In the future, all passengers at Helsinki-Vantaa will use the same terminal
The implementation project is progressing on time
Passengers benefit from smoother routes and wider services. Finavia closely monitors the progress of the terminal’s commissioning and customer satisfaction. The project will be completed by summer 2023.
The new terminal extension at Helsinki-Vantaa was opened to passengers in December 2021. The implementation is divided into three phases. The first phase took place in December 2021, when a new entrance hall and parking garage P1 / P2 were opened. The second phase was completed at the end of May, with the introduction of a new check-in hall and its modern security controls.
All Helsinki-Vantaa passengers arrive and depart on 21 June. starting through one terminal. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 will be a thing of the past.
“Arriving at and departing from the airport is clearer for passengers than before. The train station is directly accessible by lift, and the bus and taxi stations are located in front of the front doors and have been considerably expanded. The new car park also has direct access to the terminal by lift.“says Timo JärveläFinavia’s Director of Passenger Experience and Process at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
The extension of the terminal will be completed in its entirety by summer 2023. In the third phase, a completely renovated luggage room will be used.
Implementation is a long process
Planning for the implementation of the terminal expansion began in early 2020. Progress has been regularly monitored in collaboration with various experts and stakeholders. In order to guarantee a good passenger experience, training was provided for all companies operating at Helsinki-Vantaa and their employees about the airport’s new facilities.
“Our common goal is to be able to serve passengers outside our own area of expertise”Says Järvelä.
The airport has been in operation throughout the development program. The construction and implementation of the terminal have been carried out in parallel with operational air traffic. For this reason, the facilities have been opened in stages.
“The project is designed so that normal airport operations can continue as smoothly as possible”Says the Chief Operating Officer of Finavia’s Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Jenni Koskinen.
Lots of new services for arriving passengers
Helsinki-Vantaa’s restaurant and retail offer is now several times wider than before. For example, in May, a new world of restaurants was opened in the Arrivals Hall, with flavors from around the world in six different restaurants.
“Compared to many European airports, these services are at different levels,Järvelä says.
Good preparations ensured the smooth running of the project
Large-scale implementation has progressed on time and without problems. The processes were precisely defined in advance and tested.
“Passenger facilities, equipment and services can only be opened after they have been found to be functional and safe”Says Koskinen.
Customer satisfaction is monitored regularly. Although passenger routes and processes have been constantly changing for more than a year, the feedback has been positive.
“Passengers have been very sympathetic to the disadvantages of the construction work. We have actively communicated to them what we do and why. If we only endure this together for a little longer, everything will be fine, which will end well”Says Järvelä.
Source: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport