A NOTAM issued on 21 October (B2008/26) announced that tower and approach control at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport will operate “on request” at various times between 21 and 24 October, with enquiries to be directed to the new Airport Operations Centre (APOC) hotline (+358 20 708 3150). Finavia explained that the move allows it to redeploy ATC personnel for intensive simulator training on the airport’s soon-to-be-commissioned digital-tower back-up system. When traffic volumes are low—primarily between 02:00 and 05:00 local time—airlines must request ATC coverage 30 minutes in advance. Cargo carriers such as DHL and FedEx have already adjusted flight plans, opting to land before 01:45 or after 05:15 to avoid potential slot constraints. For passenger operations, the impact is expected to be minimal, but business-aviation providers should be alert. Corporate-jet movements filed under General Aviation could be refused if the request window is missed. Finavia recommends that flight departments submit revised flight plans via Eurocontrol with “RMK/ATC O/R” annotations and confirm slot approval through the APOC desk. The temporary procedure is part of a broader digital-tower programme that will eventually enable remote operations at contingency centres in Tampere and Rovaniemi. Successful trials could pave the way for 24/7 flexible staffing and cost savings that Finavia says will “improve the long-term competitiveness of Helsinki as a Northern hub.” Travellers departing on late-evening trans-Pacific services should not notice changes, but mobility teams may wish to advise VIP clients to avoid last-minute aircraft swaps that could push departures into the restricted window.
