Finnair increases flights in July as travel restrictions easing

The national flag carrier Finnair announced on Thursday that it is set to increase its traffic in July, as the government decided to lift travel restrictions for a raft of countries in and outside Europe, reported News Agency Xinhua.

The airline is increasing its traffic in July and serves more than 30 destinations in Europe and some Asian destinations, including Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Seoul, said the airline in a press release.

In July, the number of the daily one-way flights to domestic, European and Asian destinations will increase up to 80. Finnair said that it has the capability to increase flights rapidly, when travel restrictions are removed and demand recovers.

"Changes in travel restrictions are quickly reflected in the bookings of our flights and we can clearly see that people have a need and desire to travel," said Ole Orver, chief commercial officer of Finnair, adding that Finnair is looking forward to the next round of new openings and the possibilities brought to its network and customers.

More destinations and frequencies will be expected towards the autumn. Passengers are allowed to change their travel dates of bookings made between April 1 and Aug. 31, according to Finnair.

In addition, the airline has introduced several measures to protect the health of customers and cabin crew during a flight, including intensifying aircraft cleaning, mandatory use of face masks onboard, and distributing to passengers a "Clean Kit" containing hand sanitizer and surface wipes.

On Wednesday, the government announced to lift all travel restrictions for 17 European countries and allow work-related travel and other essential trips to several countries on other continents, starting July 13.

As of July 13, Finland will also lift all border controls travelers from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland. Finland will also lift all travel restrictions with Cyprus, Ireland, Andorra, San Marino and the State of Vatican City.