New terminal to open at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport will enter the first stage of a "transformation" this week when part of a new €150 million (£130 million) terminal opens at the hub.

The new facility, which is due to open on August 27th, will serve long-haul customers and those travelling to destinations outside the Schengen visa agreement area.

Finnair, one of the biggest users of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, said that the new service areas will speed up connections between flights and improve the general travel experience.

Markku Remes, the airline's customer experience manager, said: "This is the first step towards an extensive change lying ahead in the autumn.

"As of Thursday, Finnair customers arriving at the terminal will notice more spacious waiting areas and new toilet facilities, and two new gates will be taken into use along with a kiosk offering a wide selection of magazines and books among its product range."

More shops and the My City Helsinki restaurant will open at the airport on September 15th, before the final development stage is completed on December 11th with the opening of a new lounge.

Finnair operates an extensive network from Helsinki that includes flights to Hong Kong, Mumbai and Tokyo.

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