The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is making a comeback to Finnair’s route network in spring 2007. Direct flights between Helsinki and Lisbon will be operated on Airbus A320s three times a week starting 29 March.

“Finnair is expanding its European network by adding new destinations. We recently announced our new Ljubljana route and now we can offer our customers connections to yet another new city. We expect Lisbon to be popular both with our domestic and international customers. The schedules have been planned to complement our Asian network timetables via Helsinki,” said Finnair Deputy CEO Henrik Arle.

Lisbon is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. The city is a compact package of new and old and offers plenty to see and experience for travellers of all ages. The city’s historical centre, Alfama, lures visitors to time travel. Shopping opportunities present themselves in the form of enchanting flea markets and quaint boutiques. It is worthwhile to get acquainted with the city’s culinary culture as the delicacies and local wines on offer in cafes and restaurants are beyond comparison. Lively night life and fado tunes can be experienced in the atmospheric Bairro Alto. Europe’s largest sea aquarium, Oceanário, is located in the former Expo area on the Tagus River.

The Portuguese Riviera, including the coastal cities of Cascais and Estoril as well as UNESCO World Heritage listed Sintra, is a short distance from Lisbon. For golfers, in addition to the dozen golf courses around Lisbon, Portugal offers the beautiful courses in Algarve, about a three-hour drive from the capital. Oporto in northern Portugal and the famous Douro River vineyards are an easy distance from Lisbon.
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