Finnair’s decision to operate commercial flights reflects the vitality of the Joensuu region

Commercial flights to Joensuu give businesses and travellers greater certainty about future connections. Last week, Finnair announced that it would continue operating flights to Joensuu on a commercial basis after February 2028, when the current state-subsidised service period ends.

Tomi Haring, CEO of Business Joensuu, considers it important that business and leisure travellers have a clear outlook on the continuity of air services and can plan their journeys well in advance.

“Commercial services bring greater certainty to air connections that are vital for businesses and travellers. I believe this will increase passenger numbers and lead to more flight options. This is positive news for the whole of North Karelia,” says Tomi Haring.

According to Finnair, the Joensuu flight schedules have been designed to offer convenient onward connections to international destinations via Helsinki. The aim is to maintain consistent schedules from day to day.

Pauliina Pikkujämsä, Director of Investment and Business Attraction Services at Business Joensuu, says that commercial flights send a strong message to businesses that Joensuu is easy to reach.

“Accessibility is one of the first things investors and international companies assess when choosing a location. Reliable morning and evening services, together with smooth onward connections from Helsinki Airport to international destinations, make Joensuu a credible option for companies operating internationally,” says Pauliina Pikkujämsä.

Commercial flights also support the region’s efforts to attract investment.

“The decision also shows that Finnair believes in demand in the region. This is a message we will actively share in our discussions with investors and companies. Now we all need to use these flights to keep the connection strong in the years ahead,” Pikkujämsä says.

Joensuu’s flight schedules have recently been improved to make travel via Helsinki easier in both directions.

Under Finnair’s winter schedule, which took effect in early November, the morning flight from Joensuu to Helsinki departs as early as 5:30 a.m. The last flight of the day from Helsinki to Joensuu now leaves later than before, at 11:40 p.m. All times are local.

Of the passengers using Joensuu flights, 60 per cent continue their journey beyond Helsinki.

Photo: Finnair

Further information:

Tomi Haring
CEO
Business Joensuu
tomi.haring@businessjoensuu.fi
+358 400 380 130

Pauliina Pikkujämsä
Director, Investment and Business Attraction Services
Business Joensuu
pauliina.pikkujamsa@businessjoensuu.fi
+358 40 743 43 61