Finnair is expanding its long-haul network with the launch of a new daily service to Melbourne, Australia, starting in October 2026. This marks Finnair’s first-ever destination in Australia and a new continent for the airline.
The route will be operated daily with an Airbus A350, flying from Helsinki to Melbourne via Bangkok. Departures from Helsinki will take place shortly after midnight, with same-day arrival in Bangkok and onward travel to Melbourne, arriving the following morning. Return flights will depart Melbourne in the afternoon, stop in Bangkok in the evening, and arrive in Helsinki early the next day, providing seamless connections to Finnair’s European network and efficient aircraft utilisation.
According to Finnair’s Chief Revenue Officer Christine Rovelli, the new route creates a unique connection between Northern Europe and Australia, targeting both European travellers heading south and Australians travelling to Europe and beyond via Helsinki.
Melbourne, located on Australia’s southeastern coast, is highlighted as a major cultural hub with strong tourism appeal, a large European diaspora, and significant student and expatriate communities.
Flights will go on sale on 18 December, with the first flight planned for 25 October 2026, subject to government approvals.
For 2026, Finnair’s global network will include 93 European destinations, 11 in Asia, seven in North America (including Toronto, launching summer 2026), and two in the Middle East, further strengthening the airline’s long-haul offering.