Helsinki opens terminal extension

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport has opened an extension to its long-haul Terminal 2 and a luxury spa facility and lounge, heralding a new push for traffic to and from North America and Asia.

The completion of the 39,000 sqm expansion work, which began in 2006, at a cost of €134 million, which the capacity of Terminal 2 to 15 mppa and includes a state-of-the-art baggage handling system capable of processing 13.5 million items of baggage an hour.

Samuli Haapasalo, president and CEO of Finavia, said the new terminal would offer new opportunites to grow the airport's Asian connections and strengthen connections between Finland and Europe.

"Planning of the terminal extension has focused on experiential services and travel efficency and a high level of expertise has been the hallmark of its construction," added Haapasalo.

Terminal 2 will boast eight bridges capable of handling wide body aircraft, including the A380 and A350.

The opening of the new 1000sqm Via Lounge and 600sqm Via Spa, open free to frequent flyers and business customers for free and to other passengers at a charge, is also designed to cement Helsinki's position as a small hub offering a variety of services to connecting travellers.

Oliver Clark, Routes News in Helsinki

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