Tartu-Helsinki flights surge as demand for global connections climbs

The Tartu-Helsinki air route is seeing steady growth in passenger numbers, with demand rising for both European and long-haul connections. Finnair’s current contract for the service will expire in December 2027, prompting early steps to secure the route’s future through a new procurement process. Passenger figures on the Tartu-Helsinki route have climbed sharply in recent years. In 2024, around 27,300 people used the service, rising to roughly 44,500 in 2025. The upward trend has continued into 2026, with 21,400 passengers recorded in just the first five months—a 12 percent increase over the same period last year.

Business travellers make up a significant share of flyers, though the mix of passengers is diversifying each year. Many connect onward to major European hubs like Paris, London, and Berlin, while demand also exists for flights to the US and Asia. The Estonian state and Tartu currently fund the route with an annual subsidy of about €854,000. With the existing public service contract set to end in late 2027, authorities have begun initial preparations for a new procurement process to ensure the connection remains operational.

The Tartu-Helsinki route has become an increasingly vital link, supporting both regional and international travel. As passenger numbers grow, securing a long-term solution before the 2027 contract expiry will be key to maintaining the service’s stability and meeting rising demand.