Helsinki Airport seeks to remain attractive international hub: services will expand under one roof

Finavia outlined (18-Sep-2014) its development programme for expanding Helsinki Airport. Continuing until 2020, the plans for increasing transfer traffic capacity will be based on a one roof concept in which also new services will be located in a single building. Airport Director Ville Haapasaari said Finavia has been studying dozens of different scenarios for many years and the views and suggestions of airport users, such as airlines and other operators, have also been considered during the planning process. Finavia selected a model in which the plan is to expand the existing terminal instead of building a separate satellite terminal, which was also an option at one point. Mr Haapasaari explained, "Compared with the other models, the one roof concept is the best option in terms of operational efficiency and customer-friendliness. It is also an ecological solution because a single terminal reduces the need for services such as bus transport". In addition to the extension of the terminal, there will be more aircraft stands on the apron and additional de-icing capacity. There will be more parking spots for both widebody and narrowbody aircraft. Between 10 and 14 additional aerobridges are planned. [more - original PR]