At Helsinki Airport, the busiest times for departing passengers are between 6.00–8.00 in the morning and 15.00–18.00 in the afternoon, although on the most crowded days passenger flow remains steady throughout the day.
For travellers returning from their skiing holidays, Helsinki Airport will be at its busiest from Thursday to Sunday, 19–22 February.
In Lapland, traffic is heaviest at weekends at Kittilä, Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Kuusamo airports. Please remember to check the relevant travel guidelines and always follow your airline’s instructions, particularly regarding arrival times at the airport and the transport of special baggage.
Packing and Security Screening Guidelines for Winter Holiday Travel
Always check baggage packing instructions in advance. Finavia’s search tool provides quick information on what is permitted in hand baggage and what must always be packed in checked baggage.
Please note in particular:
- Flammable ski waxes and cleaning agents may not be transported on aircraft. Gas canisters and lighting fluids for camping stoves are also prohibited.
- You may carry one box of matches or one lighter in the cabin, but it must be kept, for example, in your pocket. Lighters must not be packed in checked baggage.
- Power banks, spare batteries and re-chargeable hand warmers may only be carried in hand baggage.
- Liquids in hand baggage must be packed in containers of no more than 100 ml. At Helsinki Airport, liquids do not need to be removed from your bag at security screening. At Lapland airports, liquids must be taken out and placed in a one‑litre plastic bag.
You can read detailed security control guidelines on the Helsinki Airport and Lapland airport websites.
Guidance for Families with Children
At Helsinki Airport, we aim to make the journey as smooth as possible for even the youngest travellers. Families travelling with children under seven years of age have access to a dedicated security screening lane, pushchairs are available for use at the airport, and staff are happy to assist at all checkpoints. Baby care rooms and the option to heat food for small children in restaurants also help ease your journey.
With MyFlight and the terminal map, you can plan your route and services in advance and save your favourites before your trip even begins.
There are play areas for children both when departing and soon also on arrival: a new play area will open in the baggage hall on 10 February, offering activities while you wait and allowing the whole family to enjoy the trip right up to the final moments.
Read more tips about travelling with children.
Tips for Smooth Travel at Helsinki Airport
- Check the predicted security queue times on Finavia’s website.
- Order the free MyFlight service. You will receive information about your departure gate and nearby services, and you can plan your airport visit in advance so your journey starts smoothly the moment you arrive.
- Book parking in advance to save time and money. Finavia’s parking halls and areas are located immediately adjacent to the terminal.
