Finnair to cut domestic routes to Turku and Tampere

The iconic airline Finnair is shaking up its travel plans with a surprise announcement. Starting in 2021, the carrier will officially be cutting domestic routes between Turku and Tampere, leaving travelers searching for alternative transportation. This move marks a shift in Finnair’s short-haul strategy, as the airline looks to reposition itself in the future.

1. Finnair to End Domestic Routes

Finnair, Finland’s flag carrier airline, has announced the termination of all 6 of its domestic routes by November 1. This change will leave Finnair with a strictly international flight network.

Finnair’s decision to cut domestic routes comes as a surprise but follows their strategy to focus on their core network. While domestic routes brought a higher return in profits, the airline has decided to concentrate on its more popular international connections.

The airline has stated that passengers booked on domestic tickets will be refunded fully and are encouraged to contact the airline should they have any questions.

Helsinki – Kittilä: The only flight connection with northern Finland will be discontinued
Helsinki – Rovaniemi: This will be Finnair’s last domestic route to be operated until November 1
Helsinki – Mariehamn: The route that connects mainland Finland to the autonomous region of Åland will also be terminated
Helsinki – Kuopio: Short-haul flights to the city of Kuopio in Eastern Finland will end
Helsinki – Tampere: Flights between Finland’s two largest cities will no longer be available
Helsinki – Turku: Flights between these two southern cities will be discontinued

These changes are part of Finnair’s effort to strengthen its competitive position in a rapidly changing market and to improve service levels. This may upend the status quo of Finnair as a domestic operator for Finns, but any future developments are still a mystery to all.

2. End of the Road for Tampere and Turku

The last stretch of the year 2017 has seen two great cities in Finland witnessing their twilight. Tampere and Turku were two of the largest cities in the country and were renowned to be tourist hotspots due to the plenty of attractions they offered. However, their days of glory seem to be coming to an end with the latest developments.

The influx of travelers overshadowed the local population, and the huge economic burden this came with meant that something had to give. Tampere and Turku have seen an exodus of tourists during the past couple of months and this has dealt a heavy blow to the economy of both cities. To make matters worse, the infrastructure was also unable to cope with the sudden influx of visitors and this proved to be a fertile ground for the spread of diseases, leading to a deterioration in their health. Here’s what’s left for these two cities:

The locals are facing a serious financial crisis due to the dwindling number of tourists.
The infrastructure is in a miserable state due to lack of maintenance.
The health and sanitation of the cities are very poor.
The tourism industry has been completely crippled.

It will surely be a tough road ahead for Tampere and Turku, and all of Finland will be praying that there is some respite in their future. For now, all their citizens can do is brace themselves for these tough times ahead.

3. Impact of the Change on Finnish Air Travel

The sudden shift to 100% remote work throughout Finland has had an interesting effect on most industry sectors, and air travel is no exception. Firstly, the decrease in commuter travel and business trips has had a devastating impact on airline profits. However, with Finns more likely to vacation within their own country due to uncertain international travel restrictions, domestic air travel is more popular than ever.

The sheer number of passengers in the air has led to a significant rise in prices, alongside the retirement of aged aircraft and the introduction of new hygiene and social distancing measures. Consequently, Finns now have to pay a premium to fly between cities – a consequence both sudden and unpleasant. That being said, the national airline Finnair’s efforts to provide cost-effective flights in local cities with its new budget airline BLUE1 seems promising.

Decreased commuter travel impacting airline profits
Domestic air travel is on the rise
Expensive flights due to number of passengers and new health measures
Finnair introducing budget airline, BLUE1

4. Future of Domestic Flights in Finland

With each passing year, the number of domestic flights in Finland is increasing. Airlines have been greatly expanding their services, catering to the needs of a rapidly modernizing population. This has resulted in improved safety, comfort and convenience for travelers, and greater opportunities for business travelers. Despite being a small country, Finland is becoming increasingly connected to the world and domestic flights have become part and parcel of the experience.

The is an exciting one. Airlines are beginning to invest more heavily in their services, offering travelers a diverse and highly competitive range of options. Passengers can enjoy shorter layovers and reduced waiting times, while new technologies promise to make the experience even more efficient and user-friendly. Finland’s domestic airlines are well-positioned to keep up with the pace of change, and will continue to be a key component of the country’s transportation infrastructure.

Improved Safety: Airplanes are frequently inspected and maintained to the highest standards of safety, helping ensure that passengers enjoy a relaxed and comfortable flight.
Convenience: Airlines offer a wide range of destinations and options, from budget-friendly services to luxury packages.
Comfort: Passengers can expect to be pampered with modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi, comfortable seating and other creature comforts.
Enhanced Efficiency: New technologies, such as online booking systems, are helping streamline the entire process and make the journey even more enjoyable.

Now, Finnair faces the challenge of adapting and innovating in order to emerge from this hard-hitting crisis, while still managing to offer travelers the same level of service and presence in both Tampere and Turku that they had before. With some creativity and determination, who knows what the future could bring.