Melbourne Airport has welcomed Finnair’s inaugural flight to Australia using its own aircraft and flight code, establishing a daily link between Victoria, Thailand, and Europe.Flight AY145 arrived from Helsinki through Bangkok, marking a significant development for Finnair as it employs its Airbus A350 for this route.
This service offers Australian travellers increased options to reach Europe, fostering tourism, trade, and business connections between Victoria and global markets.
Finnair, the national airline of Finland, will provide daily flights from Melbourne, enabling passengers to travel to Bangkok or proceed to Helsinki for further connections throughout Europe.
Melbourne is now the sole Australian city served by a European Union airline under this arrangement.
The newly launched service is expected to generate approximately $190 million annually for Victoria’s economy, as the state seeks to enhance its appeal to international visitors and bolster its global links.
New connections
The route presents passengers with more travel choices to Thailand, with Finnair carrying passengers under fifth-freedom traffic rights.
Helsinki serves as a hub for accessing about 90 European destinations, providing an alternative to other major Asian and Middle Eastern routes.
Finnair is also promoting connections to Finland’s Lapland, including Rovaniemi, known as Santa Claus’ hometown and attracting tourists seeking winter experiences and northern lights sightings.
Melbourne Airport’s chief executive Lorie Argus noted that the new service enhances travel options for Australians while benefiting local exporters.
She highlighted Finnair’s reputation as one of the world’s oldest airlines.
Argus stated that the addition of this route reinforces Melbourne’s position as an international gateway, further supporting passenger access to Thailand and Europe.
Plans for a third runway and a $4.5 billion international terminal expansion aim to accommodate future airline growth and increasing passenger demand.
Finnair’s service will utilize the Airbus A350, offering three travel classes, including Premium Economy and Business Class.
Business Class features a unique AirLounge seat design that converts to a flat bed.
26/10/2026 Finnair arriving for its first flight to Melbourne Airport . Photo: Aaron Francis Photography
This cabin configuration aims to provide a variety of choices for long-distance travel between Australia and Europe for both business and leisure passengers.
Finnair aims to attract European visitors to Melbourne and regional Victoria, benefiting local tourism and hospitality sectors.
Chief revenue officer Christine Rovelli emphasized the importance of this milestone in Finnair’s international growth.
Rovelli expressed enthusiasm for the new connection, eager to welcome Australian passengers while increasing European visitor numbers to Melbourne and Victoria.
The launch adds valuable links between Australia and Europe amidst growing aviation networks to meet increased travel demand.
Finnair’s arrival enhances Melbourne’s status as a gateway for international visitors and provides more options for travellers to explore Finland and beyond.
