Finland Joins Emirates’ Nordic Network as UAE Airline Launches Dubai–Helsinki Route

The United Arab Emirates and Finland are set to strengthen direct air connectivity as Emirates Airline announces the launch of nonstop flights between Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Helsinki, Finland, starting October 1, 2026. The new route marks Emirates’ first service to Finland and becomes the airline’s fourth Nordic gateway, reinforcing growing aviation, trade, and tourism ties between the UAE and Northern Europe.

The announcement, confirmed through official releases from Emirates Airline and the Dubai Media Office in January 2026, positions Helsinki as a strategic addition to Emirates’ expanding European network. The service will operate daily, year-round, offering the only nonstop air link between the UAE and Finland.

What Are the Flight Details?

The Dubai–Helsinki route will be operated daily using the Airbus A350-900, one of the most advanced aircraft in Emirates’ fleet. This aircraft will introduce Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin to the Finnish market for the first time, alongside Business and Economy Class seating.

According to published schedules:

• EK167 departs Dubai (DXB) at 08:45 and arrives in Helsinki (HEL) at 14:55
• EK168 departs Helsinki at 16:45 and arrives in Dubai at 00:20 the following day

All times are local. The morning departure from Dubai aligns with Emirates’ primary long-haul connection bank, allowing seamless onward travel from Asia, Australia, India, and Africa into Finland.

Why Is Finland Strategically Important for the UAE?

Finland’s addition reflects Emirates’ long-term strategy to expand connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and high-value European markets. Helsinki is recognized as a key Northern European hub for technology, innovation, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing, making it an important destination for business travelers.

The route also strengthens Finland’s access to fast-growing markets across Asia and the Middle East through Emirates’ Dubai hub, enhancing bilateral trade and tourism flows between the two countries.

How Does This Fit into Emirates’ Nordic Network?

With Helsinki joining the network, Emirates will serve four Nordic capitals:

• Copenhagen, Denmark – operated daily with the Airbus A380
• Oslo, Norway – operated daily with the Airbus A350-900
• Stockholm, Sweden – operated daily with the Boeing 777-300ER
• Helsinki, Finland – launching daily with the Airbus A350-900

All Nordic flights depart Dubai in the early morning window, enabling efficient connections from long-haul inbound services. The use of the A350-900 on both Oslo and Helsinki routes ensures aircraft consistency and operational efficiency.

What Does the Route Mean for Cargo and Trade?

Beyond passenger travel, the new UAE–Finland air link provides a significant boost to cargo capacity. Emirates SkyCargo will utilize approximately 16 tonnes of belly-hold capacity per flight, supporting exports from Finland such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, precision machinery, and industrial components.

This cargo capability strengthens supply chain resilience between Finland and global markets, particularly in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia.

Tourism and Economic Impact

The route supports tourism strategies jointly promoted by Finnish authorities and Emirates, aimed at attracting visitors from the Middle East and Asia to Finland. Direct access is expected to boost inbound tourism to Helsinki and broader Finnish destinations, particularly during winter and shoulder seasons.

For UAE residents, the route opens convenient access to Finland’s nature tourism, design culture, and seasonal experiences, while offering seamless onward connectivity across Scandinavia.

Why the Airbus A350-900 Matters

The Airbus A350-900 is central to Emirates’ sustainability and passenger experience goals. Compared with older aircraft, it delivers improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, quieter cabins, and enhanced onboard comfort.

The introduction of Premium Economy reflects Emirates’ response to growing demand for mid-tier travel options, offering wider seats, greater pitch, upgraded dining, and enhanced service compared with Economy Class.

What Comes Next for UAE–Nordic Aviation Links?

The Helsinki launch underscores Emirates’ confidence in Nordic markets and its broader European growth strategy. With strong demand across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and now Finland, the airline continues to deepen its presence across Northern Europe while maintaining Dubai as a global super-connector.

The expanded Canada–UAE and Europe–UAE bilateral agreements continue to enable Emirates to add capacity strategically, balancing passenger growth with cargo and tourism development.

Conclusion

The launch of nonstop flights between Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Helsinki, Finland, represents a significant milestone in UAE–Nordic aviation relations. By introducing daily, year-round service with the Airbus A350-900, Emirates strengthens economic, tourism, and trade ties while offering passengers a modern, premium travel experience.

As October 2026 approaches, the new route positions both the UAE and Finland to benefit from enhanced global connectivity, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub and Helsinki’s growing international reach.

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New Winter Route to Ivalo, Finland by Discover Airlines: A Convenient Arctic Getaway Just in Time for 2026

Discover Airlines is significantly expanding its Nordic network in 2026 with the addition of a new winter route to Ivalo (IVL) in Finnish Lapland. Starting from mid-December 2025, the airline will operate weekly flights from Munich Airport to Ivalo every Wednesday until mid-April 2026. This new route is designed to meet the growing demand for winter travel, specifically for travelers seeking Arctic nature experiences, northern lights tourism, and the serene beauty of Finland’s northernmost landscapes.

With the inclusion of this new route, Discover Airlines is further solidifying its reputation as a leader in leisure travel, especially within the Nordic region. The airline has strategically chosen Ivalo as its newest destination to attract tourists looking to explore Finland’s winter wonders. This includes winter sports, wildlife experiences, and the chance to witness the breathtaking aurora borealis. It’s a dream destination for those seeking the perfect getaway in the Arctic Circle. (munich-airport.de)

Discover Airlines: Expanding Its Nordic Reach with More Flights

In addition to the Munich to Ivalo route, Discover Airlines is also expanding its summer network with two new routes starting in May 2026. These include flights from Frankfurt to Bodø, Norway, starting May 23, and from Munich to Evenes, Norway, starting May 13, with both operating twice a week. These new services are part of the airline’s effort to grow its Nordic portfolio and offer travelers more direct routes to the stunning landscapes of Iceland, Norway, and Finnish Lapland.

With these new routes, Discover Airlines will operate up to 15 weekly flights across six Nordic destinations, including popular spots in Iceland and Norway. This expansion positions Munich Airport as a crucial hub for leisure flights to the Nordic countries, where Discover Airlines is already the largest leisure carrier. Travelers from Germany and surrounding regions now have greater access to some of the most stunning and remote destinations in Europe, including Arctic retreats and nature tourism hotspots.

Why Ivalo? A Hidden Gem in the Arctic Circle

Ivalo, located in Finnish Lapland, is a city that offers more than just winter sports. It’s a destination that truly captures the essence of the Arctic, with endless snowy landscapes, frozen lakes, and the magical northern lights that light up the winter sky. The region is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience an authentic Arctic adventure.

Discover Airlines’ new route to Ivalo is set to provide more direct access for those looking to experience the Aurora Borealis and the pristine wilderness of Lapland. Tourists can enjoy a variety of winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and husky sledding through forests and along frozen rivers. Moreover, Ivalo offers visitors the chance to relax in cozy log cabins and enjoy traditional Finnish saunas, immersing themselves in the serene and quiet beauty of the Arctic.

Convenient Access to Northern Finland: Munich to Ivalo

The new Ivalo flights will allow travelers to quickly reach this far-flung destination without the usual hassle of long layovers or connecting flights. Munich Airport, a major European travel hub, is ideally located for passengers in Germany, Austria, and surrounding countries to easily connect to this unique Arctic destination. With Ivalo’s proximity to central Lapland, the flight time from Munich is short and efficient, ensuring that passengers spend more time enjoying the winter landscapes and less time traveling.

Jörg Breiner, CEO of Discover Airlines, emphasized that this expansion represents the airline’s commitment to providing convenient and affordable travel options to travelers looking to explore Europe’s most beautiful and remote areas. He also highlighted that Ivalo was selected due to its rising popularity among those seeking unique winter experiences.

“Discover Airlines is committed to opening up new possibilities for adventurers and nature lovers. We believe Ivalo offers exactly what many travelers are looking for: the chance to experience the raw beauty of Lapland while avoiding the overcrowded tourist spots of other destinations,” Breiner said in a statement.

Explore More with Discover Airlines: Upcoming Summer Routes

While winter brings its own allure to the Nordic countries, Discover Airlines isn’t stopping there. The airline has also announced two new summer routes that will further expand its reach in Scandinavia. These new flights, from Frankfurt to Bodø and from Munich to Evenes, will provide passengers with more access to Norway’s stunning fjords, mountain landscapes, and remote islands. Bodø, in particular, is a prime location for those seeking outdoor adventures, from hiking to midnight sun viewing in the summer months.

The introduction of these summer routes, combined with the year-round services to Ivalo, cements Discover Airlines’ reputation as a leader in providing affordable, direct flights to off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Nordic region. The airline’s focus on these regions reflects a broader trend of tourists seeking alternative destinations that are less crowded yet still offer unforgettable natural beauty.

How to Book Your Flight to Ivalo and Beyond

Travelers interested in booking a flight to Ivalo or any of the new summer routes can easily do so through the Discover Airlines website or via popular platforms like Lufthansa and travel agencies. The new route from Munich to Ivalo is available for booking immediately, with flights operating every Wednesday from mid-December to mid-April.

With prices starting as low as €150 for a one-way ticket, the new service offers an affordable way to explore the wild beauty of Lapland. In addition, the airline’s growing Nordic network makes it easier for travelers to plan their perfect winter vacation with fewer connections and more convenience.

Conclusion: Your Gateway to Arctic Adventures with Discover Airlines

The new winter route to Ivalo is just the beginning for Discover Airlines as they continue to expand their offerings in the Nordic region. With affordable flights, direct connections to remote destinations, and a commitment to providing unique travel experiences, Discover Airlines is helping travelers unlock some of the most beautiful, unexplored regions in Europe. Whether you’re after the Northern Lights, seeking adventure in the snow, or just looking for a peaceful getaway in the heart of the Arctic, Ivalo and the new Discover Airlines routes are your perfect gateway.

For travelers seeking an adventure this winter or summer, Discover Airlines offers the chance to experience the magic of Lapland and beyond with easy and affordable access to some of the most stunning destinations in Northern Europe.

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