The new gateway to southern South Korea will offer super smooth connections to Finnair’s 100 destinations across Europe, via its Helsinki hub. On 30 March 2020, Busan’s Gimhae International Airport will, for the first time, welcome Finnair customers travelling on the airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft.

Ole Orvér, Finnair’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are excited to be the first European airline operating to Busan, which is a wonderful addition to our Asian network. Korea is one of our top markets globally, and we have been operating to Seoul for 11 years. We are delighted to be able to offer a new destination to our customers in Korea and to continue growing sustainably in Asia.”

The launch of Finnair’s twentieth Asian destination in 2020 is the result of the airline’s expansion programme to grow traffic between Europe and the Far East and Asia. Busan will be the Finnish carrier’s second destination in South Korea, following the popular Helsinki to Seoul route which launched 11 years ago.

The carrier’s eco-efficient A350s will operate the route, offering long-haul customers unparalleled levels of comfort in spacious cabins, featuring the carrier’s famed Nordic flair and contemporary style.

Finnair flies up to seven times daily from London Heathrow to Helsinki, twice daily from Manchester and up to twice a day from Edinburgh. Passengers can enjoy quick and convenient connections in Helsinki, from as little as 35 minutes, to scores of destinations across Asia and the Far East.