Emirates has announced a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Helsinki from October 1, 2026, strengthening its presence in Northern Europe. The service will provide the first year-round direct air link between Finland and the UAE, creating new opportunities for leisure and business travellers.
The airline will deploy its latest Airbus A350, bringing its newest products and popular Premium Economy cabin to Finnish customers from the first flight, according to a press release on the Emirates website.
Flight EK167 will depart Dubai at 08:45 and arrive in Helsinki at 14:55. The return service, EK168, will leave Helsinki at 16:45 and arrive in Dubai at 00:20 the following morning. All times are local.
The route will offer onward connectivity across West Asia and the Indian Ocean, African destinations including Cairo, Cape Town and Johannesburg, and major Middle Eastern and Gulf cities such as Dammam, Riyadh, Muscat and Kuwait. Connections will also be available to Emirates’ five Australian destinations and onward to Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand.
Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said the Dubai–Helsinki route is a significant step in the airline’s measured global network expansion, supported by strong, sustained demand between the cities through its existing Northern European gateways.
He described year-round non-stop service as a natural progression, improving journey convenience and expanding the choices available in the market.
Alongside serving existing demand more efficiently, Kazim said the route offers a strategic opportunity to attract travellers who previously used alternative connections, helping expand the overall market and enabling more people to discover the network’s diverse experiences.
He added that Finland’s combination of innovation, nature and culture creates opportunities for tourism, trade and business with the UAE and beyond. The A350 will provide a comprehensive long-haul experience focused on comfort across all cabins.
Tourism is a key pillar of Finland’s economy. Visit Finland has reported more than five million international tourists annually in recent years. Emirates’ new route will connect Helsinki with over 150 destinations worldwide, including key markets in Australia, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, where demand for convenient access is growing.
Lonely Planet included Finland among its must-visit destinations for 2026, recognising year-round experiences ranging from Arctic adventures beneath the Northern Lights to the summer midnight sun.
Nature is central to Finnish tourism, with 41 national parks and nature reserves protecting forests, Baltic islands, Arctic fells and blue lakes. Wildlife includes reindeer, wolves, bears, lynx and the Saimaa ringed seal, found only in Lake Saimaa.
The Airbus A350 is the newest type in Emirates’ all-wide-body fleet. The airline describes it as the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class and as offering the quietest twin-aisle cabin in commercial service.
The aircraft accommodates 298 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, bringing the airline’s latest products, bright interiors and modern technology to Finland from the first day of operations. Tickets can be booked through emirates.com or travel agents.
To read the Emirates announcement, click here.
