Finnair Is Betting It Can Fly Five Small Towns Without Subsidy

Finnair says it will keep five Finnish regional cities linked to Helsinki once publicly supported flights end. Jyväskylä, Joensuu, Kajaani, Kemi and Kokkola are due to get commercial services from the end of February 2028, when the current public service obligation contract period runs through February 27.

The flights will use ATR 72-500 turboprops seating 68 or 70 passengers, operated by Nordic Regional Airlines, known as Norra. Schedules are being built around connections at Helsinki Airport, and some flights will make multiple stops. Finnair says tickets will go on sale in spring 2027.

The City of Joensuu issued a statement on November 4 welcoming the return to commercial flights, reflecting how much local officials value a reliable air link. Finnair CEO Turkka Kuusisto is quoted in the announcement on the role the regional network plays in the airline’s operations.

What is not yet known is pricing: the announcement does not specify fares. Because the routes are moving from a subsidized to a commercial model, the real test will be whether schedules and frequencies hold up for travelers once the contract period ends, but the early commitment and a year-plus lead time give regions time to plan.

Sources: Travel PR News, Travel PR News (daily recap)