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