History of Helsinki Airport
Significant years
1940s
the planning of a new airport for Helsinki began in the late 1940s, when it became obvious that the old airport at Malmi could not handle the increasing number of passengers or the new, heavier aircraft.
1950
contruction of Helsinki Airport began at a site 20 kilometres from Helsinki city centre in an area that today belongs to the city of Vantaa.
1952
Helsinki Airport opened on 10 July for the summer Olympic Games.
1956
second runway opened
1956
first radar system installed
1969
new passenger terminal opened
1973
first security checks on international flights
1983
passenger terminal extension completed
1993
new Domestic Flights Terminal opened
1996
International Terminal enlarged and Domestic Terminal connected to International Terminal, new shopping arcade, hotel and congress centre opened
1997
new VIP President Terminal opened for guests of state
1998
Helsinki Airport voted the world's best for the first time
1999
new arrival and departure halls opened in the International Terminal
2000
total passenger number exceed 10 million for the first time
2001
introduction of new Schengen passport control points
2002
third runway opened
2004
expansion of the International Flights Terminal and opening of a new shopping area for long-haul passengers
2009
expansion of Terminal 2, a new shopping area and a spa was opened for passengers on long-distance flights, the division between domestic and international flights was removed, Terminal 1 was renovated to be used for international flights
2013
development programme for expanding the airport was launched
2016
the first projects under the development programme were finalized: parking P5 was expanded, 12 new gates and 3 000 new square meters in terminals.
2021
the new extension of Terminal 2, part of Finavia’s development programme, was opened to passengers at the beginning of December. The terminal’s stunning new departures and arrivals halls, new travel centre and modern parking facility are now open.
2022
from June, all passengers at Helsinki Airport arrive and depart via one terminal. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 became a thing of the past.