Finnair Launches 12 New European Destinations and Direct Winter Flights to Lapland from Key European Cities in 2026

Published on November 14, 2025

When travellers next year set off from Helsinki, they’ll find a broader map of Europe unfurling before them, thanks to softened nerves and amplified ambition at Finland’s national carrier, Finnair. The airline has pledged to inaugurate 12 new European city connections out of Helsinki for the summer 2026 season — and to restore direct winter services from Brussels, Paris and Zurich into Finland’s Arctic heart in Lapland.

Expansion at a glance
The new summer destinations list out of Helsinki includes:

• Kuressaare (Estonia)
• Luxembourg City (Luxembourg)
• Stavanger (Norway)
• Thessaloniki (Greece)
• Tirana (Albania)
• Turin (Italy)
• Umeå (Sweden)
  These join previously announced additions such as Alta (Norway), Catania and Florence (Italy), Kos (Greece) and Valencia (Spain).

Meanwhile, for winter 2026 the airline will launch direct flights from Brussels (Belgium) and Zurich (Switzerland) into Kittilä airport in Lapland, and from Paris (France) into Rovaniemi. This move enhances connectivity to Finland’s northern winter wonderland.

What it means and why it matters
Finnair’s route growth reflects multiple strategic vectors. First, placing Helsinki as the gateway to more European capitals and regional hubs diversifies beyond its traditional Asia‑focus model. The launching of Tirana, for example, signals its first service to Albania and deepens Eastern‑Europe reach.

Second, strengthening direct access to Lapland supports Finland’s tourism strategy. Winter travellers can now consider flying straight into Arctic resorts, rather than routing through Helsinki and on‑wards. The Finavia announcement that its northern airports will offer connections to over 100 international airports in the 2025–26 winter underscores the significance of this region.

Third, the move supports leisure and corporate travel alike: Stavanger offers a business‑oriented link, while destinations like Kos, Catania and Florence feed holiday traffic. The mix showcases Finnair’s dual focus.

Operational notes and timing
The summer 2026 season services are expected to run from spring through to autumn — many begin in April and run until October. For instance, flights to Florence start 2 April and to Catania from 31 March.

For Lapland, the winter links via Brussels, Paris and Zurich will operate twice weekly. These complement existing daily services via Helsinki to the Arctic resorts.

Challenges and context
While the airline’s own media centre serves as the primary announcement channel, government‑regulator confirmation of each route remains less visible. Finland’s transport ministry press‑release listings do not yet show direct route‑approval announcements of these specific flights.
Yet, the activity aligns with broader infrastructure updates (airport expansion, northern‑route connectivity) and reflects growing demand in tourism and business‑travel segments.

Another factor is the post‑pandemic recovery stage of aviation. Finnair has publicly stated ambitions to improve profitability and increase ancillary revenue, and part of the rationale for network expansion is to drive growth beyond core Asian markets.

Impact on travellers and destinations
For travellers, these new routes bring fresh options: direct flights from Helsinki into lesser‑served European cities mean shorter travel times and increased choice. Tourists to Albania or Luxembourg now find a new gateway in Finland’s capital hub.

For destinations in Lapland, the increased winter connectivity helps promote the region as a year‑round destination, not just summer or Christmas‑season. Services from major European city‑pairs will enhance access for visitors seeking Northern Lights, snow adventures and winter retreats.

Looking ahead
Finnair expects these additions to elevate its European network significantly: the carrier reports targeting some 90+ European destinations for 2026 under this plan
However, monitoring is required for how the network performs operationally and whether traveller uptake meets expectations. Other challenges such as aircraft availability, crew planning, slot constraints and regulatory approvals all underpin the successful launch of new routes.

As you plan your next European break or winter escape to Lapland, keep Helsinki firmly on your radar — it’s rapidly becoming the springboard to new destinations across the continent, and for winter magic in the Arctic north.