Expansion across Europe and beyond
Finnair is continuing to expand its network across the Nordics, Europe and long-haul markets, reinforcing Helsinki’s role as a key global hub. The airline plays a central role in regional connectivity, particularly within Finland and neighbouring Norway.
“The domestic network of Finland is really important. We are the airline serving the majority of Finland’s nearly 20 airports,” said Roig-Sanchez, adding that as the official airline for Santa Claus since 1983, Finnair offers year-round service to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland on the Arctic Circle, a major tourist destination with a Santa Claus Village.
Roig-Sanchez also noted that Finnair acts as “a gateway to places like Norway,” making it easy for travellers to combine destinations across the Nordics. This summer, the carrier will operate “up to 86 flights per week between Helsinki and Norway,” with service to multiple cities across the region.
Growth continues across Europe as well, with 12 new destinations added this summer. “You can reach via Helsinki to 90 places in Europe,” he said, highlighting new routes including Luxembourg, Valencia and Tirana.
Beyond Europe, Finnair is maintaining a strong long-haul presence despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. “We are still connecting our capital in Europe with 11 airports in Asia,” Roig-Sanchez said, noting continued service to key markets including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Thailand and India. He added that “we have seen a lot of demand from Toronto via Helsinki to New Delhi,” a convenient option for Toronto’s large Indian community.
Looking ahead, Finnair is also expanding into new long-haul markets. “Starting in October, we will have our newest destination – Melbourne,” he said, marking the airline’s first own-operated service to Australia via Bangkok.
Strengthening Canada–Finland ties
Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland
For Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland, the new Toronto route represents more than just increased connectivity.
“The inaugural Finnair flight between Toronto and Helsinki represents a strengthened connection between Canada and Finland, between countries and people who have similar values,” she said at yesterday’s event.
“Distance does not define partnerships. Values do.”
She emphasized the broader impact of direct air service in fostering closer ties. “The direct Finnair flight creates opportunities, new openings for trade, for tourism, for dialogue, for understanding,” she said. “Today, that connection is made not only shorter but closer.”
Korteniemi also highlighted Finland’s growing global profile as the “happiest place on earth,” a distinction the country has held in the annual World Happiness Report for nine consecutive years. “For us, happiness is not perfection nor constant excitement. It is something practical, something built,” she said. “In Finland, happiness is not a moment. It is a state of mind.”
The new route, she added, invites Canadians to experience that firsthand, from Helsinki’s urban culture to the country’s natural landscapes and traditions.
Echoing that sentiment, Roig-Sanchez said the route represents a key opportunity for growth in the Canadian market. “We believe the Toronto direct route represents a great opportunity in the Canadian market, and will continue to support the growth of Helsinki and Finland in the Canadian tourism consciousness. We look forward to the summer season.”
Lead image caption: The official ribbon ceremony marking Finnair’s new direct service from Toronto to Helsinki at Toronto Pearson International Airport, May 4, 2026. Pictured from l-r: Katja Podduikin-Miettinen, Chief Purser, Finnair; Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland; Javier Roig-Sanchez, General Manager, North America, Finnair; MIa Eloranta, Communications Manager, Finnair; Carl Jones, Head of Aviation Development at GTAA; and Konsta Kovanen, Senior Cabin Crew, Finniar.
Finnair’s Airbus A330 landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, May 4 — Credit Finnair
Finnair captain landing in Toronto, May 4 — Credit Finnair