Finnair to start regional flights to five Finnish cities in spring 2028
Finnair will begin commercial services to five Finnish regional airports in spring 2028, with flights departing from the end of February. The new routes connect Jyväskylä, Joensuu, Kajaani, Kemi and Kokkola to Helsinki, targeting passengers who need onward connections through the capital’s hub.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Finnair adds scheduled flights to five regional Finnish cities
- Timing
- Service starts in spring 2028, bookings open in spring 2027
- Who is affected
- Passengers traveling between Helsinki and Jyväskylä, Joensuu, Kajaani, Kemi or Kokkola
The details
- Announced by
- Finnair
- Takes effect
- spring 2028
- Previous rule
- No commercial scheduled flights operated by Finnair to these five regional cities; public service obligation traffic covered the routes.
- New rule
- Finnair will operate regular ATR flights from Helsinki to Jyväskylä, Joensuu, Kajaani, Kemi and Kokkola, with multi‑stop options.
Announcement and Rationale
Finnair disclosed plans to launch commercial services to five Finnish regional airports in spring 2028. The decision follows the termination of existing public service obligation (PSO) traffic to those locations. The airline aims to strengthen Finland’s connectivity by linking the regional cities directly to its Helsinki hub.
Operational Details
The new routes will be served with ATR aircraft, chosen for their suitability on short‑haul routes. Finnair intends to operate multi‑stop flights, allowing a single aircraft to serve two or more of the regional cities on one journey. Timetables are designed to be consistent each day, facilitating reliable connections onward through Helsinki Airport.
- Cities served: Jyväskylä, Joensuu, Kajaani, Kemi, Kokkola
- Aircraft type: ATR
- Multi‑stop flights possible
- Daily consistent schedules
Timeline and Booking Window
Finnair will open reservations for the new regional services in spring 2027, giving travelers a year to plan before flights commence. The first flights are scheduled to depart from the end of February 2028, marking the start of regular operations for the five routes.
- Booking opens: spring 2027
- First flights: end of February 2028
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing bookings to Helsinki can now add connections to Jyväskylä, Joensuu, Kajaani, Kemi or Kokkola from spring 2028.
- Passengers should check the new timetable for daily departure times when planning onward travel through Helsinki.
Cost and documents
- Ticket prices will be set by Finnair; no new fees are mentioned in the announcement.
- No additional travel documents are required beyond those already needed for flights to Helsinki.
What you need to do
- Book regional flights after they become available in spring 2027 to secure preferred dates.
- Monitor Finnair’s website for the exact February 2028 launch date and schedule details.
Who this affects
-
Passengers traveling from Helsinki to the five regional cities
Finnair will provide direct scheduled flights to Jyväskylä, Joensuu, Kajaani, Kemi and Kokkola.
What to do Check the new timetable and book tickets after the spring 2027 opening.
-
Travel agents offering Finnish domestic itineraries
New Finnair services will expand options for connecting flights through Helsinki.
What to do Update booking systems with the February 2028 start date and ATR aircraft details.
-
Tour operators focusing on northern Finland
Improved air links to regional cities enhance access to northern destinations.
What to do Incorporate the new routes into package designs once bookings open.
Frequently asked questions
When will Finnair start flying to Jyväskylä, Joensuu, Kajaani, Kemi and Kokkola?
Finnair will begin commercial flights to those five Finnish regional cities in spring 2028, with the first departures scheduled for the end of February.
How can I book a Finnair regional flight to these cities?
Bookings will open in spring 2027 on Finnair’s website and through its sales channels, allowing travelers to reserve seats before the February 2028 launch.
What type of aircraft will operate the new regional routes?
Finnair has chosen ATR aircraft for the new services, citing their efficiency on short‑haul routes and suitability for the Finnish regional airports.
Will the new flights operate daily?
Yes, Finnair plans consistent daily timetables for the regional routes, ensuring regular connections to Helsinki each day.
Are there any new fees or document requirements for these flights?
The announcement does not mention any additional fees or special travel documents; passengers will need the same documentation required for any domestic flight within Finland.
