Strong Increase in Transit Traffic at Helsinki Airport

A total of 11.7 million passengers used Helsinki Airport between January and September 2013, 2.5% more than in the corresponding period of 2012.

International transit traffic increased by 8.6% compared with the same period in the previous year, and there was particularly strong growth in the number of passengers transferring between international flights -18.0% during the third quarter.

“International transit traffic has grown steadily throughout the year and the rate of growth has accelerated towards the year's end. This means that we have every reason to be optimistic about the future. We can be very happy with this trend, because it shows that Helsinki Airport is an important and attractive air transport hub between Europe and Asia,” said Joni Sundelin, Senior Vice President in charge of the Finavia airport network, marketing and sales. “There has been strong growth in transit traffic and international traffic since spring and we expect the passenger volumes in these areas to keep on growing in the latter part of the year. Because of strong growth in these two sectors, this year’s passenger volumes at Finavia’s airports may reach 2012 levels, despite the general economic situation.”

A total of 14.4 million passengers used Finavia’s airports between January and September 2013 (14.6 million in 1–9/2012). The passenger volumes declined by 1.8% compared with January–September 2012, and after a substantial drop in the first quarter, the decline in demand was halted and passenger volumes increased by 3.3% in the third quarter.