In a significant development for global travel and tourism, Emirates has unveiled plans to launch a daily year-round direct flight between Dubai and Helsinki, beginning 1 October 2026, strengthening Dubai’s appeal as a premier international destination and expanding access for travellers across Europe and beyond.
The new service will be the only nonstop connection between the United Arab Emirates and Finland, operated by Emirates’ modern Airbus A350 aircraft, offering Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins with the airline’s hallmark comfort and service.
Dubai has steadily grown into one of the world’s most sought-after tourism hubs, welcoming millions of visitors each year with a mix of world-class attractions, luxury hospitality and year-round events. In 2025 alone, Dubai recorded nearly 10 million international visitors in the first half of the year, building on record figures and reflecting strong global demand for leisure, business and cultural travel.
The new Helsinki route is seen as another milestone in that growth story. Its launch means travellers from the Nordic region will enjoy seamless connectivity to Dubai’s iconic attractions, from towering skyscrapers and desert adventures to heritage sites and coastal leisure experiences. The service also offers convenient onward connections across Emirates’ extensive global network, linking to destinations across Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Middle East.
Dubai officials and industry stakeholders have long emphasised the emirate’s strategic commitment to tourism under national and regional development plans. Investments in infrastructure, cultural attractions, entertainment venues and travel experiences have propelled the city toward its goal of ranking among the world’s top tourism capitals. The emirate’s calendar boasts major international events, exhibitions and festivals throughout the year, catering to diverse travellers.
From Helsinki, the new Emirates flights will open opportunities for both leisure travellers keen on sunshine, shopping and desert safaris, as well as business visitors attending trade fairs, conferences and corporate events hosted in Dubai. The timing of the flights has been designed to support smooth connections, enhancing Dubai’s role as both a destination and a transit hub.
Industry analysts say the route will expand Dubai’s source markets by making travel more accessible for Scandinavia and Northern Europe. It also aligns with global aviation trends where airlines and destinations work closely to match travel demand with direct connectivity, improving experience and reducing travel time.
For tourism professionals, hotel operators and allied businesses in Dubai, the new route promises increased visitor numbers and economic activity. The city’s broad portfolio of experiences — from luxury resorts, heritage attractions, desert experiences, shopping festivals and family-friendly offerings — is set to benefit from a steady flow of visitors drawn by easier access and enhanced comfort on Emirates’ Airbus A350 services.
As Emirates rolls out this new service for the 2026 travel season, Dubai’s positioning as a global tourism and travel destination is expected to strengthen further, reinforcing its reputation as a year-round magnet for travellers from Europe and beyond.
