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Sunday, 18 June 2023
I flew from Helsinki to London. My flight was delayed but the Finnish airport was so relaxing I barely noticed.
A seating area in Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
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I flew from Helsinki to London with the low-cost European airline Ryanair.
My flight was due to leave just before 11 p.m. but was delayed for an hour.
I was dreading the late-night delay. But the airport turned out to be so relaxing I barely noticed the time.
I flew from Helsinki to London with the low-cost European airline Ryanair.
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My flight was due to leave just before 11 p.m. but when I arrived at the airport it was delayed by almost an hour.
Finavia
I was dreading the wait but the Finnish airport turned out to be so relaxing I barely noticed the delay.
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Security was quick due to Helsinki airport's 3D scanners. I didn't have to remove my laptop or liquids and was through to the gates within 15 minutes.
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The airport was full of big open spaces featuring traditional Finnish wood paneling and lots of natural light.
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The pre-security area even had a small garden with a tree. Finnish design is known for trying to bring the outside in.
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The airport had a range of shops that were open late including a Finnish designer store, Marimekko. It's known for its original prints and bright colors.
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The airport was quiet and there was no queue for passport control. I was the only traveler going through the gates and had my pick of five border control officials.
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Through security, there were lots of different restaurants and cuisines, including a Moomin cafe.
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The airport even had an interactive map — like one you'd find in a mall — so I could see what was still open.
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Even though it was late, I found a Nordic restaurant and a kiosk selling hot dogs and pizza.
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The restaurant was a bit pricey so I opted for the 4 euro ($4.30) pizza.
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There was a range of different seating options in the airport, including rocking chairs, all with multiple places to charge devices.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
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I took my food and settled down in one of the reclining seats to watch the sunset.
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The airport was peaceful and even had birdsong playing in the bathrooms.
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The airport also had excellent Wifi that was fast enough to stream a movie.
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There was even hot water on tap and a shop selling tea bags.
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By the time they called my flight, I felt relaxed and ready to fly.
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