Finnair traffic halted for fifth consecutive day


Restrictions in Helsinki Airport airspace continue for the fifth day and
Finnair traffic is halted with the exception of a few flights that Finnair was
able to operate yesterday when airspace was open for a short period. Finnair
has to cancel flights until 3 p.m. Wednesday. 

"We are continually prepared to start our operations again. We are waiting for
the authorities' decisions about the development of the situation," says Erno
Hildén, Finnair's SVP Operations. 

"We understand that the situation causes a lot of distress for our customers
and we want to transport them safely back home as quickly as possible. We trust
that the forecasts made by the authorities are accurate and verified," Hildén
continues. 

Finnair's most important priorities are safety and customers. Finnair cares for
its customers the best possible way in these circumstances and helps them, for
example, with accommodation arrangements and alternative travel plans. Finnair
has also made alternative transportation arrangements for its customers between
Finland and Europe by ship and bus. 

Finnair is actively monitoring the situation and cooperates continually with
the authorities. 

This far Finnair has had to cancel approximately 1,300 flights affecting over
120,000 passengers. Over 20,000 passengers have not been able to return home. 

Information is being updated continually at the address www.finnair.com/info.
See also www.facebook.com/Finnair. 

Finnair will arrange a press conference for media representatives also tomorrow
at 2 p.m. on the 13th floor of the Helsinki-Vantaa office tower at the address
Lentäjäntie 3, Vantaa. 

Finnair Plc
Communications
20.4.2010