Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is set to launch a daily flight route between Helsinki and Dubai starting October 1, 2026, marking a significant expansion in the Nordics. This new service will be the only year-round, direct connection between Finland and the UAE, offering enhanced opportunities for both leisure and corporate travelers. The flights will be operated using Emirates’ newest aircraft, the A350, which introduces its highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Finland.
Flight EK167 will depart Dubai at 08:45hrs, arriving in Helsinki at 14:55hrs. The return flight, EK168, will leave Helsinki at 16:45hrs, landing in Dubai at 00:20hrs the following day. The schedule is designed to facilitate smooth onward connections to key destinations across East and Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Phuket, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, and others. Additionally, the service will connect to West Asian destinations, the Indian Ocean region, African cities like Cairo and Johannesburg, Middle Eastern hubs, and Australian cities, as well as Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “The Dubai-Helsinki route is an exciting expansion of our global network. There is already strong demand between Helsinki and Dubai, with travelers connecting through our other Nordic gateways. Introducing a direct, year-round connection is a natural next step, offering seamless and non-stop travel while introducing more premium options to the market. In addition to meeting existing demand, we anticipate attracting travelers who previously opted for alternative connections, thus growing the overall market.”
Kazim further added, “Finland, as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, presents a unique blend of innovation, nature, and culture, unlocking new opportunities for tourism, trade, and business with the UAE and beyond. To cater to long-haul travel, we will deploy the A350, offering a premium passenger experience and elevated comfort across all cabin classes. We appreciate the Finnish government’s partnership in establishing this route and look forward to welcoming passengers soon.”
Tourism is a vital component of Finland’s economy, with Visit Finland reporting 5 million international tourists in recent years. Emirates’ new route will connect over 150 points on its global network to Helsinki, meeting the growing demand for convenient and comfortable travel to the Finnish capital.
Finland has been named one of Lonely Planet’s must-visit destinations for 2026, offering year-round experiences from Arctic adventures under the Northern Lights to the Midnight Sun in the summer. With 41 national parks and nature reserves, Finland’s tourism highlights its pristine natural landscapes and unique wildlife, including reindeer, wolves, bears, and the rare Saimaa ringed seal.
For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been ranked as the world’s happiest country, a spirit reflected in its capital, Helsinki. The city seamlessly blends urban life with access to nature and offers an authentic insight into Finnish culture and well-being, from its vibrant design scene to its culinary landscape.
Beyond tourism, the UAE and Finland have cultivated strong bilateral relationships, focusing on renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, advanced technology, education, space, and sustainable development. Trade between the two countries is on the rise, and Emirates’ new service will provide Finnish businesses with access to the UAE and global markets via Emirates SkyCargo. The airline expects to transport pharmaceuticals, electronics, machinery, perishables, and high-value goods, capitalizing on the 16 tonnes of bellyhold capacity available on each flight.
The Dubai-Helsinki route will be serviced by the Emirates A350, the latest aircraft in the airline’s widebody fleet. The A350 is the most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft in commercial service today and offers the quietest twin-aisle cabin. It accommodates 298 passengers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, delivering Emirates’ world-class service with regionally inspired multi-course menus and access to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment on Emirates’ award-winning inflight system, ice.
Tickets are now available for booking on emirates.com or through travel agents.
*All times are local.
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