“Our entire development program is focused on positioning Helsinki-Vantaa’s services and passenger comfort among the best in the world. We have invested not only in streamlining exchange tourism but also in the comprehensive development of the customer experience. Opening a new, advanced security check and moving all flights under one roof is an important part of the service reform, ”says Henri HanssonDirector of Finavia’s Airport Infrastructure, Sustainability, Safety and Compliance.
Bags containing electronics and liquids can be left in hand luggage
As part of Helsinki-Vantaa’s development program, Finavia has acquired the latest technology for the airport’s new security controls. Thanks to the new scanning and liquid analysis equipment, passengers no longer have to take bags of electronics and liquids from their hand luggage.
“Helsinki-Vantaa’s new security surveillance technology means that laptops, telephones or large SLR cameras, for example, no longer need to be removed from hand luggage or hand luggage. Handbags can also contain plastic bags that need to be packed in liquid containers of less than 100 milliliters, Hansson says.
Bag at security check at Helsinki-Vantaa. |
Doubling capacity will speed up security screening services, as will new automated lines. The new spacious screening facilities allow passengers the time they need to prepare and pack their luggage.
“At Finavia, we have invested in testing equipment and operating methods, as well as training security managers. Attention has also been paid to the travel experience during the planning phase. For example, we have chosen the blue color world for our security monitoring, because studies show that blue reduces stress levels, ”says Hansson.
At the same time, the old equipment will remain in use at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which means that bags containing electronics and liquids will have to be taken out of the bag on some lines. However, this is only a transition phase and Finavia’s staff, security officers and signs will help passengers do the right thing.
This type of new security screening technology is currently only available at major European airports and in the United States. As passengers may be subject to different security controls at different stages of their journey, they should be prepared for and strictly follow the airport-specific instructions.
Terminals 2 and 1 are a thing of the past: flights to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport are operated via one terminal
– We will centralize the check-in and baggage services for all flights under the magnificent wooden roof of the new terminal extension, which opened last December. The journey becomes easy and smooth. Passengers no longer have to worry about which terminal they are leaving or where they are arriving. This also makes things easier for people who pick up or drop off passengers, ”he says Ulla LettijeffDirector, Executive Director of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finavia.
The transition to the new facilities will take place in two stages during the spring and summer. In the first phase, from 21 March to 23 May 2022, the airlines now operating from Terminal 2, including Finnair, Air Baltic and British Airways, will move to the new departure hall of the extension.
“On May 24, we will open a direct corridor from the security check to the renovated gate area. Passengers will find a spacious departure gate with new shops and a café. The distance from the main door of the terminal to the nearest departure gate is less than 200 meters, which is quite short compared to many other airports around the world, ”says Lettijeff.
Map of Helsinki-Vantaa |
The second phase will start on 1 June, when the airlines Norwegian, Lufthansa and SAS, currently operating from Terminal 1, will move to new departure and arrival lounges. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport will adopt the full operating model of one terminal by 30 June at the latest. Check-in area, security check-in and baggage claim at Terminal 1 will be closed.
During the transition period, passengers will be asked to follow Finavia’s information updates and check the Travel Instructions on the website before arriving at the airport.
Lettijeff says now is a good time to make this historic change.
“Helsinki Airport is 70 years old this year, and in honor of that we can turn a new magazine into the future of the airport. I am confident that we will be able to serve passengers and airlines more comfortably and more easily. “
Read more about the development program
Source: Finavia