In July the first part of the fabulous new terminal extension opens, serving all long haul flights and those to destinations outside the Schengen area. At the same time Finavia will open new security inspection areas for transit passengers, with plenty of new shops and a My City Helsinki restaurant section.
In July Finnair will have the opportunity for the first time to channel transit passengers on the basis of priority for connecting flights. The new guidance system leads passengers quickly and more effectively when there’s a rush to get from gate to gate, although passengers will also be able to take their time when time allows, of course. A fast track option for Business Class customers and Finnair Plus top tier card holders will also be implemented.
In December the rest of the extension will open for use. The new facilities will include a 250 seat via.lounge and a restful spa area, via.spa. The spa will contain four separate saunas, treatment rooms for ‘express’ treatments as well as those of a more leisurely nature, foot treatments of various kinds and a mineral water pool for health baths. The Finnish sauna has a view from the window – as all authentic saunas should – and in this case bathers can look out across the airport’s roll-out apron. All customers waiting for flights can use the via.lounge and via.spa. Business Class and Finnair Plus top tier cardholders can use via.lounge free of charge, and there is no charge for the spa to Platinum cardholders.
Other changes are taking place at Helsinki-Vantaa too. As of August 5, all Finnair, Finncomm and oneworld airline operations will be concentrated at Terminal 2. This will mean that all Finnair traffic from domestic to long haul will operate from one and the same terminal. The older part of the T2 terminal will be used mainly for long haul handling at hall 4, while the bulk of Finnair traffic will pass through the newer, central section of the terminal via hall 2. T1, currently the domestic terminal, will be used by other airlines.
A new, faster and more efficient baggage handling system will be another eventual result of the developments. Work is also about to start on a new railway loop linking the airport with central Helsinki. All of which lends great support to the via.Helsinki concept, whereby Finnair offers the fastest, most punctual and most comfortable links between Europe and Asia.
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