Helsinki Airport (HEL) announced that all airport operations will be done in one single terminal.
The airport’s management company and developer, Finavia, will centralize check-in, security controls and baggage claims in one terminal from June 21, 2022.
“Passengers will no longer need to think about which terminal they will depart from or arrive at,” Finavia’s Helsinki airport director Ulla Lettijeff said in a statement.
Lettifjeff also said that work is part of a 10-year development programme which will see its completion in 2023, when a new baggage claim hall will be put into service.
Finavia said that getting around the airport will be easier with all operations under one roof. For instance, it is now possible for cars and taxis to pass directly in front of the main doors to drop off passengers.
A historic change is taking place at Helsinki Airport. Starting 21 June 2022, Finavia will centralise the check-in, security controls and baggage claims in a single terminal at the airport. https://t.co/MmSo2wBYqR
— Helsinki Airport (@HelsinkiAirport) June 15, 2022
HEL’s previous two terminals will be taken out of use, as well as the corridor that connected them. The old departure and arrivals halls will be closed and converted into passenger and staff areas, Finavia said.
A number of new services are also now on offer at HEL, including a grocery chain and a premium lounge, which offers meeting, hairdressing and beauty services.
On June 16, 2022, HEL was named best airport in Northern Europe by Skytrax at the 2022 World Airport Award in Paris.
Helsinki Airport named Best Airport in Northern Europe at the The 2022 World Airport Awards
Passengers selected Helsinki Airport as the best airport in Northern Europe in the global airport customer satisfaction survey conducted by Skytrax. https://t.co/wdqlD4aheo pic.twitter.com/uBlAjA44iQ
— Helsinki Airport (@HelsinkiAirport) June 17, 2022
“The last two years have been very difficult for airports around the world. They have had to contend with various COVID-19 restrictions and have faced an unprecedented loss of passengers,” Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said in a statement.
Plaisted added: “As air travel is now returning at a rapid pace, Helsinki Airport will be able to meet the high standards for services.”