It is a good idea to arrive at the terminal well in advance on the busiest days – especially in the morning from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and in the afternoon from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
We recommend that passengers always keep an eye on their airline’s communications and instructions and arrive at the airport according to the airline’s instructions.
Start your Christmas holiday already at the airport
At Helsinki Airport, you can get into the Christmas spirit well before your flight. The terminal has several cafés and restaurants offering warm glögi and special Christmas delicacies – the perfect way to relax and enjoy before moving to the departure gate.
The terminal also offers a large selection of Christmas gifts and other shopping opportunities. The shops offer cosmetics, clothing, accessories, jewellery, souvenirs, seasonal products and delicacies that are perfect as gifts. Best of all, you can shop both before and after your flight!
Tips for getting into the Christmas spirit before the flight:
- Many cafés and restaurants offer the special beverages and delicacies of the winter season.
- The restaurants' seasonal menus and the savoury and sweet Christmas delicacies make it possible to enjoy the holiday atmosphere even before your trip.
- The shops in the gate areas offer a wide range of gift shopping options, from cosmetics to seasonal products.
- The atmospheric lights and Christmas decorations create a wonderful Christmas atmosphere in the entire terminal.
- Explore the restaurants, shopping options and other services at Helsinki Airport.
Santa Claus will visit Helsinki Airport from 14 to 23 December
You can meet Santa Claus in the gate area every day between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. from 14 to 23 December.
Santa Claus is usually at his pop-up point during this time, but he also visits the terminal, which means that you can meet Santa Claus anywhere at the airport!
Tips for coming to the airport
- Arrive early enough. The airline will announce when check-in starts – so always keep an eye on your own airline’s communications.
- Reserve parking in advance. Pre-booking ensures that you get a parking space and the best price. For example, there is an easy, short and covered walkway from the P5 parking hall to the terminal.
- Check the predicted security control queue time. On Finavia’s website, you can find the predicted queue time for security control over the next 12 hours.
- Use MyFlight. The service makes travelling smoother, from arriving at the airport to arriving at your departure gate, and shows you the shops, services and restaurants that interest you and their opening hours.
Tips for packing your bags
- Check Finavia’s website to see what you can have in your hand baggage and what should go in your checked baggage. Please remember that purchases made at the airport after security control can always be carried in hand baggage.
- Christmas foods and food items, such as casseroles, jams and preserves, must be transported in checked baggage.
- Skis and snowboards are transported according to the airline’s instructions – check your own airline’s instructions in advance.
- Bringing fireworks, sparklers and flammable products on board is prohibited. Check the product in Finavia's search engine.
Good preparations help you travel in a relaxed manner and enjoy the festive atmosphere – as well as the airport’s Christmas offering.
