FINLAND. Finavia is adding a Finnish forest-inspired space at the commercial area being developed at Helsinki Airport, set to open in March 2026.
With a strong focus on creating a sense of place, the airport company has pursued long-term development to position the hub as one of Europe’s best.
Finavia has carried out passenger surveys to better understand traveller expectations and align the new commercial area with global industry trends, ensuring improved service for passengers.
Finavia Director of Commercial Services for Helsinki Airport Nora Immonen said, “Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for the eighth time in a row, and one significant factor behind the happiness of Finns is their connection to nature.
“A piece of Finnish forest landscape will be built at the heart of the new commercial area, inviting visitors to explore before their flight departs. The forest is surrounded by the new commercial premises and a café and restaurant, with products and services that enrich the offering in the gate area.”
Located on the Schengen side of the terminal, the new commercial zone will feature shops, kiosks and cafés, with five new operators building a retail offer designed around the forest theme.
The retail selection includes Partioaitta, a well-known outdoor gear brand catering to hikers and tourists; Scandinavian fashion retailer Lindex; convenience chain R-kioski; and Pure – Taste of Finland, known for souvenirs made with berries and natural flavours.
The dining mix will be strengthened by Picnic, a family-friendly café and restaurant opening in the terminal’s refurbished commercial space.
Immonen added: “Operators whose products and services complement the selection in an interesting way were put out to tender for the new area. We believe that the customers at the airport are interested in camping products, northern flavours and fashion.
“The food selection offers both quick snacks that passengers can easily take with them and a cosy café and restaurant where passengers can spend time before their flight.”
Based on its passenger survey, Finavia found that souvenirs and gifts are the top-selling categories, especially food-related items.
Passengers expressed the strongest interest in restaurant options featuring Finnish flavours and healthy takeaway options.
Immonen said: “We warmly welcome the new operators to Helsinki Airport. More than 1 million passengers pass through our airport every month, and they are already served by around 50 shops and 50 restaurants and cafés.
“The customer experience at our airport is among the best in Europe, which supports commercial success.”
Helsinki Airport has been named the Commercial Space of the Year in the 2025 NCSC Awards Finland competition.
The airport’s commercial partners reported a high satisfaction score of 4.40/5 in a 2024 stakeholder survey commissioned by Finavia and conducted by Taloustutkimus. ✈
