Some 10,000 dogs pass through Helsinki Airport each year. When the number of passengers increases, the number of pet passengers and assistance dogs at the airport will return to normal.
“Our previous pet relief areas have become well-established and they have been in heavy use, so we decided to expand the popular concept. Another outdoor pet relief area has been opened in front of the new entrance building of Terminal 2,” says Finavia’s Hanna Hämäläinen, Head of Passenger Services and Development at Helsinki Airport.
At the beginning of 2020, the first two pet relief areas were opened in the indoor areas of Helsinki Airport: one at the old main entrance of Terminal 2 and the other in the non-Schengen area.
Finavia wants to pay special attention to the well-being of animals to make travel as comfortable as possible for all passengers.
“The pet relief areas are designed primarily for dogs, but other pets can use them as well. Solid waste needs to be collected in a bag and placed in a rubbish bin, just as one would when walking a dog anywhere else. To maintain a good level of hygiene, Finavia carries out regular cleaning of the pet toilets.
The new pet toilet is easy to find and use
A central location in front of Terminal 2, on the same side as the bus terminal, was selected for the new pet relief area. It is easy for both arriving and departing passengers to use the area, regardless of what mode of transport they have arrived by. The area is also within easy reach for arriving passengers.
“The area is clearly marked to distinguish it from other green areas. For passengers arriving by bus, the area is practically right in front of them. Passengers arriving from the new parking facility or the railway station can find the area just outside the nearest entrance to the terminal, by following the signs for the bus station. Passengers arriving by taxi or getting dropped off by car can find the area by going down an escalator and exiting the building through the nearest entrance, also towards the bus station. There are also clear signs for the new pet toilet inside the terminal,” Hämäläinen explains.
Taking pet passengers into consideration is part of the Helsinki Airport development programme, which is now in its final stages. The development programme increases the airport’s capacity and improves the passenger experience.
“Pets and assistance dogs are important travel partners, so the needs of this target group were taken into account right from the planning phase of the terminal expansion project. A multidisciplinary team is responsible for the design, including several pet owners for whom this issue is important.”
The expanded terminal has room for everyone
Hämäläinen points out that there is room in the expanded terminal for both animals and passengers who wish to avoid them due to allergies, for example. The service counter for animals travelling in the cargo hold is located to the side to make the area quieter for animals and their owners.
According to Hämäläinen, the changes have been well received by all passengers, including those who do not travel with an animal. Much of the credit belongs to pet owners themselves.
“Passengers who fly with an animal are very responsible: they typically plan their trip carefully in advance and make sure the journey goes smoothly. This results in a positive experience also for the other passengers,” Hämäläinen concludes.
