Emirates has launched its first service to Finland, with flight EK167 departing Dubai for Helsinki on 1 October 2026. The new route operates daily using an Airbus A350, expanding the airline’s presence in the Nordic market.
The inaugural flight left Dubai at 07:30 local time with a near-full passenger and cargo load. Officials and media also travelled on board. The airline describes the service as the only year-round direct connection between Finland and the United Arab Emirates.
Three cabin classes from launch
Emirates says the A350 serving Helsinki accommodates 298 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The deployment brings its newest aircraft type and Premium Economy product to the Finnish market from the start of operations.
The route was first announced in January. At the time, Emirates said passengers were already travelling between Helsinki and Dubai through its other Nordic gateways, providing an existing market for a direct service.
Beyond traffic between the two cities, the schedule is designed around onward connections through Dubai. Emirates highlighted destinations across East and Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean and Africa, alongside its five Australian gateways and services to Auckland and Christchurch.
Cargo capacity and wider connectivity
Emirates SkyCargo will offer up to 16 tonnes of bellyhold capacity on each Helsinki flight. The airline identified pharmaceuticals, electronics, machinery, timber and perishables among the goods the connection could carry, adding a freight role alongside passenger operations.
Airport operator Finavia has highlighted the route’s importance for Finland’s access to international markets, particularly through connections to Asia and the Pacific region.
“The new route supports Helsinki-Vantaa’s role as an international hub and strengthens Finland’s connections to global markets,” Petri Vuori, Finavia’s senior vice president responsible for route development, said when the service was announced.
The launch follows other additions to Helsinki’s international network this year. Finavia reported in September that China Southern had started Beijing services in spring, while Qatar Airways had reopened its Doha route during the summer.
