Helsinki Airport (HEL)

About Helsinki Airport (HEL)

Helsinki Airport is Finland's largest airport and one of the most important transit hubs connecting Europe to Asia. Located in Vantaa, about 17 kilometres north of Helsinki city centre, it is operated by Finavia and serves as the primary hub for Finnair. Known for short connection times and high passenger satisfaction, HEL is widely regarded as one of the best transfer airports in Europe. Whether arriving for Finland's lakes and forests or transiting onward to Asia, the airport offers a smooth and well-organised experience.

Helsinki Airport Details - Helsinki Airport IATA, Address and Pin Code

• Official Name: Helsinki Airport
• IATA Code: HEL
• Address: Lentoasemantie 1, 01530 Vantaa, Finland
• Airport Pin Code: 01530
• Distance from Helsinki City Centre: Approximately 17 km north
• Phone Number: +358 200 14636
• Old Name: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (the name was simplified to Helsinki Airport in 2021)

How Many Airports in Helsinki?

Helsinki is served by one major commercial airport: Helsinki Airport (HEL) in Vantaa. Helsinki-Malmi Airport handles only general aviation and no scheduled commercial flights. For all international and domestic travel, Helsinki Airport is the only practical option.

How Many Terminals in Helsinki Airport?

Helsinki Airport operates as a single integrated terminal divided into wings rather than separate buildings. It connects to two satellite sections: Terminal 2 (T2) for Schengen flights and a Non-Schengen wing for flights outside the Schengen zone. All areas are within the same structure, making connections straightforward without the need for buses or trains between terminals.

Distance Between Helsinki Airport Terminals

Helsinki Airport is a single connected complex with no separate buildings requiring inter-terminal transport. Passengers moving between Schengen and non-Schengen areas walk within the same building. Moving walkways and clear signage keep transit manageable, and most gate-to-gate transfers can be completed in 20 to 30 minutes.

How Many Runways in Helsinki Airport?

Helsinki Airport has three runways: 04L/22R, 04R/22L, and 15/33. The longest, 04L/22R, stretches approximately 3,500 metres and accommodates the largest commercial aircraft. The three-runway layout enables simultaneous operations and supports the airport's reliable connection performance, particularly during busy winter and summer travel periods.

Visa and Immigration for Helsinki Airport

Indian passport holders must secure a visa before departure. Finland is part of the Schengen Area, so Indian nationals require a Schengen visa whether Helsinki is the final destination or a transit point.

For tourism or short stays, a Schengen Type C visa permits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Applications go through the Finnish consulate or VFS Global centres in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Required documents include a valid passport, return tickets, hotel bookings or invitation letter, travel insurance covering at least 30,000 euros, and recent bank statements.

Indian nationals transiting through Helsinki without entering Finland may require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) depending on their onward destination. Confirm current requirements with the Finnish embassy in India or the official Finland immigration website. At immigration, Indian passport holders use the non-EU lanes, and having documents well organised will help the process move quickly.

Helsinki Airport Lounges and Facilities

Finnair operates the Finnair Lounge and the premium Finnair Business Lounge, accessible to business class passengers and Finnair Plus elite members. The Plaza Premium Lounge serves Priority Pass and DragonPass holders. General facilities include free Wi-Fi, extensive duty-free and retail shops, currency exchange, ATMs, a medical centre, children's play areas, airport saunas, prayer rooms, and a variety of cafes and restaurants.

Things to Do in Helsinki Airport

Duty-free shopping at HEL is a highlight, with Finnish design brands, Marimekko products, Fazer sweets, and local chocolates on offer. Art installations throughout the terminal reflect Finland's design heritage. The airport sauna available to lounge guests is a uniquely Finnish experience worth trying. Dining ranges from salmon soup to international fast food, and free Wi-Fi makes longer layovers easy to spend well.

Places to Visit Near Helsinki Airport

Helsinki city centre is about 30 minutes by train from the airport. The Design District, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Helsinki Cathedral are all easily reachable. Porvoo, one of Finland's oldest towns, is about 50 km east. Nuuksio National Park, ideal for forest walks and lakeside relaxation, is around 40 km from the airport.

FAQs About Helsinki Airport - Helsinki Airport

What is the Official Name of Helsinki Airport?

The official name is Helsinki Airport, rebranded from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in 2021.

What is the IATA Code for Helsinki Airport?

The IATA code for Helsinki Airport is HEL.

Which Terminals Serve Domestic and International Flights at Helsinki Airport?

Helsinki Airport is a single connected terminal. Schengen flights use the T2 section, non-Schengen international flights use the non-Schengen wing, and domestic flights operate from within the same building.

Where is Helsinki Airport Located?

Helsinki Airport is located at Lentoasemantie 1, Vantaa, approximately 17 km north of Helsinki city centre in Finland.

When Was Helsinki Airport Built?

Helsinki Airport opened in 1952 in time for the Helsinki Olympic Games, replacing Helsinki-Malmi Airport as the city's main commercial aviation hub. It has undergone several expansions since.

Is HEL Open 24 Hours?

Yes, Helsinki Airport operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, serving both day and overnight flight schedules.

How Far is Helsinki Airport from Helsinki City Center?

The airport is approximately 17 km from Helsinki city centre. The Finnair City Bus and Ring Rail Line train both connect the airport to the city, with the train taking around 30 minutes to Helsinki Central Station.

What Airlines Operate from HEL?

Finnair is the home carrier and primary operator at Helsinki Airport. Other airlines include Norwegian, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and several Asian carriers including Japan Airlines and Korean Air, reflecting Helsinki's role as a key Europe-Asia transit hub.

Are There Lounges at Helsinki Airport?

Yes. Finnair operates the Finnair Lounge and Finnair Business Lounge for business class and elite passengers. The Plaza Premium Lounge is open to Priority Pass and DragonPass members. Several airlines also have their own lounges within the terminal.