests, generous seat pitch and extra legroom, with access to the airline’s entertainment catalogue through a 13.3-inch 4K adjustable touchscreen.

Premium Economy offers spacious leather reclining seats, in-seat charging points and an elevated dining experience. Business Class features a 1-2-1 configuration, fully lie-flat seats in soft cream leather, personal minibars and a snack display area.

Passengers travelling between Dubai and Helsinki can enjoy regionally inspired multi-course menus. Business Class dishes include juniper-marinated centre-cut salmon followed by seared venison, while Premium Economy passengers can enjoy pink peppercorn-crusted salmon trout. Economy passengers can savour pan-fried salmon served with dill cream, mashed potatoes, broccoli and carrots.

Lingonberries, known as the ‘red gold of the Nordic forests’, feature across desserts in every cabin, including a marbled cheesecake and other accompaniments.

Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, is available across all cabins, offering more than 6,500 channels of entertainment in multiple languages. The selection includes Finnish movies such as Sisu, Sisu: Road to Revenge, 100 Litraa Sahtia, and Jossain on Valo Joka ei Sammu.

Passengers can also enjoy music from Finnish entertainers including JVG, Isac Elliot, Ares, Mirella, Haloo Helsinki! BEHM and Costi.

Explore the happiest country in the world

Finland offers year-round experiences, from Arctic adventures beneath the Northern Lights to the Midnight Sun during summer. Nature remains an important part of the Finnish tourism proposition, with 41 national parks and nature reserves covering green forests, Baltic islands, Arctic fells and blue lakes. Visitors can also encounter wildlife including reindeer, wolves, bears, lynx and the Saimaa ringed seal, found only at Lake Saimaa.

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world. Helsinki combines urban life with easy access to nature and offers a mix of design, culinary experiences, wellbeing and Finnish culture. The city is also known for its sauna culture, while lakes and forests are located just minutes from the city centre.

Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operating arm, offers curated holiday packages to Finland, covering Helsinki and Lapland, including Rovaniemi, also known as the Official Hometown of Santa Claus. With the launch of the daily Helsinki service, Emirates Holidays’ team of travel consultants can now support passengers with flights, hotels, activities and other travel arrangements.