Finnair plans to launch its first own-operated Australian route on 25 October. Daily Helsinki–Bangkok–Melbourne service is planned from 25 October 2026. For travelers based in the Netherlands, it adds an option through Helsinki with a further stop in Bangkok. The Airbus A350 will offer AirLounge Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
Finnair announced the route in December 2025, subject to government approval.
How the flight works
The outbound flight leaves Helsinki shortly after midnight, reaches Bangkok in the afternoon and continues after a stop, arriving in Melbourne the following morning. The first return flight from Melbourne is planned for 26 October. According to Melbourne Airport, AY146 leaves at 15:40, reaches Bangkok at 20:50 and Helsinki at 06:05 the next day. All times are local and subject to change.
From Amsterdam (AMS), Brussels Airport (BRU) and Düsseldorf (DUS), Finnair’s European services to Helsinki provide feeder routes to compare. This means a connection in Helsinki and a further stop in Bangkok, rather than a journey with just one intermediate stop. Check your booking’s total journey time and the arrangements for its Bangkok stop.
Business: an AirLounge seat and bed
AirLounge differs from a conventional reclining business seat: its fixed shell does not recline. Space and cushions let you adjust your sitting position; for sleeping, the seating area becomes a flat bed. Finnair lists a mattress pad, Marimekko textiles, storage, USB-A and USB-C, power and wireless charging.
If you like to sit with the backrest partly reclined, AirLounge will feel different. The fare type also matters: Business Light differs from Classic/Flex in areas including baggage, lounge access and included Wi-Fi.
Premium Economy: more space, not a bed
Premium Economy has its own cabin. The 38-inch seat pitch is approximately 96.5 cm, with greater recline and a leg rest supporting the whole leg. The seat has a screen of at least 13 inches, power and extra storage. It does not convert into a flat bed.
Finnair provides two meal services on long-haul flights. The Premium Economy seat applies to the long sectors; the short European flight to Helsinki has no Premium Economy cabin. Compare what you are buying on each segment and check the current aircraft and fare type.
Credits
Sources: Finnair: Melbourne-announcement; Melbourne Airport: flight and product; Finnair: European network; Finnair: Business; Finnair: Premium Economy; Finnair: cabins.
Photo: Anna Zvereva, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0. Archive photograph 9 juni 2017; not a photograph of the new route. Original unchanged; cropped and resized for display. Trademarks and logos remain the property of their respective owners.
Also see
.jpg){kind=link}