Emirates has announced it will launch a daily flight between Helsinki and Dubai from 1 October 2026, expanding its “footprint” in the Nordics.
The new service introduces the only year-round, direct link between Finland – the “happiest country in the world” – and the UAE,unlocking expanded opportunities for both international leisure and corporate travellers.
The service will operate with Emirates’ newest aircraft type, the A350, bringing its latest products and highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Finland, from the inaugural flight.
The flight schedule,said a spokesman, has been optimised to ensure smooth onwards connections, offering convenient access to and from key destinations across East and Southeast Asiacomprehensive connectivity across West Asia and popular Indian Ocean points.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said,
“The Dubai-Helsinki route is an exciting expansion on our global network. There is already strong demand between Helsinki and Dubai, with travellers connecting through our other Nordic gateways, so introducing direct, year-round connectivity is a natural next step, making the flight seamless and non-stop, while introducing more premium travel options to market.
“In addition to better serving current demand, we see potential to attract travellers who may have previously opted for alternative connections, growing the overall market and creating opportunities for more people to discover the destinations have to offer.”
He continued:
“As one of the world’s most in-demand destinations, Finland offers a unique combination of innovation, nature and culture, unlocking new opportunities for tourism, trade and business with the UAE and beyond.
“To better cater to the long-haul travel, we will deploy the A350, delivering a premium passenger experience along with elevated comfort across every cabin class. We thank the Finnish government for their partnership and support in establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard soon.”
Tourism remains a key pillar of the country’s economy, with Visit Finland reporting 5 million international tourists in recent years.
Named as one of Lonely Planet’s must-visit destinations for 2026, Finland offers year-round experiences, from Arctic adventures beneath the Northern Lights to the iconic phenomenon of the Midnight Sun during summer.
Nature is at the heart of the Finnish tourism proposition, with 41 national parks and nature reserves protecting Finland’s green forests, Baltic islands, Arctic fells and pristine blue lakes. Visitors can also encounter rare 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 happiest country in the world, a spirit that’s encapsulated in the capital, Helsinki. Blending urban life with easy access to nature, the city is an ideal destination for business and leisure travel. Known as the home of sauna, it offers visitors an authentic insight into Finnish culture and wellbeing. From its vibrant design scene and thriving culinary landscape to its tranquil lakes and forests just minutes from the city centre, Helsinki has something for every traveller to discover.
Beyond tourism, the UAE and Finland have established strong bilateral relationships, underpinned by mutual interests in renewable energy, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, advanced technology, education, space and sustainable development.
Trade between the two nations continues to grow, and Emirates’ new service will,said the airline spokesman, fuel further opportunities for Finnish businesses to connect with the UAE and global markets, via Emirates SkyCargo.
