Finnair Showcases Norway’s Midnight Sun and Prepares to Unveil New Lounge
Flights from Helsinki to Bodø, in northern Norway, are running five times per week until August 12
by Fergus Cole
June 20, 2024

Photo: Bodo, Norway. Courtesy of Finnair
Finnair has relaunched international flights from Helsinki to the Norwegian city of Bodø this summer, where travelers can bask in the so-called ‘midnight sun,’ following a successful launch of the route last year.
Launched on June 17, the Finnish flag carrier is now operating five flights per week between Helsinki Airport (HEL) and Bodø Airport (BOO) until August 12, which coincides with when visitors can experience the midnight sun in the Arctic city. This is an increase in capacity compared to last year when just three weekly flights were offered.
Bodø is located in the far north of Norway, around 50 miles north of the Arctic Circle, allowing visitors to experience the natural phenomenon known as the midnight sun. During the summer months around the summer solstice, the sun never sets on Bodø—instead, night-time is characterized by an ethereal golden glow before the sun rises again early in the morning.

Photo: Bodo, Norway. Courtesy of Secret Travel Guide / Unsplash
“With demand for travel to the Nordics continuing to rise, we are excited to be relaunching our direct flights between Helsinki and Bodø, Norway,” said Anssi Partanen, Finnair’s Market Director for Europe.
“Located above the Arctic Circle, Bodø is a magical destination brimming with beauty, offering unique experiences to travelers from around the world. As the only airline to offer scheduled international flights to the city, we know our summer service will prove popular with customers looking to experience the midnight sun.”
Apart from the midnight Sun, Bodø has plenty to offer the adventurous traveler, from stunning natural beauty and wildlife-spotting to exhilarating activities and a vibrant cultural scene. Highlights include cruises to the world’s most powerful whirlpool, hikes on Norway’s second-largest glacier, moose safari tours, and whale watching.
The city also has plenty to offer, especially this year, as Bodø was named the European Capital of Culture in 2024—the first time a town north of the Arctic Circle has held this title. To celebrate this distinction, the city will host over 1,000 artistic performances, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year.

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair
“We are thrilled to welcome Finnair’s relaunch of direct flights from Helsinki to Bodø,” said Julie Abelsen, Marketing Manager at the city’s tourism agency, Visit Bodø. “This route provides a unique opportunity for international travelers to experience our diverse cultural offerings and breathtaking Arctic nature.
“2024 is surely the year to visit Bodø as we celebrate being the European Capital of Culture of this year, and Finnair is helping us connect to the rest of the world. The doors of our region and our hearts are wide open!”
Finnair operates an extensive international network, connecting Helsinki to over 80 destinations across Finland, Europe, Asia, and North America.
Finnair’s U.S. Network
Travelers in the U.S. can make use of the airline’s one-stop connections to Bodø and the midnight sun with its daily nonstop flights to Helsinki from New York (JFK), as well as five weekly flights from Chicago (ORD), four weekly flights from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX), and three weekly flights from Seattle (SEA).

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair
Finnair also offers connecting flights to Helsinki from Las Vegas (LAS), Las Vegas (LAS), San Diego (SAN), and San Francisco (SFO).
For those who want to explore more of Norway, Finnair also flies from Helsinki to Oslo (OSL), Bergen (BGO), Tromsø (TOS), and Trondheim (TRD). Meanwhile, starting next year, it will offer flights to Kirkenes (KKN) in the far north of Norway. This will be the airline’s most northerly destination in its network.
New Lounge Opening in Helsinki
In addition to launching flights to the “top of the world,” Finnair is set to unveil its newest Schengen Lounge at Helsinki Airport on July 9.
Inspired by the airline’s Nordic design language, the lounge has been designed to create a space that embodies Finnair’s commitment to customer comfort and Nordic elegance. Studio Joanna Laajisto, the creative force behind the design, meticulously crafted the lounge using wooden textures, soft forms, and warm colors. The result? An environment that feels both modern and deeply rooted in Scandinavian tradition.

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair
Furniture from iconic Nordic designers like Artek, Nikari, and Gubi adds a touch of local craftsmanship, making the lounge a waiting area and a celebration of Nordic design.
The spacious lounge has been designed to seat 440 guests, each spot offering a runway view. As passengers settle in, they’ll notice different zones tailored to their needs—dine, work, rest, or simply spend time with fellow travelers.
The lounge also offers a special treat for Finnair Plus Platinum and Platinum Lumo members: the exclusive Platinum Corner. This secluded area, a direct response to customer feedback, provides an added layer of privacy and comfort.

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair
Meri Järvinen, Finnair’s Head of Airport Customer Experience, describes the lounge as a place where functionality meets comfort. “With increased space, the new Finnair Lounge comfortably accommodates up to 440 guests, ensuring a relaxed experience and seamless service for everyone,” she explains.
Chief Commercial Officer Ole Orvér admits being “thrilled to announce our new Schengen lounge, providing even more space and comfort before take-off. Responding to feedback from our Finnair Plus members, we have created a space that truly enhances the travel experience.”
For those holding Business Class Classic and Flex tickets and Finnair Plus Gold members, the doors to this new lounge open wide, offering complimentary access. Finnair Plus Platinum and Platinum Lumo members enjoy the added benefit of the Platinum Corner. And for other travelers, lounge access is just a click away via Manage Booking or the Finnair app.