Finnair strengthens Arctic connectivity with new direct routes to Northern Norway

Finnair and the Northern Norway Tourist Board gathered in Helsinki on September 30 to highlight the airline’s growing network of direct connections from Helsinki to Arctic Norway. The new and expanded routes will improve year-round access to the region from key international markets in Europe and Asia.

Finnair is strengthening its role as a key carrier to Arctic destinations with a strong commitment to Northern Norway. The airline has long operated a year-round connection between Helsinki and Tromsø. In addition, direct summer flights from Helsinki to Bodø were launched in May 2023, continued in 2024, and have also operated this year. Kirkenes was added as a new destination in 2025, while a brand-new route to Alta is planned to start in 2026.

– These new direct routes significantly enhance Northern Norway’s accessibility for international travelers. With Helsinki as a hub, we are now better connected to key markets in Asia and Europe, enabling us to promote the Arctic year-round in a more sustainable and engaging way, says Rigmor Myhre, Communication Manager B2C at Northern Norway Tourist Board.

The event was hosted at the residence of the Norwegian Ambassador in Helsinki. Representatives from the Embassy, Finnair, the Northern Norway Tourist Board, and regional partners Visit Bodø, Visit Alta, and Visit Kirkenes took part, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Arctic connectivity and promoting Northern Norway in international markets.

– Finnair is proud to support the growth of Northern Norway as an attractive Arctic destination. Our Helsinki hub offers smooth connections from Asia, Europe and North America, making the Arctic more accessible than ever to travellers from around the world. These new routes also give the perfect opportunity to combine both the Finnish and the Norwegian Arctic experiences in one trip, says Jenni Suomela, Vice President, Sales and Retail at Finnair.

Finland is already one of Northern Norway’s key markets. During the summer season, Finnish travelers account for 11 percent of total traffic to the region, and so far in 2025 (January–August), guest nights from Finland are up 1 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

– With Finnair’s new routes, we expect to build on this growth and make it even easier for both Finnish and international travelers to discover Northern Norway, adds Myhre.

Finnair’s expansion is also part of the long-term Visit Arctic Europe cooperation between Finnish Lapland and Northern Norway, aiming to strengthen cross-border accessibility and position the Arctic as one unified destination.

For more information on what to see and do in Northern Norway, please visit www.nordnorge.com/en.

Rigmor Myhre, Communication Manager B2C
E-mail: rigmor@nordnorge.com
Phone: +47 95855320