Finnair has confirmed it will begin daily flights between Melbourne and Helsinki from October 26, 2026, marking the airline’s long-awaited entry into the Australian market. Operated by Airbus A350 aircraft, the service will run via Bangkok, strengthening links between Australia, Asia and Europe.
Finnair’s Daily Melbourne–Helsinki Service Confirmed
The new route is expected to generate around $190 million in economic value for Victoria each year, bringing thousands of additional visitors while also supporting Australian exporters with improved access to Europe.
Flight AY146 will depart Melbourne daily at 3:40 pm, arriving in Bangkok at 8:50 pm before continuing to Helsinki, landing at 6:05 am the following day.
The return service, AY145, will leave Helsinki just after midnight, stop in Bangkok at 4:30 pm and arrive in Melbourne at 7:15 am the next morning. Each Bangkok stopover will be just under two hours.
Expanded Connectivity and Oneworld Benefits
Bangkok is one of Finnair’s key Asian hubs, alongside Singapore and Hong Kong, and is already a popular transit point for Australian travellers. Passengers will also be able to book the Melbourne–Bangkok sector on its own, introducing added competition on the route.
Through Helsinki, travellers will gain access to around 90 European destinations, with particularly strong coverage across the Nordic and Baltic regions. As an Oneworld alliance member, Finnair will offer reciprocal benefits to Qantas Frequent Flyers, including lounge access, priority boarding, additional baggage allowances and preferred seating.
At Helsinki Airport, eligible passengers can access Finnair’s Business Class lounge or the exclusive Platinum Wing, available to Oneworld Emerald members.
Finnair’s A350 Onboard Experience
Finnair’s A350 fleet features its distinctive AirLounge business class, a non-reclining seat that converts into a fully flat bed using adjustable padded panels. The aircraft also includes 24 premium economy seats with a generous 38-inch pitch.
Finnair Area Vice President Pasi Kuusisto said the route would deliver seamless connections to Northern Europe, while Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus noted Finnair would become one of the few European airlines flying to Australia using its own aircraft.
Finnair will be the 42nd airline to operate from Melbourne Airport, following the recent launch of Hong Kong Airlines.
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