If you have compared flights from Europe to Asia recently, you may have spotted something puzzling: a journey via Helsinki can take considerably longer than you might expect from looking at a map.

The explanation lies in the airspace above Russia. Since February 2022, Finnair has been unable to use the routes across Russia that once helped make Helsinki a fast connecting hub for journeys to East Asia. Instead, its aircraft must fly around that airspace, sometimes taking a northern route over the polar region and sometimes a southern route, depending in part on the winds.

Finnair says the change has made flights to Japan, South Korea and China significantly longer. It has adjusted its schedules so those services can still connect with its European network, but the geographical advantage it once enjoyed has been reduced. Finnair explains its current routing.

Finnair chief executive Turkka Kuusisto gave a striking example this week: a flight between Shanghai and Helsinki now takes more than 12 hours, compared with around eight hours when Finnair could fly through Russian airspace. The precise time of an individual flight will vary with its route and conditions, but that comparison shows why the closure matters so much to the airline. Reuters reported Kuusisto’s comments.

A longer flight also means more time in the aircraft for passengers and potentially higher operating costs for the airline. Finnair has had to rethink where it deploys aircraft and how its Asia network fits together.

If you are choosing between a Finnair connection in Helsinki and another route to Asia, look at the total journey time, not just the time spent on the long-haul flight. A well-timed Helsinki connection could still beat an alternative with a lengthy layover.

Check the duration of each flight in both directions, too. Winds and routing can make the outbound and return journeys different lengths. Then weigh up the fare, connection time, arrival hour, baggage allowance and what happens if the first flight is delayed.

The airspace difference may influence airlines’ costs and the fares they can offer, but it does not establish that one carrier will always sell the cheaper ticket. That is something to compare for your actual travel dates.

Is Helsinki still worth considering? Absolutely, provided the itinerary works for you. Finnair says it has retimed its Asian services to maintain connections across its European network, and Kuusisto remains confident in Helsinki’s role as a connecting hub.

We’ve flown this way a few times to both Tokyo and Osaka, and also Seoul. If you’re lucky enough to take a day flight that goes over the North Pole then you’ll also receive Finnair’s prestigious North Pole Diploma certificate. Ours remains framed on our wall and never ceases to spark conversation!

What has changed is the old assumption that Helsinki’s position automatically makes it the quickest way from Europe to Asia. For some destinations and dates, it may still be an appealing option. For others, a different routing may save hours.

Compare the complete itinerary, not the straight line on the map. Russian airspace restrictions have changed what “the shortest way via Helsinki” means in practice.