Name: Markus Haapamäki
Company: Helsinki Airport
Designation: Head of Helsinki Airport
Home town: Helsinki
What airports or aviation models have inspired Helsinki Airport?
There are several world-class airports that have set benchmarks in efficiency, passenger experience, and innovation. Airports like Singapore Changi, Munich, and Amsterdam Schiphol have been particularly inspiring in terms of design, operations, and customer service. We always look to integrate the best global practices while maintaining our unique Nordic touch.
What is the mix between business and leisure travel at Helsinki Airport?
Helsinki Airport has a strong balance between the two, with approximately 60% leisure and 40% business travel. Given our strategic location as a hub between Europe and Asia, we cater to a significant number of business travelers while also seeing strong growth in tourism.
What is the untapped potential for tourism in Finland?
Finland has so much to offer, from the Northern Lights and Arctic experiences to our rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities. We believe there is still a lot of room for growth in attracting visitors from Asia, North America, and emerging markets who are looking for unique, nature-driven experiences.
Do you expect tourism growth to come from new or established markets?
While we continue to see steady growth from traditional markets such as Germany, the UK, and Japan, there is a lot of potential in expanding our reach to China, India, and the Middle East. These regions have growing middle-class populations eager to explore destinations like Finland.
Do you see opportunities in ‘New Europe’?
Absolutely. We are continuously exploring new routes and partnerships to enhance connectivity with Eastern Europe. The Baltic region, Poland, and Hungary are strong candidates for further expansion, given the increasing travel demand.
What destinations or types of holidays appeal most to people traveling from Finland?
Finns love traveling to warmer destinations, especially during the winter months. Southern Europe, Thailand, and the Canary Islands remain popular choices. However, adventure tourism and cultural exploration are also on the rise, with many opting for destinations rich in history and nature.
What are Helsinki Airport’s goals in inbound and outbound travel?
For inbound travel, our goal is to make Helsinki a seamless and attractive gateway to Finland and beyond. For outbound travel, we aim to provide Finns with more direct connections to popular global destinations, reducing travel time and enhancing convenience.
What is Helsinki Airport’s network strategy?
Our focus is on increasing connectivity, both in terms of direct flights and transfer efficiency. We are continuously working to strengthen our role as a key hub for Europe-Asia connections while also enhancing intra-European and domestic flights.
What are the drivers for this year’s new routes?
Passenger demand, airline partnerships, and emerging travel trends all play a role in our route expansion. We closely monitor market data and work with airlines to introduce new routes that align with both leisure and business travel needs.
Do you have a favorite route from Helsinki?
I personally enjoy the Helsinki–Tokyo route. Japan has a deep cultural connection with Finland, and this route has always been one of our most significant in terms of passenger flow.
As Helsinki Airport expands, how do you maintain its efficiency and customer experience?
Our commitment is to ensure smooth operations while maintaining high service standards. We are investing in technology, streamlining security processes, and enhancing terminal facilities to create a stress-free travel experience. Sustainability also plays a key role in our expansion strategy.
What are Helsinki Airport’s plans for infrastructure expansion?
We have ongoing projects to modernize our terminals, expand runways, and improve baggage handling systems. By 2025, we aim to further increase our passenger capacity while reducing our environmental footprint.
How does Helsinki Airport balance sustainability with growth?
Sustainability is at the core of our development plans. We are investing in energy-efficient buildings, carbon-neutral operations, and innovative waste management systems. We also work closely with airlines to support the use of sustainable aviation fuels.
What are Finland’s undiscovered travel gems?
Many visitors know about Lapland, but there are hidden gems like the Finnish Lakeland region, the Åland Islands, and the untouched wilderness of Eastern Finland. These places offer breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a deep connection to nature.
What are your personal recommendations for visitors to Helsinki and beyond?
In Helsinki, I recommend visiting Suomenlinna, the Design District, and our vibrant food markets. Beyond the city, Nuuksio National Park is a fantastic spot for hiking, and if you have time, a trip to Rovaniemi for an Arctic experience is unforgettable.
Is Finland likely to remain an affordable travel destination?
Finland is often perceived as expensive, but with careful planning, it can be quite accessible. We are working with tourism partners to create more budget-friendly travel options, from accommodations to transportation.
Why did you enter the aviation industry?
I have always been passionate about aviation and its ability to connect people and cultures. Being part of an airport that serves as a major international hub is incredibly rewarding.
What are your interests outside of work?
I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and sailing. Finland offers some of the best opportunities for exploring nature, and I try to take advantage of that as often as possible.
Which figures in aviation inspire you?
I admire pioneers like Charles Lindbergh and modern industry leaders who continuously push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in aviation.