Finnair continues to pursue a strategy of re-diversifying its offer, moving away - in part - from its exclusive positioning in Asia. By summer 2026, the airline will offer a long-haul network comprising 11 destinations in Asia, seven in North America, with the opening of Toronto scheduled for summer 2026, and two destinations in the Middle East.
The opening of Melbourne is certainly in the wake of Asia. But this arrival in Australia will make Finnair one of the few European airlines to land in this country (along with British Airways and Turkish Airlines). The new route between Helsinki and Melbourne will be operated daily via Bangkok aboard an Airbus A350, from 25 October 2026, subject to the necessary government authorisations.
The flight will take off from Helsinki shortly after midnight, arriving in Bangkok in the afternoon, before continuing on to Melbourne to land the following morning. On the return leg, the flights will depart Melbourne in the afternoon, stop over in Bangkok in the evening, and arrive in Helsinki early the next day, connecting with Finnair's first morning departures across Europe.
These schedules ensure smooth connections for passengers, high operational efficiency and optimum use of Finnair's A350 fleet.
Melbourne, symbol of Finnair's strategic repositioning
The route to Melbourne marks the opening of an entirely new destination for Finnair.
Christine Rovelli, Finnair's Chief Revenue Officer, said: "We are delighted to be opening a route to a new continent. By linking Helsinki and Melbourne, two cities on opposite sides of the world, we are creating a unique link between the northern and southern hemispheres. This new route will appeal to both European travellers heading to Australia and Australians wishing to discover Northern Europe and beyond."
Flights to Melbourne have been open for booking on Finnair.com since 18 December, notwithstanding government authorisations.
