Finnair expands Japanese connectivity with Nagoya return

Finnair has outlined plans to increase connectivity to Japan during the northern summer 2024 season, including returning to Nagoya after a hiatus of four years. The Oneworld alliance member, which celebrated its 100th anniversary on Nov. 1, will connect its Helsinki Airport (HEL) hub with Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) from May 30, 2024. Flights will be offered twice a week. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, Finnair had built its business model around connecting Europe and Asia, capitalizing on its advantageous geographic location in Helsinki and the shorter northern route over Russia. However, in response to pandemic-related travel restrictions and the subsequent closure of Russian airspace due to the invasion of Ukraine, the airline had to adapt its strategy to address the challenges in rebuilding its Asian network. To overcome these constraints, Finnair has actively pursued new markets, strengthened partnerships with other airlines and introduced routes over the North Pole.<br/>