Flights, the profitability of which was also a problem before the pandemic, will be terminated in Finland due to travel restrictions set to alleviate the pandemic. Finnair is currently scheduled to operate only 70–80 flights a day next month, which means at least 270 landings from the previous year.
The airline suspended commercial flights to five airports last April. They will be continued temporarily, trying to meet the needs of tourism and export-oriented companies, says Mikko Turtiainen, Finnair’s Director of Global Sales.
“We recognize the importance of air connections to regional economies and aim to meet the demand for flights caused by the tourism industry and export companies,” he commented. “These flights will allow for some connections in the coming winter season, while a working group on the future of regional flights is looking for options to maintain regional accessibility.”
The Ministry of Transport and Communications has stated that its aim is to ensure the continuation of flights to airports seamlessly beyond 27 March. A working group appointed by the Ministry has proposed that the state resolve a service purchase agreement for the delivery of flights by the end of 2021.
Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kajaani, Kemi, Kokkola and Pietarsaari, together with municipalities, regional chambers of commerce and provinces, have been in discussions with several airlines since last summer.
News of the resumption of flights after a break of several months – albeit only for the time being – was received at and near regional airports.
“The best news is that services stopped due to the coronavirus will start running again at Kokkola-Pietarsaari Airport. It is a really big and positive thing for our export industry, ”Jonne Sandberg, Development Director of the City of Kokkola, said To YLE.
“It is a big thing for the region that a solution was found,” said Sari Moisanen, Regional Manager at Kaikuinen Sea Lapland Development Center. “At the moment, the atmosphere is quite relieved, because Finnair has promised to operate during the winter season. These decisions create the prospect that our export industry wants to recover as quickly as possible. And the export industry needs air connections. “
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
Source: The Nordic Page