Finnair Announces Flights to Melbourne via Bangkok Starting October 2026
Finnair continues to expand its long-haul network with the addition of a brand-new destination. Starting in the fall of 2026, the Finnish airline will begin operating daily flights between Helsinki and Melbourne, Australia, with a stop in Bangkok, using Airbus A350 aircraft.
The opening of this route marks the first time Finnair directly connects its network to Australia, reinforcing its intercontinental growth strategy and solidifying Helsinki Airport’s role as a global hub.
A New Link Between Europe and Australia
The service to Melbourne will connect two cities located at opposite ends of the planet. From its Helsinki hub, Finnair will offer seamless connections to Australia for passengers from Europe, while simultaneously facilitating access to Scandinavia and other European destinations for Australian travelers.
Christine Rovelli, Chief Revenue Officer of Finnair, highlighted the strategic value of this launch, stating that the company is “very excited to introduce services to a new continent.” As she explained, the Helsinki-Melbourne connection creates “a unique bridge between the northern and southern hemispheres,” appealing both to Europeans traveling to Australia and to Australians interested in exploring Northern Europe and other markets.
Daily Operation with Airbus A350
The new route will be operated daily using Airbus A350 aircraft, a key model within Finnair’s long-range fleet. The operational schedule is designed to optimize both customer experience and airline efficiency.
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Flights will depart from Helsinki shortly after midnight, arriving in Bangkok in the afternoon. After a brief layover, the aircraft will continue to Melbourne, landing the following morning. For the return journey, departures from Australia will take place in the afternoon, with an overnight stop in Bangkok and arrival in the Finnish capital early the next day. This timing allows for connections with Finnair’s early morning departures to various points across Europe, while also ensuring a high utilization rate for the A350 fleet.
Melbourne, a Key Destination in Southeastern Australia
Located on the southeastern coast of Australia, Melbourne is recognized as the country’s cultural capital. The city is known for its culinary offerings, vibrant cultural scene, and strong sporting tradition. Besides being a significant vacation destination, it is home to a large European diaspora, as well as a broad community of international students and expatriates.
These characteristics make Melbourne a market with demand for both tourism and personal/educational travel, a factor supporting Finnair’s decision to add this point to its long-haul network.
Launch Dates and Availability
Flights to Melbourne will be available for booking on the airline’s website starting today. The inaugural service is scheduled for October 25, 2026, subject to approval from the relevant government authorities.
Finnair’s Network in 2026
With the addition of Melbourne, Finnair’s projected network for 2026 will include a total of 93 European destinations, 11 destinations in Asia, seven destinations in North America, and two points in the Middle East. This planning also includes Toronto, whose launch is scheduled for summer 2026.
This expansion reflects Finnair’s commitment to strengthening its global presence and diversifying its intercontinental connections from Helsinki, integrating new markets into its network structure.
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