Flying safely in a changing world: your questions answered

If you've noticed that your flight to Asia looks different on the map, takes a little longer, or follows an unfamiliar path, you're not imagining it. We asked Riku Kohvakka from our flight planning team to answer the questions we hear most often. 

I've noticed that my flight to Asia takes a longer route than it used to. What's going on?

The Russian airspace has been closed for European Union airlines since February 2022, and depending on the winds, Finnair flies to Asia either using the northern route over the polar region, or the southern route, avoiding Russian airspace. This adds to the flight time, especially on flights to Japan, South Korea, and China. We have adjusted the schedules of our Asian flights so, that they still connect well to our European network, despite the longer flight time. 

We do not fly over Ukraine or Belarus, and when flying to Asia via the southern route, we do not fly over conflict areas in the Middle East. Safety is always our number one priority, and evaluating and monitoring the safety of the airspace we use is a continuous process at Finnair.

Which Finnair routes are affected by the airspace closures?

Finnair flights to Japan, South Korea and China are now significantly longer than before 2022, because we can no longer use the shortcut over Russia. Depending on the winds on a given day, these flights travel either the northern route over the polar region, or the southern route through Central Asia.  When flying the southern routes, we avoid conflict areas in the Middle East. 

If you want to experience the Polar route, our insider tip is to fly from Japan to Helsinki: "On return flights from Japan to Helsinki, we almost always use the polar route. The southern route means a strong headwind on the way back, which can add at least three hours to the journey", Riku says. 

We have adjusted the schedules of our Asian flights so that they still connect well to our European network, despite the longer flight time. 

"Depending on the wind conditions, the difference between southern and northern routes to Tokyo can be minimal on some days. As a result, one flight may operate via the southern route while another, to a different Tokyo airport, flies via the North Pole. Even small differences in airport location and mandatory arrival routes can tip the balance in route optimization," Riku adds. 

Flying the polar route is something Finnair knows well. Back in 1983, Finnair was the first airline to fly non-stop from Europe to Japan over the North Pole, and that pioneering spirit is very much alive in how we operate today. If you're curious about what it takes to fly over the top of the world, you can read more in our story Flying over the North Pole: well-planned is half done. 

How much longer can my flight be?

It depends on the destination and the conditions on the day. As a rough guide, flights to Japan and South Korea can be two to four hours longer than before Russian airspace closed. Flights to India, Thailand and Singapore may be around one to two hours longer due to the Middle East situation. 

The jet stream plays a big role in the exact flying time, so the route is always planned as close to departure as possible to make use of the best available winds. 

How does Finnair decide whether it's safe to fly a certain route?

Safety is at the heart of every decision we make, and route safety is assessed continuously, every day of the year. We follow guidance from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, known as EASA, as well as Finnish and other national aviation authorities. Our own flight operations and safety teams monitor the situation around the clock, reviewing airspace risk assessments, official warnings called NOTAMs, and the latest intelligence on conditions in any region where our flights operate.

If authoritative guidance or our own evaluation suggest a particular airspace carries an unacceptable risk, we do not fly through it. It is as straightforward as that. Finnair will always choose a longer, safer route over a shorter, uncertain one. 

What happens if conditions change while a flight is already in the air?

Our flight crew and operations teams are in continuous contact throughout every flight. If the situation on a route changes unexpectedly, a flight can be rerouted while airborne – sometimes this happens due to weather, for example. 

Pilots have clear procedures for this, and they are trained for exactly these kinds of situations. Your safety does not depend only on decisions made before departure; it is actively managed throughout the journey. 

Is it safe to fly right now?

Yes. Finnair only flies when and where it is safe to fly. As an example, in spring 2026, we suspended our flights to Dubai and Doha, due to the escalated situation in Middle East. 

Can I find out in advance which route my flight will take?

The exact route is finalised close to departure, because it depends on the latest weather data, winds and any new airspace information. If you're curious about the general path your flight will follow, looking at how the same flight has been routed in recent days on a flight-tracking service such as Flightradar24 can give a good indication. For the most current travel information and possible disruptions, you can always check our Travel updates. 

What if my flight time or schedule changes after I've already booked?

If a significant change is made to your flight, we will contact you directly. If the change is a major one, you may be offered options to rebook or cancel your trip. Our customer service team is always available to help you find the best solution. We understand that changes to your plans are inconvenient, and we do our best to minimise disruption. 

Will these longer routes affect ticket prices?

Operating longer routes increases our costs, particularly fuel and crew costs.  Ticket prices are determined by the market, based on demand and supply. 

For the latest information on Finnair routes and any travel disruptions, visit our Travel updates.