Terminal extension ensures smooth transfers for flights between Europe and Asia

Helsinki Airport's new long haul flight area was opened at the end of 2009. Experiential services and smooth travel were emphasised in the design of the terminal extension.

The long haul flight area extension was done in preparation for a growth in passenger traffic between Europe and Asia. Helsinki Airport is the leading long haul airport in Northern Europe and its popularity for traffic between Europe and Asia is enjoying constant, dramatic growth.

Helsinki Airport places an emphasis on a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere for travel as opposed to big, busy airports.

The three-storey terminal extension houses an intriguing, wide-ranging restaurant complex,  a lounge representing Finnish design and a retail area selling top international brands.

                                
Take a tour in the  Delta wing                          Pay a visit to  Kids' Corner
                                                    
While waiting for their flight, passengers can enjoy fresh sushi or organic Finnish ice cream.

Finavia's new easy chairs are designed to be comfortable for a nap or a relaxing spot of reading before boarding a flight.

Take a look at the easy chairs

The total area of the new extension is 39,000 square metres. This increased the total terminal area of Helsinki Airport by 30%. Airport passenger capacity will increase to nearly 16 million passengers.

Additional capacity has also been gained by jetways designed to accommodate next generation widebody jets. Helsinki Airport now has eight jetways that can service Airbus A330-340 and A350 aircraft.

The new baggage handling centre and its state-of-the-art technology ensure smooth and fast transfers for connecting flights

The two lower floors are reserved for technical facilities and the state-of-the-art baggage handling centre, whose peak capacity is 7,000 bags an hour.

Thanks to the extra space and modern technology, Helsinki Airport can now process 13.5 million bags in a year which is 43 % more than the previous facilities allowed. 

See the YouTube-video:  Modern Baggage Handling at Helsinki Airport

The total investment for the extension was approximately EUR 150 million, over half of which went to the new baggage handling centre. The primary and architectural designer for the extension is Finnish architectural firm, Parviainen Arkkitehdit Oy.