Emirates has announced it will launch a daily nonstop service between Helsinki and Dubai from 1 October 2026, expanding its presence in the Nordic region and creating Finland’s only year-round direct air link to the United Arab Emirates.
The new route will connect Helsinki Airport with Dubai International Airport, targeting both leisure and corporate travellers and strengthening ties between Northern Europe and the Middle East.
The service will be operated with Emirates’ newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350, bringing the airline’s latest onboard products to Finland. From the inaugural flight, passengers will have access to Emirates’ highly regarded Premium Economy cabin, alongside upgraded comfort across all travel classes.
According to the published schedule, flight EK167 will depart Dubai at 08:45, arriving in Helsinki at 14:55 local time. The return service, EK168, will leave Helsinki at 16:45, landing in Dubai at 00:20 the following day.
Emirates said the timetable has been optimised to ensure smooth onward connections across its global network. From Dubai, passengers will gain convenient access to destinations across East and Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Phuket, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore and Taipei. The route also enhances connectivity to West Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa – including Cairo, Cape Town and Johannesburg – as well as major hubs across the Middle East and GCC. In addition, the schedule supports seamless links to all five Australian cities served by Emirates, along with onward connections to Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand.
Commenting on the launch, Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the Dubai–Helsinki service represents a strategic expansion of the airline’s global network. He noted that strong existing demand between the two cities, currently served via other Nordic gateways, made the introduction of a direct, year-round route a logical next step.
Kazim added that the new service is expected not only to better serve existing travellers but also to attract passengers who previously chose alternative routings, helping to grow the overall market. He highlighted Finland’s appeal as a destination combining innovation, nature and culture, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and business links with the UAE and beyond.
Emirates also confirmed it selected the A350 specifically to enhance the long-haul travel experience, delivering improved comfort and a more premium product across every cabin. The airline thanked the Finnish government for its support in establishing the route and said it looks forward to welcoming passengers on board from October 2026.
