The extension to Terminal 2 consists of a terminal extension and associated outdoor areas. After the project is completed, passengers will also have access to a new, quicker, weather-protected passageway from the terminal to the Ring Rail Line, new parking garages P1 and P2, and new bus docks with areas reserved for dog walking.
Finavia decided to continue the investment programme in spite of the financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 crisis to have a head start when the virus is under control and the world reopens. This is the most extensive expansion project in the history of Helsinki Airport.
In the extension project of Terminal 2, new buildings will be built first, followed by renovations to the existing premises. The current check-in functions will be transferred from the old premises to the new ones when the premises and systems are put into operation. The current check-in areas will then be converted to a gate waiting area.
It is currently being explored how renovations to the current terminal could begin on a faster schedule than planned.
“The goal is to be able to start the renovation to the interior of the current terminal as early as next year,” says Project Manager Tuomo Lindstedt at the info session of the development project.
Initially, the renovation of the current terminal was not to start until 2022.
Luoto diorama as an eye-catcher
The outer shell of the Terminal 2 extension is already complete and is waterproof; the topping-out ceremony of the building was celebrated already. The first upholstery of the facade is also complete. The surface has a beautiful diamond pattern, which is repeated through the extension. Interior work is in full swing.
“The installation of the most significant architectural detail of the departure hall, the wooden suspended ceiling of the building, has begun and about ten per cent has been completed,” says Lindstedt.
The Luoto diorama featuring Finnish nature is being built at a great pace in the middle of the arrivals hall. The stones have already been brought in place and the natural stone tile floor is ready. Luoto will also be viewable from the departure floor.
“Luoto is the first thing the passengers arriving in Finland see. The departing passengers will also see it through the floor opening,” Lindstedt says.
The terminal extension has taken into account health security measures due to the COVID-19 epidemic, including physical barriers (sneeze guards) and hand sanitiser dispensers. With the extension, there will be more space in the passenger areas, making it inherently easier to maintain safe distances.
At the first stage of the extension, a new bus platform will be introduced. In its vicinity, on the west side of the terminal extension, there will be a green space as well as a place to walk dogs departing for flights.
New and quicker connection to the Ring Rail Line
The new parking garages P1 and P2 are also ready. They can be introduced as soon as passenger flows increase. The walk from the parking garage to the terminal is now shorter.
The first two floors of the parking garages will be used for short-term parking, such as dropping off and picking up passengers. They will be introduced when the possible construction of the adjacent hotel and the terminal extension are completed.
The new access to the Ring Rail Line station will be in the immediate vicinity of the terminal extension and it will be significantly shorter than the current passageway.
Most of the excavation of the Ring Rail Line access is already complete. Wall elements are currently being installed and the panoramic lift is under construction. Escalators will be installed in the coming weeks.
“Construction work is progressing well on schedule,” says Lindstedt.
At the next stage, renovation of the current terminal will begin. Work will begin in early 2021 in the check-in area 240–270. The area is to be closed for construction work and the check-in counters decommissioned.
Learn more about Helsinki Airport Development Programme
