Thousands more international travellers are expected to visit Victoria, with European airline Finnair announcing new daily flights to and from Melbourne, giving tourism and trade a major boost.
The new service will operate daily from Helsinki to Melbourne via Bangkok, starting in October 2026, using Finnair’s modern Airbus A350 aircraft.
The flights will add 203,000 extra seats each year between Victoria and Europe, making travel easier for overseas visitors and offering more choice for Victorian families heading abroad.
European travel to Victoria is already growing strongly. In the year to June 2025, 534,000 European visitors travelled to the state, spending $1.4 billion — up 28 per cent on the previous year and 29 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The new route will be backed by targeted marketing across Europe through the Industry Partnership Program, designed to promote Victoria and drive visitor demand. Under the program, industry partners match public investment dollar-for-dollar to boost destination marketing.
Since the program began, more than 60 partnerships have been formed with major brands including Accor, Alpine Resorts Victoria and Trip.com.
Finnair’s Helsinki hub will give passengers access to around 90 destinations across Europe, with added options for travellers connecting through Bangkok into Asia.
The announcement comes as Melbourne Airport prepares for a record summer, with more than 2.5 million international passengers expected to pass through the terminal in December and January.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said, “Melbourne continues to be a destination in demand, with more flights making it easier for visitors to come and stay longer.
“Our visitor economy supports 288,000 jobs, and it’s growing strongly.”
“This partnership helps showcase the very best of Victoria to the world, with travellers now able to fly here on one of the world’s leading airlines.”
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
