Helsinki Airport Drives Finnish Tourism Growth with 2025 Skytrax Win, Transforming the Capital into a Leading Global Travel Hub

Published on April 13, 2025

In a major win for Finnish tourism and aviation, Helsinki Airport has once again claimed the prestigious title of Best Airport in Northern Europe in the 2025 Skytrax global airport satisfaction survey. This internationally renowned honor was officially presented to airport operator Finavia during a ceremony held in Madrid.

The Skytrax rankings are considered one of the most trusted indicators of excellence in the aviation world. Evaluating more than 550 airports worldwide, the survey considers critical service factors such as security checks, shopping and dining experiences, cleanliness, passenger transfer services, and overall airport efficiency. According to Finavia, Helsinki Airport’s consistent delivery of a smooth, traveler-friendly experience across all touchpoints has solidified its place among the world’s elite.

Travel Industry Applauds Helsinki’s Strategic Airport Revamp
Over the past few years, Finavia has poured significant investment into modernizing Helsinki Airport’s terminal infrastructure and improving its customer service offerings. These enhancements have not only catered to changing passenger expectations but have also positioned the airport as a benchmark for other European travel hubs.

Recent additions to the airport include contemporary lounges, an upgraded selection of international restaurants, a full-service pharmacy, and even a hair salon—amenities increasingly favored by global travelers. Notably, the introduction of a real-time digital forecast of airport security queue times, available up to 12 hours in advance on Finavia’s website, has drawn particular praise from frequent fliers.

Ulla Serlenius, Finavia’s Senior Vice President for Helsinki Airport, noted that this accolade reflects the company’s commitment to customer-centric innovation. She emphasized that Helsinki Airport’s success stems from actively listening to passengers and closely observing international travel trends, thereby aligning airport design and service offerings with evolving traveler needs.

Eighth Skytrax Win Places Helsinki at the Top of Nordic Aviation
This year’s recognition marks the eighth time that Helsinki Airport has been named Best Airport in Northern Europe by Skytrax—a rare achievement and a strong endorsement of the airport’s long-standing dedication to traveler satisfaction. The consistent accolades underscore the importance of operational excellence in enhancing both layover appeal and destination desirability.

For Finland’s tourism sector, which is increasingly reliant on long-haul connections and transfer passengers, this title reinforces the country’s role as a trusted entry point into Northern and Eastern Europe. With a strategic location offering direct flights to Asia, Europe, and North America, Helsinki Airport functions as both a transit hub and a first impression for international tourists visiting Finland and the broader Nordic region.

ACI Europe Also Recognizes Helsinki in 15–25 Million Passenger Category
In addition to the Skytrax achievement, Helsinki Airport has also been honored by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe in the 15–25 million annual passenger category. ACI’s ASQ (Airport Service Quality) Awards are based on live passenger feedback and measure real-time satisfaction, further affirming Helsinki’s commitment to delivering seamless travel.

This double recognition—by both Skytrax and ACI—strengthens Helsinki’s position as a case study in how mid-sized airports can successfully scale up without sacrificing customer service or operational efficiency. It also opens up opportunities for new route development, airline partnerships, and global tourism campaigns centered around Finnish hospitality and innovation.

Elevating Regional and National Tourism Strategy
As Finland looks to rebound and grow in the post-pandemic era, such recognition plays a pivotal role in shaping national travel narratives. The tourism ministry and Visit Finland may now leverage Helsinki Airport’s visibility to attract more leisure and business travelers, especially from Asia and the United States.

The capital’s airport serves as a gateway to popular Finnish destinations like Lapland, Tampere, Turku, and the Lakeland region, all of which stand to benefit from increased tourist arrivals driven by Helsinki’s reputation for smooth travel experiences.

Implications for Airlines, Aviation Planners, and Tourism Boards

• Airlines operating through Helsinki may now re-evaluate flight frequency and passenger services, knowing the airport has global credibility.
• Regional tourism boards can capitalize on the award to promote Finland’s cities as easy-to-reach and stress-free travel options.
• Aviation authorities across Europe may seek to emulate Helsinki’s model, especially in digital queue transparency and traveler engagement.

Gratitude to Airport Personnel and Community

Finavia’s leadership emphasized that these achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of the airport’s work community. Ulla Serlenius extended her gratitude to all staff involved in maintaining the airport’s high standards of service. The recognition is not just a badge of honor but a testament to teamwork and shared commitment to excellence in air travel.

The Skytrax trophy was received in Madrid on April 9, 2025, by Timo Järvelä, Finavia’s Vice President of Customer Experience and Processes. His acceptance on behalf of Helsinki Airport symbolized not only an institutional milestone but also a broader endorsement of Finland’s traveler-first ethos.