Helsinki update

Finnish airport operator Finavia has closed Terminal 1 at Helsinki International Airport, centralizing the check-in, security controls and baggage claim operations into the newly opened very modern Terminal 2 which includes the train station to downtown.  In downtown Helsinki, and next door to the railway station, the 500-room Scandic Grand Central hotel is now fully open.

Oneworld member Finnair is the principal operator between Heathrow with up to four services daily on a route worth 800,000 return passengers in a normal year.

Malcolm Ginsberg, BTN's Editor-in-Chief, reports that for a mid-morning flight last Thursday T3 was very busy with security slow, but not due to lack of staff, more just the careful passenger checks. The 2hr 50min flight was full in the new Economy cabin on a long-haul A350 with free basic wi-fi, a fine courtesy film selection and a 13inch screen. With a camara in the tail you can watch the flaps move and the landing gear dropping into place.  There was little choice when buying refreshments, passengers encouraged to book pre-flight and terminal purchased more practical (and cheaper).

Originally built in 1909 as the headquarters of the Finnish railway system the Scandic Grand Central, previously offices, is now fully open after a major multi-million quality makeover and is competitively priced with a variety of rooms.  Look at the map offered on check-in to choose your accommodation.  Some rooms are small, but the larger ones offering full facilities and very practical.  The building is heritage protected and has many features of architectural interest.  It is very central being attached to the station.

A review of Helsinki will appear in a future edition of BTN.

www.finnair.com

www.scandichotels.com/grandcentralhelsinki

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