United Airlines HEL Terminal: Everything You Need to Know About United’s Presence at Helsinki Airport

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), the largest and busiest airport in Finland, is a vital hub connecting Europe with Asia and North America. As an increasingly important airport for international travelers, HEL has drawn the attention of many major global carriers—including travelers curious about United Airlines and its operations at this Nordic gateway.

If you're wondering about United Airlines HEL Terminal, this article provides a comprehensive overview of United’s services at Helsinki Airport, terminal information, travel tips, and what you need to know to make your journey seamless.

Is United Airlines Operating at Helsinki Airport (HEL)?

As of 2025, United Airlines does not operate direct flights to or from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL). United, a major U.S.-based airline and founding member of the Star Alliance, connects hundreds of global destinations, but Helsinki is not currently a part of its direct route network.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t fly to HEL with United’s support. Thanks to the Star Alliance network, which includes Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines, travelers can book codeshare or interline flights involving United Airlines from the U.S. to HEL with a connection in a major European hub such as:

1. Frankfurt (FRA)

2. Munich (MUC)

3. Copenhagen (CPH)

4. Stockholm (ARN)

5. Istanbul (IST)

These partner airlines handle the European leg of the journey, while United carries passengers across the Atlantic.

Terminal Layout at Helsinki Airport

Helsinki Airport underwent a major expansion and modernization in recent years. Since 2022, all flight operations have been centralized into a single, unified terminal, meaning there are no longer separate terminals for international and domestic flights.

Here’s how HEL is now structured:

1. Gates 5–15: Schengen area flights

2. Gates 16–55: Non-Schengen flights (primarily long-haul or international flights)

If you are arriving on a connecting flight from another Star Alliance carrier like Lufthansa or SAS, you will most likely disembark at the non-Schengen gates (37–55), depending on your origin.

For U.S. travelers connecting via Europe, the arrival at HEL is smooth and straightforward, with easy customs clearance and modern passenger facilities.

Finding United Airlines Services at HEL

Although United doesn’t operate flights directly from Helsinki, travelers booked on codeshare flights involving United can still access relevant support. United’s partner airlines at HEL—like Lufthansa, Swiss, or SAS—handle all ground services.

So, if you're on a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt booked via United, your check-in, baggage handling, and boarding will be managed by Lufthansa at the shared terminal, and United will still recognize the ticket and loyalty perks through its MileagePlus program.

For customer service, visit:

1. Check-in counters of the operating airline (e.g., Lufthansa or SAS)

2. Airport information desks for general assistance

3. Star Alliance service desks (if available)

How to Book United Flights to HEL

While United doesn’t fly directly to Helsinki, you can book multi-leg journeys to HEL through United’s website or app. Here’s how

1. Enter your U.S. departure city (e.g., New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles)

2. Enter “Helsinki (HEL)” as your destination

3. Choose from the available connecting flights operated in partnership with other Star Alliance airlines

This setup gives you the ability to earn MileagePlus points and enjoy benefits like lounge access (for Premier members or Polaris passengers) and priority boarding.

Airport Services and Amenities at HEL Terminal

Whether you’re arriving, departing, or in transit at Helsinki Airport, you’ll be pleased to find a clean, efficient, and stylish space with a Scandinavian touch. Some standout amenities include:

✅ Shopping

1. Moomin-themed souvenir stores

2. Duty-Free

3. Scandinavian fashion boutiques (Marimekko, Iittala)

✅ Dining

1. Local cafés like Robert’s Coffee

2. Traditional Nordic restaurants

3. Global chains like Starbucks, Burger King

✅ Lounges

If you’re flying business class or have Star Alliance Gold status through United or a partner airline, you may access the following lounges:

1. Plaza Premium Lounge

2. Finnair Lounge (for oneworld flyers only)

3. SAS Lounge (if operated)

✅ Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Free unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Charging stations are plentiful, and there are quiet areas for working.

Transport to and from HEL Terminal

Helsinki Airport is just 17 kilometers north of the city center and is easily accessible:

🚆 Train

1. I and P trains on the Ring Rail Line connect HEL to downtown Helsinki in about 30 minutes.

2. The train station is located directly beneath the airport terminal.

🚕 Taxi & Ride Share

1. Taxis are readily available outside Arrivals.

2. Uber and Bolt also operate in Helsinki and can be used for airport pickups.

🚗 Car Rental

All major car rental agencies are available at HEL, including Hertz, Europcar, and Avis.

Will United Airlines Launch Direct Flights to HEL in the Future?

While there are no official announcements as of 2025, the idea of United launching direct flights to Helsinki is not far-fetched. As travel demand to Scandinavia and Northern Europe continues to grow—and with Finnair’s strategic presence at HEL—it’s possible United may consider launching seasonal or year-round service in the future.

To summarize:

1. United Airlines does not operate directly to or from HEL Airport.

2. Passengers can still book United-marketed flights to Helsinki via partner airlines.

3. HEL operates as a single terminal airport, making connections simple and efficient.

4. United’s MileagePlus perks still apply when flying Star Alliance partners.

So while there may not be a United Airlines HEL Terminal per se, travelers flying under the United brand can enjoy seamless, comfortable, and efficient travel to Finland through its trusted partners and alliances.

If you’d like help planning your specific flight route to HEL using United Airlines and its partners, just let me know your city of departure, and I’ll help you find the best connections.