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Direct passenger flights from the UK, Ireland and South Africa continue to be suspended

Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Publication date 18.1.2021 15.37
News item

The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom has decided that the suspension of direct passenger flights from the UK, Ireland and South Africa to Finland be continued until 25 January 2021. Due to the decision, many travellers find that returning to Finland is even more difficult than before or may be prevented altogether.

Finnish missions abroad and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Helsinki are monitoring the situation closely. If required, they will assist travellers to find ways to return home.  Return to Finland from the UK, Ireland and South Africa is possible using connecting flights. Travellers looking for alternative routes should check the entry requirements and, transit requirements in particular, including the required COVID-19 test results, from the public authorities in the country of destination and their own airline. In practice, it is good to get tested before travelling to be able to present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test result if required, because the restrictive measures may change rapidly. 

The Finnish Embassy in London is updating information on its website and social media channels. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation may deteriorate abruptly and unpredictably in any country or region. Sudden changes or cancellations of air connections may cause long delays. If it is essential for you to travel, be prepared for changes. Travellers are required to continue to be resilient and able to deal with uncertainty. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has only limited capabilities to assist travellers in distress abroad during the pandemic. We recommend that you submit your travel plans and contact details at matkustusilmoitus.fi.

If you are returning to Finland from the UK, Ireland or South Africa, please note the guidelines of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare..

For any possible expenses caused by cancellation or postponement of flights, contact your travel organiser, airline or insurance company.