Emirates arrives in Helsinki for the first time

 

Emirates has officially inaugurated services to Helsinki, marking a significant milestone in connectivity between Finland and the United Arab Emirates. The new daily route is the only year-round, non-stop air link between the two countries, creating new opportunities for leisure travel, business exchange and trade.

Flight EK167 touched down at Helsinki Airport at 13:30 local time, where it 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 at Finavia; and Pierfrancesco Carino, Emirates’ Vice President Commercial Operations for North and West Europe. They were joined by government officials, aviation stakeholders, media representatives and industry guests. The Emirates delegation was led by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, alongside a VIP group accompanying the inaugural service.

The inaugural flight carried travellers not only from Dubai but also from more than 20 destinations across Emirates’ global network, including Mumbai, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney, highlighting Helsinki’s growing importance within the airline’s international route network.

To commemorate the occasion, passengers received a collection of exclusive inaugural-flight keepsakes. These included a bespoke red leather pouch embossed with the flight number and route details, featuring Helsinki’s official coat of arms. The commemorative set also contained a custom Emirates keychain displaying the flags of both Finland and the UAE, a miniature Airbus A350 charm, a pack of Finland-themed 3D stickers, a beanie featuring the Helsinki coat of arms, and a certificate marking the historic first flight.

Following the arrival ceremony, invited guests were given an exclusive tour of Emirates’ Airbus A350, the airline’s newest aircraft type. Designed to accommodate 298 passengers across Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class, the A350 showcases Emirates’ latest cabin products and elevated passenger experience. The aircraft features spacious interiors, enhanced comfort, advanced inflight technology and next-generation entertainment systems.

Complementing the onboard offering, Emirates continues to deliver regionally inspired cuisine, award-winning inflight entertainment and the renowned hospitality of its multicultural cabin crew, ensuring a premium travel experience throughout every journey.

Adnan Kazim Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer,commented:  “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 stated: “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 08:15, arriving in Helsinki at 14:30 local time. The return service, EK168, leaves Helsinki at 16:20 and lands in Dubai at 00:20 the following day.

The daily service has been strategically timed to provide seamless onward connections through Dubai, enabling convenient access to destinations across East and Southeast Asia, West Asia and the Indian Ocean region, as well as key markets throughout Africa, the Middle East and the GCC. The schedule also offers smooth connectivity to major cities across Australasia, further strengthening Helsinki’s links to Emirates’ extensive global network.

 

Elevated comfort and a distinctive Nordic experience on Emirates’ Helsinki service

Reflecting Emirates’ commitment to helping customers fly better, the Helsinki service delivers a premium travel experience across every cabin class, combining contemporary design, enhanced comfort and personalised service.

Designed in a sophisticated palette of sky blue, bronze and cream, Economy Class offers generous seat pitch, leather headrests and ample legroom to ensure a comfortable journey. Customers can also enjoy Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment on a 13.3-inch adjustable 4K touchscreen, providing access to thousands of hours of content throughout the flight.

Premium Economy, Emirates’ acclaimed and award-winning cabin, elevates the travel experience with spacious leather reclining seats, dedicated charging points and an enhanced dining offering. Combining comfort and style, the cabin delivers a level of service often comparable to Business Class experiences on many other airlines.

In Business Class, passengers enjoy maximum privacy and comfort in a contemporary 1-2-1 configuration, featuring fully lie-flat seats upholstered in soft cream leather, personal minibars and direct aisle access. A dedicated snack and refreshment station at the rear of the cabin further enhances the onboard experience, allowing travellers to arrive at their destination rested and refreshed.

The culinary offering on the Dubai-Helsinki route has been carefully curated to celebrate regional flavours and premium ingredients. Business Class customers can indulge in dishes such as juniper-marinated salmon with cucumber ribbons, pickled radish, crème fraîche and dill oil, followed by seared venison accompanied by sage butter, blackberry sauce, potato gratin and seasonal vegetables. In Premium Economy, salmon trout coated in pink peppercorn is served with dill cream and seasonal vegetables, while Economy Class customers can enjoy pan-fried salmon complemented by mashed potatoes, broccoli, carrots and a creamy dill sauce.

A distinctly Nordic touch is showcased through the use of lingonberries, often referred to as the “red gold” of Nordic forests. The vibrant berry features prominently in desserts across all cabins, including a marbled cheesecake and a selection of bespoke accompaniments designed to balance its signature tartness.

Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system is available in every cabin, offering more than 6,500 channels of content in multiple languages. Passengers can enjoy a range of Finnish film productions, including Sisu, Sisu: Road to Revenge, 100 Litraa Sahtia and Jossain on Valo Joka ei Sammu, alongside music from some of Finland’s most popular artists, including JVG, Isac Elliot, Ares, Mirella, Haloo Helsinki!, BEHM and Costi.

Together, Emirates’ newest-generation cabin products, regionally inspired dining and extensive entertainment choices create a travel experience tailored to both Finnish travellers and international visitors connecting through Dubai to destinations across the airline’s global network.

Discover the World’s Happiest Country

Recently recognised among Lonely Planet’s top destinations to visit in 2026, Finland offers extraordinary experiences throughout the year. From Arctic adventures beneath the Northern Lights to the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun, the country combines breathtaking natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage.

Nature lies at the heart of Finland’s appeal, with 41 national parks and protected reserves safeguarding vast forests, pristine lakes, Baltic archipelagos and Arctic wilderness. Wildlife enthusiasts can encounter some of Europe’s rarest species, including reindeer, wolves, bears, lynx and the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, found exclusively in Finland’s Lake Saimaa region.

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been named the world’s happiest country, a distinction reflected in the welcoming atmosphere of its capital, Helsinki. Seamlessly blending urban sophistication with easy access to nature, Helsinki is an ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers. Renowned as the birthplace of sauna culture, the city offers an authentic introduction to Finnish wellbeing and lifestyle. Visitors can explore its celebrated design scene, innovative culinary offerings and vibrant waterfront districts, while tranquil forests and lakes remain just moments from the city centre.

Through Emirates Holidays, travellers can experience the very best of Finland with carefully curated holiday packages covering both Helsinki and the enchanting region of Lapland. Destinations include Rovaniemi, widely known as the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, where visitors can enjoy unforgettable Arctic experiences year-round. From accommodation and activities to flights and personalised travel arrangements, Emirates Holidays provides a seamless end-to-end travel experience, now complemented by Emirates’ new daily service between Dubai and Helsinki.