Finnair launches Muscat–Helsinki “rescue shuttle” to repatriate 1,200 passengers stranded in Dubai
Foreign Ministry urges Finns in the Middle East to register and prepares evacuation options
Finland starts laying-off border staff as Russia crossings stay shut
Latest News
Finnish ministers push returns and Schengen security at EU Justice & Home Affairs Council
At the 5–6 March EU JHA Council, Finland called for robust enforcement of return decisions and confirmed it is technically ready for the EES biometric border-control system due in April 2026. The meeting signals that business travellers will soon face tighter Schengen entry/exit monitoring, and companies should check assignment durations accordingly.
Finnair suspends Doha and Dubai services until 28 March amid Middle-East air-space warnings
Citing new EASA guidance on Gulf air-space risks, Finnair has cancelled all Helsinki–Doha and Helsinki–Dubai flights until 28 March. Thousands of business travellers must reroute via alternative hubs, potentially triggering extra visa and compliance checks. Companies with Middle-East projects should revise travel plans and monitor further safety updates.
Finland confirms 1 June deadline for biometric passports as part of tighter Russia border policy
Finland has set 1 June 2026 as the date after which only biometric Russian passports will be accepted. Non-chip passports will lead to automatic refusal of entry or transit, with few exceptions. Carriers face fines for non-compliance, and travellers—including dual nationals—are urged to renew documents well in advance.