Finnair Expands Canadian Access to Finland, the World’s Happiest Country

Canadians now have more options to visit the happiest country in the world – named nine years in a row – as Finnair has returned to the market with the launch of a seasonal, non-stop service between Toronto and Helsinski.

Finnair last served Toronto in 2015, but that’s all changed as of Monday (May 4) with thrice service weekly through to the end of August.

“The inaugural Finnair flight between Toronto and Helsinki represents a strengthened connection between Canada and Finland, between countries and people who who have similar values,” Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Finland’s Ambassador to Canada said at a luncheon held Monday afternoon in Toronto.

“There might be 1000s of kilometers that separate us, but still, our mindset is carved from the same block of ice. Distance does not debate. Define partnerships. Values do.”

The route positions Toronto as the carrier’s seventh North American gateway and its only Canadian entry point. The service will be operated by an Airbus A330, featuring Finnair’s fully renewed long-haul cabin across business, premium economy and economy classes.

“We’re extremely excited to be returning to Canada with the first and only direct, transatlantic flight between Canada and Finland,” said Javier Roig Sanchez, Finnair’s General Manager, North America.

“As Finnair continues to grow its presence in the North American market, Canada was a welcome addition to the network. Whether they are exploring Helsinki or connecting elsewhere in the Nordics or Europe, we look forward to welcoming more Canadians than ever this summer.”

For Canadians, the route introduces a gateway into Northern Europe and beyond. Helsinki’s single-terminal airport and short connection time provide efficient onward access to Finnair’s extensive Nordic network, including Norway, Sweden and the Baltic region, as well as key secondary European cities. The Finnish carrier also enjoys a partnership with WestJet, serving origins like YEA (Edmonton), YYC (Calgary) and YOW (Ottawa), among others.

“Finnair wouldn’t be what it is today without using our Helsinki airport, this is what makes Finnair a really good option, Helsinki Airport has only one terminal,” explained Sanchez. “Everything is under one roof, and the minimum connecting time that is required to connect to pass passport control and connect from Toronto to Helsinki is only forty minutes.”

The airline is also highlighting growing opportunities for long-haul connections via Helsinki, particularly to India, where Finnair operates daily service to Delhi. While flight times to parts of Asia have increased due to the closure of Russian/Ukraine airspace, the carrier has maintained service to key markets including Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand, reinforcing Helsinki’s role as a connecting hub.

Finnair also highlighted its signature “AirLounge” business class seats, designed as a fixed-shell concept that converts into a flat sleeping surface, alongside a fully standardized long-haul fleet introduced post-pandemic.

The airline is also adding multiple European destinations this summer and will debut service to Melbourne via Bangkok in October, further extending its global reach.

“Happiness is a term that we Finns have been introduced to take ownership in recent years, said Korteniemi.

“For us, happiness is not perfection nor constant excitement. It is something practical, something built. Happiness happens when society works. Happiness happens when people trust institutions and each other, and happiness happens when daily life is balanced, safe and meaningful, living a lifestyle that supports balance embracing quirkiness and finding happiness in everyday experiences.

Finland is not trying to be louder than others. It offers something different, authentic and authenticity, credibility, calm, confidence. I’m pleased that Finnair is making it possible.”