Emirates has introduced a new route between Dubai and Helsinki, the only annual direct flight between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Finland. On Oct. 1, 2026, Emirates flight EK167 departed at 07.30 a.m. with a full flight and cargo load, which featured media and a select delegation onboard.
VIPs onboard
Emirates marked the launch of the Dubai-Helsinki route by inviting a delegation of VIPs on the inaugural flight. The airline says it aims to strengthen ties between the UAE and Finland, reflecting its wider focus to support the UAE economy through expanded trade links and an increased network of international destinations.
The Emirates delegation onboard the first Dubai-Helsinki flight was led by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Jeffrey Van Haeften, Senior Vice President of Cargo Commercial Worldwide, which is part of Emirates SkyCargo.
The airline also welcomed Lieutenant Colonel Juma Abdulla Obaid Bin Subaih Alflasi, Acting Director of Passport Control for DXB’s Terminal 3. Delegates emphasised the importance of strong tourism links between the UAE and Finland, noting opportunities for cooperation in business, cybersecurity, digital transformation, energy and education.
Her Excellency Tuula Yrjölä, Ambassador of Finland to the UAE and Bahrain, as well as Jorge Fernández Gates, Senior Advisor to the Embassy of Finland, Abu Dhabi were among those on board, underscoring the diplomatic aspect of the new route.
Omar bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, also travelled on the first flight between Dubai and Helsinki. He was joined by Samuli Pesu, Chairman of the Finnish Business Council UAE.
Emirates says it is committed to growing its network in a competitive market.
The Dubai-Helsinki flight route on the Airbus A350
The new daily service is operated by an Airbus A350, the newest aircraft model within Emirates’ widebody fleet. The A350 can fit 298 passengers across three cabin classes, excluding First Class, and brings Emirates’ facilities to Finland. Passengers can enjoy regional menus inspired by Finnish cuisine such as salmon, venison and lingonberry marble cheesecake.
The service provides connectivity to destinations across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia.
As the UAE is Finland’s largest trading partner in the Gulf region, the route aims to increase business connections and support the long-term growth of Finnish business’.
