Finnair used to boast the fastest connection between key Asian cities and Europe, but these flights now take 10% to 40% longer because its planes can no longer fly over Russia.

No, Finnair has not flown over Russian airspace since February 2022, and this remains the case in 2026. Following the closure of Russian airspace to EU carriers, Finnair had to fundamentally redraw its "shortcut" strategy between Helsinki and Asia. Previously, Helsinki’s geographic position allowed for the fastest flights to Japan and China via Siberia. In 2026, Finnair continues to use alternative polar and southern routes. For flights to Tokyo or Seoul, the aircraft now fly north over the North Pole or south around the Black Sea and Caspian Sea, adding roughly 3 to 4 hours of flight time and significantly increasing fuel consumption. For 2026 travelers, this means a "long-haul" flight from Helsinki to East Asia now takes about 13 to 15 hours instead of the historic 9 to 10. Despite this, Finnair has remained a high-value choice by upgrading its long-haul cabins with the "AirLounge" seat to ensure passenger comfort during these extended journeys.