Unlock New Travel Opportunities: Finnair Daily Flights from Helsinki to Melbourne, Australia, Boost Victoria’s Tourism with Over Two Hundred Thousand Seats Annually

In a significant boost to both tourism and trade, European airline Finnair has announced the launch of daily flights between Helsinki and Melbourne, set to begin in October 2026. The new route will provide 203,000 additional seats annually, enhancing capacity between Victoria and Europe. This move marks a strategic development for Victoria, one that is expected to attract more international visitors and provide economic benefits to the region.

Enhanced International Connectivity for Victoria

The daily flights will depart from Helsinki, with a stopover in Bangkok before continuing on to Melbourne aboard Finnair’s spacious Airbus A350 aircraft. This new route will not only bolster tourism but will also increase trade opportunities by improving the flow of goods and services between Victoria and Europe. With more seating options available, the route will make it easier for international visitors to explore Victoria, offering greater flexibility in travel plans.

Victoria’s tourism sector has seen impressive growth in recent years, with 534,000 visitors from Europe recorded by the year ending June 2025. These visitors contributed a substantial $1.4 billion to the state’s economy, reflecting a 28% increase year on year. This surge in tourism is expected to continue with the introduction of Finnair’s new services.

Government Support for Tourism Growth

The launch of the new service will be supported by the Labor Government’s Industry Partnership Program. This program, which matches industry partners’ investments dollar-for-dollar, aims to drive demand through marketing campaigns targeting European markets. Over 60 new partnerships have been forged since the program’s inception, with significant contributions from leading tourism and hospitality businesses such as Accor, Alpine Resorts Victoria, and Trip.com.

The Industry Partnership Program has been instrumental in promoting Victoria’s best offerings to international tourists. The introduction of Finnair’s daily flights aligns with the government’s ongoing commitment to support and grow the visitor economy, which is expected to see continued success in the coming years.

A Growing Visitor Economy

Steve Dimopoulos, the Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events, expressed confidence in the strong demand for Melbourne as a global tourist destination. The increased capacity and variety of travel options will undoubtedly make it easier for international visitors to come and stay longer in the state. According to Dimopoulos, Victoria’s visitor economy is already supporting 288,000 jobs, and it continues to expand.

The introduction of Finnair’s new route is part of a larger push to boost the tourism sector, particularly during peak travel periods. With the upcoming summer season, Melbourne Airport is anticipating a record number of international passengers, with more than 2.5 million travelers expected to pass through the terminal in December and January.

Benefits for Melbourne Airport and the Tourism Sector

The new flights are expected to bring a significant influx of passengers to Melbourne, contributing to the city’s world-renowned tourism, dining, and hospitality industries. Melbourne Airport is excited about the prospects of welcoming more visitors each week, supporting both the local economy and international tourism growth. Lorie Argus, CEO of Melbourne Airport, highlighted the importance of the additional flights in helping the state maintain its position as a top global destination.

An Attractive Route for Diverse Passengers

Finnair’s new Melbourne route will cater to a variety of passengers, including European holidaymakers, expatriates, and students. Melbourne’s large European diaspora and student population make it an attractive destination for a broad customer base. The new daily service also offers seamless connections to other destinations across Northern Europe and beyond via Finnair’s Helsinki hub, making it an appealing option for both business and leisure travelers.

Finnair’s General Manager for Greater China and Southeast Asia, Tamas Hanyi, emphasized the airline’s excitement in expanding its operations to Melbourne. The new route will provide travelers with more choice when flying between Europe and Australia, with the added benefit of a comfortable travel experience aboard the Airbus A350.

Strengthening Victoria’s Tourism Footprint

The addition of Finnair’s daily flights to Melbourne further strengthens Victoria’s position as an appealing destination for international tourists. Whether travelers are seeking a cozy European winter or a warm beach getaway in Australia, the route offers an additional choice for those planning their next vacation. By increasing connectivity between Europe and Melbourne, Finnair’s new service is expected to drive more people to explore Victoria’s vibrant tourism, cultural attractions, and world-class hospitality.

A Competitive Edge for Victoria’s Tourism Industry

With the increasing availability of flights to Melbourne, Victoria is set to maintain its competitive edge in attracting international tourists. The availability of more travel options at competitive prices means that tourists from across Europe and beyond will have greater access to the state’s premier destinations, such as Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene, stunning coastal regions, and scenic wine regions.

The launch of Finnair’s daily flights is a critical development for Victoria, signaling a bright future for both the tourism and trade sectors. As more visitors choose to explore the beauty and culture of Victoria, the state is expected to continue reaping the rewards of its investment in the tourism industry.

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