Finnair and Finnish government officials celebrate the carrier's return to Toronto at the May 4th inaugural flight celebration. From left: Katja Podduikin-Miettinen (Chief Purser, Finnair), Hanna-Leena Korteniemi (Finnish Ambassador to Canada), Javier Roig-Sanchez (GM North America, Finnair), Mia Eloranta (Communications Manager, Finnair), Carl Jones (Head of Aviation Development, GTAA), Konsta Kovanen (Senior Cabin Crew, Finnair). Credit: Finnair

After an 11-year absence from the Canadian market, Finnair has officially returned to Toronto, introducing a direct connection to Helsinki that strengthens ties in tourism, business, and travel between the two countries.

Operating from Toronto Pearson Terminal 3, the new service marks Finnair's seventh North American gateway alongside six U.S. destinations. The seasonal route will operate three times weekly ( Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday)  through the end of August using an Airbus A330 aircraft featuring business class, premium economy and economy cabins.

Speaking at the launch celebration, Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Finland’s ambassador to Canada, described the new service as “a joyful celebration” and emphasized the close ties between the two countries.

“The inaugural flight represents a strong connection between countries and people who share similar values,” the ambassador said, highlighting common cultural touchpoints.

The ambassador also noted that direct air access creates important opportunities beyond leisure travel.

“Direct connections matter,” she said. “New flights create opportunities and new openings for trade. Today, this connection is made shorter and closer.”

Finland Promotes 'Happiness Tourism' Alongside Route Launch

The launch also serves as a broader tourism push for Finland, which has repeatedly been ranked among the world’s happiest countries.

Referencing Finland’s tourism messaging, the ambassador invited Canadians to discover “how happiness is made,” describing happiness as “a state of mind” rooted in authenticity, balance, and connection with nature.

Finland’s tourism positioning continues to focus on slow travel experiences, saunas, wellness, Northern Lights viewing and Lapland adventures, while emphasizing environmental responsibility and sustainability.

“Sustainability is a necessity,” the ambassador said, noting Finland’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term sustainable tourism development.

Helsinki Hub Connects Canadians to 90+ European Destinations

For Canadian travel advisors, the Toronto–Helsinki route provides convenient access to Finland, Scandinavia, the Baltics, and wider Northern Europe through Finnair's extensive hub network.

Javier Roig-Sanchez, Finnair General Manager for North America, said the carrier currently serves approximately 16 domestic airports within Finland and offers up to 86 weekly flights between Helsinki and Norway, making it easy for travellers to combine multiple Nordic destinations in one itinerary.

The airline also provides onward connections to Sweden, Poland, the Baltic countries and Northern Germany, alongside broader European access through nearly 90 destinations from Helsinki.

“Helsinki airport is very efficient,” the Finnair General Manager noted, highlighting the airport’s single-terminal design and minimum connection time of approximately 40 minutes year-round.

Long-Haul Growth Continues Despite Airspace Challenges

Founded in 1923, Finnair is one of the world’s oldest continuously operating airlines and was among the first European carriers to operate flights to major Asian gateways, including Tokyo and Beijing.

Despite the ongoing closure of Russian airspace, Finnair continues to maintain strong Asian connectivity, including services to Japan, Korea, Singapore and India. 

The carrier also announced continued long-haul expansion plans, including a new Melbourne service launching later this year via Bangkok.

Despite ongoing industry disruptions caused by rising fuel costs and geopolitical tensions, Finnair says it is staying on track thanks to advance planning, with most of its fuel already hedged for the year. According to Javier Roig-Sanchez, this allows the airline to maintain capacity and avoid cancellations, providing a sense of stability at a time when others are scaling back. While he acknowledged some uncertainty around future travel demand, he emphasized the importance of sending a clear message that Finnair remains a reliable option moving forward. He also noted that the airline is operationally prepared to adapt if challenges arise, including measures like fuel tankering if needed. Overall, with a significant portion of its fuel secured—86% in Q1, 82% in Q2 and around 70% for the rest of the year—Finnair is positioning itself as a stable choice for travellers, even as global conditions remain unpredictable.

Airbus A330 Features Business Class 'AirLounge' Seating

The Toronto service is operated using an Airbus A330 equipped with Finnair’s distinctive “AirLounge” business-class seats,  an innovative pod-like, no-recline design.

Finnair also plans fleet expansion with additional Airbus and Embraer aircraft joining in the coming years.

For Canadian travel advisors, this new route offers a compelling option for a range of clients—from FIT travellers and premium leisure guests to Northern Lights seekers and those planning multi-country Nordic itineraries. It also restores direct access to one of Europe’s most efficient and well-connected northern hubs.

Image credits: Finnair

By Kateryna Ivchenko