Operator Finavia will open Helsinki Airport’s Terminal 2 extension, inspired by classical Finnish design, on December 1.
The main entrance of the new T2 leads passengers to the departures hall, which boasts an undulating wooden roof and huge windows that flood the terminal with natural light. Passengers arriving at Terminal 2 will arrive into one centralised arrivals hall, featuring café and restaurant services. The 24/7 Alepa grocery store, car rental companies and Finavia’s information service will also be transferred there.
Henri Hansson, senior vice president for technology and sustainability at Finavia, said: “The terminal, its facilities and services have been designed as a new business card for Finland. For many, Helsinki Airport is their first contact with our country. Terminal 2 is mostly Finnish high-quality work of which we can be proud.
The main contractor for the extension of Terminal 2 was SRV, with the new section and bus and taxi stations designed by ALA Architects, and the parking garage and the connection to the Ring Rail Line designed by architecture firm HKP. The latter is also responsible for planning the alteration work for the terminal. Ramboll led the technical design.
Environmental values and decarbonisation were at the heart of the design. The terminal has been built to be 30% more energy-efficient than officially required.
Energy savings have been achieved through the thermal insulation of the building envelope and by efficient heat recovery. Smart luminaires dim and turn off depending on how much natural light floods in through the terminal's huge windows.
In summer 2022, a new security control and check-in area will be introduced, as well as the opening of the restaurant area. In 2023, the alterations to the Schengen gate area and baggage claim hall will be completed, and Finavia's eight-year investment programme will come to an end.
