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<\/p>\nExpansion across Europe and beyond<\/p>\n
Finnair is continuing to expand its network across the Nordics, Europe and long-haul markets, reinforcing Helsinki\u2019s role as a key global hub. The airline plays a central role in regional connectivity, particularly within Finland and neighbouring Norway.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe domestic network of Finland is really important. We are the airline serving the majority of Finland\u2019s nearly 20 airports,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Roig-Sanchez also noted that Finnair acts as \u201ca gateway to places like Norway,\u201d making it easy for travellers to combine destinations across the Nordics. This summer, the carrier will operate \u201cup to 86 flights per week between Helsinki and Norway,\u201d with service to multiple cities across the region.<\/p>\n
Growth continues across Europe as well, with 12 new destinations added this summer. \u201cYou can reach via Helsinki to 90 places in Europe,\u201d he said, highlighting new routes including Luxembourg, Valencia and Tirana.<\/p>\n
Beyond Europe, Finnair is maintaining a strong long-haul presence despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. \u201cWe are still connecting our capital in Europe with 11 airports in Asia,\u201d Roig-Sanchez said, noting continued service to key markets including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Thailand and India. He added that \u201cwe have seen a lot of demand from Toronto via Helsinki to New Delhi,\u201d a convenient option for Toronto\u2019s large Indian community.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Finnair is also expanding into new long-haul markets. \u201cStarting in October, we will have our newest destination \u2013 Melbourne,\u201d he said, marking the airline\u2019s first own-operated service to Australia via Bangkok.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Strengthening Canada\u2013Finland ties<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland<\/p>\n
For Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland, the new Toronto route represents more than just increased connectivity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe inaugural Finnair flight between Toronto and Helsinki represents a strengthened connection between Canada and Finland, between countries and people who have similar values,\u201d she said at yesterday\u2019s event.<\/p>\n
\u201cDistance does not define partnerships. Values do.\u201d<\/p>\n
She emphasized the broader impact of direct air service in fostering closer ties. \u201cThe direct Finnair flight creates opportunities, new openings for trade, for tourism, for dialogue, for understanding,\u201d she said. \u201cToday, that connection is made not only shorter but closer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Korteniemi also highlighted Finland\u2019s growing global profile as the \u201chappiest place on earth,\u201d a distinction the country has held in the annual World Happiness Report for nine consecutive years. \u201cFor us, happiness is not perfection nor constant excitement. It is something practical, something built,\u201d she said. \u201cIn Finland, happiness is not a moment. It is a state of mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new route, she added, invites Canadians to experience that firsthand, from Helsinki\u2019s urban culture to the country\u2019s natural landscapes and traditions.<\/p>\n
Echoing that sentiment, Roig-Sanchez said the route represents a key opportunity for growth in the Canadian market. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lead image caption: The official ribbon ceremony marking Finnair\u2019s 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\u00a0Eloranta,\u00a0Communications Manager, Finnair; Carl Jones, Head of Aviation Development at GTAA; and Konsta Kovanen, Senior Cabin Crew, Finniar.<\/p>\n
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