Finnair will expand its long-haul network with new flights from Helsinki to Melbourne via Bangkok from October 2026.

The flight, operated on an Airbus A350 aircraft, will connect Australia directly to Finnair’s extensive network via its Helsinki hub.

“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,” Finnair Chief Revenue Officer, Christine Rovelli said.

“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 flight will depart Helsinki after midnight, arriving in Bangkok in the afternoon for a stop-over before continuing to Melbourne arriving the following morning. Return flights depart Melbourne in the afternoon, arriving in Helsinki early the next day aligning with Finnair’s first morning flights across Europe.

The Melbourne flights will be available for booking from today, and the first flight is expected to be on 25 October 2026, subject to government approval.

With this new flight, Finnair’s network for 2026 comprises a total of 93 European destinations, 11 Asian destinations, seven North American destinations, including Toronto, which opens in summer 2026, and two destinations in the Middle East.