Skip navigation

The autumn holiday season is starting at Finavia’s airports – busy travel days ahead at Helsinki Airport and Lapland airports

Article published
30.9.2026 at 08:00
Matkustajat hymyilevät terminaalissa
Travel
A busy autumn holiday season is expected at Finavia’s airports in October. At Helsinki Airport, the number of passengers will increase during the school autumn holiday weeks in particular. There will also be busy traffic at Lapland’s airports, through which people travel to see the foliage as well as to utilise the onward connections to the rest of Finland and the world.

Helsinki Airport is busiest from 8 to 25 October 2026. Peak days for departing passengers will be especially from Thursday to Monday 8-12 October. Return traffic will be busiest on Sunday 18 October, with high passenger volumes also expected on Monday, 19 October.

During the autumn holiday season, passengers travel to European cities and warmer holiday destinations as well as the autumn landscapes of Lapland. Finavia’s airports in Lapland are easily accessible from Helsinki Airport, and Lapland’s airports offer connections to the world via Helsinki Airport.

Finavia's Lapland airports

Autumn’s most exciting destinations await

Autumn is a great time to travel. The destinations in the south offer plenty of warmth for a long time to come, while big cities offer events, culture and autumn activities.

During the autumn holiday, passengers can easily travel from Helsinki Airport to popular city destinations in Europe and take long-distance routes to Asia and North America. At the same time, the number of passengers at Lapland’s airports is growing as the northern foliage and autumn’s nature experiences attract tourists from all over Finland. Lapland’s airports also offer smooth connections to domestic and international destinations via Helsinki Airport.

Start your holiday already at the airport

The travel experience starts before you even board the plane. At Finavia’s airports, delicious restaurants, plentiful shopping opportunities and comfortable lounges make travelling more relaxed and help you get into the holiday mood even before departure.

Helsinki Airport has a wide range of restaurants, cafés, shops and lounges for passengers. From quick breakfasts to relaxing lunch restaurants and souvenir shopping, you can also enjoy the peaceful environment in our lounges before departure.

Book parking in advance and participate in the Parking Lot Lottery

Make your autumn holiday travel easier by booking parking in advance at Helsinki Airport. Finavia’s official parking areas are located close to the terminal, making the trip to the airport even smoother.

When you book your parking in advance, you will also participate in the Parking Lot Lottery. Every month, 20 participants will win benefits and prizes, and a flight voucher will be drawn as the main prize among all participants.

Book parking in advance!

Tips for smooth autumnholiday travel

During the autumn holiday season, airports are busier than usual, so it’s a good idea to start your trip in good time. Always check your airline’s arrival instructions in advance.

  • Book parking in advance to make your arrival at the airport effortless.
  • Subscribe to the free MyFlight service and plan your airport experience at home.
  • Complete the check-in at home whenever possible.
  • Arrive at the airport in good time and check your airline’s instructions before your trip.
  • Enjoy the airport’s restaurants, shops and other services before boarding.

The holiday starts at the airport.

Pack correctly

A smooth trip starts with properly packed baggage. We recommend checking the packing instructions and security control instructions before departure, as the practices may vary from airport to airport.

  • Power banks and backup batteries may only be carried in hand baggage.
  • Fire-making equipment must be carried in hand baggage.
  • Check your airline and destination airport for any special instructions before your trip.

At Helsinki Airport, liquids and electronic devices do not need to be removed from hand baggage during security control. Other airports may have different practices, so please check the airport-specific instructions for your return journey as well.

More information for your journey

We wish all travellers a smooth autumn holiday and a safe journey!