Emirates has unveiled a significant expansion of its global network. The airline will introduce daily, year-round direct flights between Dubai and Helsinki, Finland. This service begins on 1 October 2026. It marks the first permanent air travel connection between the United Arab Emirates and Finland.
A New Era in Air Travel
This new route establishes the only non-stop year-round air link between the two countries. It opens fresh opportunities for both leisure and business travellers. The connection promises to expand tourism, strengthen trade links, and enhance global connectivity.
Flight Details and Schedule
Emirates will operate the route using its modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft. These planes feature the airline's full suite of cabins. Passengers can choose from Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy seating. The newly introduced Premium Economy product will be available.
Flight schedules have been carefully designed to optimise connections through Dubai. This makes travel smoother for passengers from various regions. Travellers from East and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Australasia can now reach Finland more easily.
Convenient Daily Service
The daily flight schedule offers convenient timings for travellers:
- Flight EK167 will depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at approximately 08:45 AM. It arrives in Helsinki–Vantaa Airport (HEL) around 14:55 PM local time.
- Flight EK168 departs Helsinki at 16:45 PM. It lands back in Dubai at 00:20 AM the next day.
These timings ensure daytime departures and arrivals. They also enable seamless connections to other Emirates networks and partner flights. By operating as a year-round daily service, this route differs from existing seasonal offerings. It signals strong confidence in sustained travel demand between the UAE and Nordic countries.
Boosting Tourism and Trade
The launch comes amid growing interest in Nordic travel destinations. Finland consistently ranks high in global happiness and quality-of-life indexes. Helsinki is known as a vibrant, design-centric city framed by nature and urban culture.
New direct flights are expected to significantly boost tourism in both directions. UAE residents gain direct access to Finnish winter experiences. These include the Northern Lights, Arctic nature, and traditional sauna culture. Summer visitors can enjoy phenomena like the Midnight Sun.
For Finns, Dubai offers luxury lifestyle experiences, desert landscapes, business opportunities, and excellent transit connections. The emirate serves as an attractive year-round destination.
Economic Benefits
The air connection also supports trade flows between both nations. It enables easier export and cargo movements. Commodities like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and high-value goods stand to benefit. Emirates' expanded cargo belly capacity will facilitate these exchanges.
Enhanced Global Connectivity
Integrating Helsinki into Emirates' network strengthens Dubai's position as a leading global aviation hub. Travellers from Asia, Africa, and Australia can now enjoy one-stop connections via Dubai on their way to Finland. They no longer need regional transfers.
Destinations across Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore, Nairobi, Cape Town, and beyond become more accessible. The connection's timing and frequency minimise travel disruption for passengers.
Strategic Fleet Deployment
This move highlights Emirates' broader fleet strategy. The airline is deploying its new-generation A350 aircraft on long-haul routes. This approach expands reach, improves fuel efficiency, and elevates passenger experience. Modern amenities and cabin comfort receive priority.
For the first time, UAE and Nordic travellers will benefit from seamless, year-round travel between Dubai and Helsinki. This includes passengers from the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. They can travel without layovers.
Target Audience and Travel Preferences
The service is likely to attract diverse passenger groups:
- Leisure tourists seeking cultural and natural experiences in Finland.
- Business travellers strengthening commercial ties between Gulf and Nordic markets.
- Families and diaspora communities looking for direct, predictable travel options.
With Premium Economy, Business Class, and Economy seating available, the new route serves a wide range of travel preferences. It significantly enhances global connectivity.
A Landmark Aviation Development
From 1 October 2026, Emirates' daily direct flights will unlock the first year-round UAE–Finland air corridor. This development elevates air travel options for tourists, business travellers, and global explorers alike.
This landmark route expands Emirates' Nordic footprint. It showcases Dubai's role as a global aviation crossroads. The connection links Europe's happiest capital to one of the world's most dynamic travel hubs.
