Melbourne. Photo: Shutterstock Finnair launches a new route connecting Helsinki and Melbourne. The Finnish airline announces that the new service will become available twice a day via Bangkok, starting in October 2026, using Airbus A350 aircraft. The strategic move marks the airline's first entry into the southern continent and strengthens its presence on transcontinental routes.
Finnair A350. Photo: Markus Mainka / ShutterstockThe company has emphasized that the new route will provide a direct connection between Australia and its extensive network of destinations via its Helsinki hub, with seamless connections for flights across Europe.
Flight schedule
The flight will depart from Helsinki shortly after midnight, arrive in Bangkok in the afternoon, and continue to Melbourne, where it will land the following morning. In the opposite direction, the flight will depart from Melbourne at noon, stop in Bangkok in the evening, and arrive in Helsinki the next morning.
Melbourne, located in southeastern Australia, is considered the country's cultural capital and a popular destination for its thriving food, culture, and sports scene. The city is home to a large European community, including many students and expats, making it a high-potential destination for Finnair.
Tickets for the new route will be available for purchase starting today (December 18) on the company's website, and the first flight is expected to operate on October 25, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
In addition to Melbourne, Finnair's 2026 destination network includes 93 in Europe, 11 in Asia, 7 in North America (including Toronto, which will join in summer 2026), and 2 in the Middle East.
"We are very excited to introduce service to a new continent. By connecting Helsinki and Melbourne, two cities on opposite sides of the world, we can offer a truly unique bridge between the northern and southern hemispheres,” commented Christine Rovelli, Chief Revenue Officer at Finnair. “We expect that this new route will appeal to travellers from Europe heading to Australia, as well as Australians exploring northern Europe and beyond.”
The company recently announced the expansion of its destination network, adding a dozen new European destinations in summer 2026 from its Helsinki hub.
Melbourne. Photo: Shutterstock