FINNAIR: Melbourne to Helsinki flights via Bangkok from October 2026

Finnair is heading to Australia, and not just on a wet-lease to Qantas. The Helsinki-based oneworld carrier will commence a new daily service to Melbourne, beginning 25 October 2026 (subject to approvals). It will be operated with an Airbus A350. This will be the airline’s first-ever scheduled flights to Australia.

The route will operate Melbourne–Bangkok–Helsinki, incorporating Finnair’s well-established Bangkok operations and offering Australians a new one-stop option to northern Europe without the usual Middle East hubs.

Finnair has been rebuilding its long-haul network ever since Russian airspace closures forced radical rerouting of Asian traffic in 2022. Expanding southwards into Australia, particularly via an efficient ultra-long-haul stop like Bangkok, is a logical next step for an airline that once specialised in shortest-path flights between Europe and Asia.

Timed for connections into Europe

Finnair’s new Melbourne service is built around tight Helsinki connections and efficient use of the A350. The airline has lodged the following planned schedule, subject to the usual approvals to commence on 25 October:

• AY098 depart Melbourne 14:30, arrive Bangkok 19:45, depart Bangkok 21:30, arrive Helsinki 05:40 +1 day
• AY097 depart Helsinki 00:15, arrive Bangkok 14:45, depart Bangkok 16:15, arrive Melbourne 06:20 +1 day

These times from Melbourne work well. Out of Helsinki, not so much. They feed neatly into Finnair’s early-morning European departure schedule, which covers 93 cities, providing same-morning connections across Scandinavia, Northern Europe, the Baltics, and beyond.

Why Melbourne

Although Sydney is possibly a larger market, Melbourne has become something of an airline magnet. That’s mainly because it operates as a 24-hour airport, and so has slots available. Sydney has a strict overnight curfew from 11pm to 6am.

In Melbourne over the past few years, we’ve seen new or returning long-haul services from Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, LATAM, Air Canada, and Garuda Indonesia, plus significant expansion in flights from Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines.

Finnair’s move capitalises on a large European diaspora in Victoria, including Nordic communities, and booming demand from Australians for travel to Europe, especially in the Australian winter.

It also offers a fresh alternative for travellers tired of the Middle Eastern squeeze or those looking to avoid ultra-long nonstops like Perth–London.

Finnair’s A350 cabins and fares

Finnair’s A350s are known for two things: their non-recline Business Class suites and their modern, minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic. I’ve had the chance to sample both these attributes on the wet-leased aircraft used by Qantas for routes, including Sydney to Bangkok. The non-recline Business Class AirLounge is surprisingly comfortable when sitting upright, reclining, and in sleep mode. Service was by the Finnair Crew, but with, Qantas catering and amenities. I enjoyed my flight, slightly unexpectedly.

Other than Business Class, there are Premium Economy and Economy cabins, but no First Class. Premium Economy could be a good option if you don’t want to fork out for Business and are heading to Europe.

Flights go on sale on Finnair.com from today, 18 December, for departures from 25 October 2026, subject to Government approvals. Prices for refundable-return fares range from around AU$3,000 in Economy, AU$6,800 in Premium Economy and AU$13,000 in Business. Flexible but non-refundable tickets come in at a better price point, but don’t allow seat selection.

2PAXfly bottom line

Melbourne is becoming a great centre for international travel, and if you are clever, you can get there from other Australian capital cities (like Sydney) for little or no additional cost.

Finnair are a tempting option, although those prices are on the high side. I really enjoyed the non-reclining business-class seats, and who can argue with Merrimiko’s amenities and tableware?

Finnair has Avios as its frequent flyer currency in its Finnair Plus loyalty program, so that might be a plus for some.