In an interview with Yle, Ville Haapasaari, Finavia's airport director, says that as the competition becomes tighter, the development projects at Helsinki Airport have an even bigger role.
"We have been aware of the plans of the Pulkovo airport in St. Petersburg for a long time. This is the first phase, in which they will upgrade the capacity from 13 million passengers to 17 million. The ambitious goal in St. Petersburg is to have a passenger volume of 25 million by 2025.
Haapasaari also highlights cost-efficiency and service level as the advantages of Helsinki Airport.
"Compared to Russian airports and other large airports in Europe, we charge airlines lower prices. We have also worked hard to ensure smooth transit traffic. With us, passengers can quickly change flights.
Helsinki Airport will retain its strong market position in the initial phase, but Haapasaari says that the expansion of the St. Petersburg airport must be taken seriously.
Source: Yle online news, 4 December 2013
