Finavia has added a new wellbeing feature for travelers passing through Helsinki-Vantaa Airport by opening a multi-faith, 24-hour Quiet Room next to Gate 32 on the Schengen side of the terminal. The space is modelled on a similar room opened in the non-Schengen area in 2023, which quickly became one of the most-requested passenger amenities. The new facility offers a calm environment for meditation, prayer, silent reflection or simply escaping the bustle of the departure hall before a flight.
Finavia’s passenger-experience manager Hanna Hämäläinen said design choices were guided by feedback from the earlier room and by benchmarking comparable spaces at other hubs. Natural light, acoustic panelling and neutral colours were selected to make the room welcoming to all faiths and worldviews, while a partnership with the Vantaa parish union ensures pastoral support and the possibility to hold weddings or blessings for travellers who request them.
![Helsinki Airport Opens 24/7 ‘Quiet Room’ in Schengen Area]()
The airport chaplaincy notes that passengers from religions with set prayer times – especially Islam – have made heavy use of the first room. Extending the concept to the Schengen pier gives connecting passengers easier access without having to clear passport control. Four free, book-free work pods will be added next month, underscoring Helsinki Airport’s focus on mixed-use ‘third spaces’ for business travellers.
For global-mobility managers the initiative signals the growing importance of wellbeing infrastructure in airport selection. Companies routing staff through Helsinki can now highlight a dedicated space for spiritual and mental decompression – a small but appreciated perk for frequent flyers. It also underlines Finavia’s strategy of positioning Helsinki as a ‘smooth transfer’ gateway between Europe and Asia, where traveller comfort is part of the competitive edge.
Finavia’s passenger-experience manager Hanna Hämäläinen said design choices were guided by feedback from the earlier room and by benchmarking comparable spaces at other hubs. Natural light, acoustic panelling and neutral colours were selected to make the room welcoming to all faiths and worldviews, while a partnership with the Vantaa parish union ensures pastoral support and the possibility to hold weddings or blessings for travellers who request them.
The airport chaplaincy notes that passengers from religions with set prayer times – especially Islam – have made heavy use of the first room. Extending the concept to the Schengen pier gives connecting passengers easier access without having to clear passport control. Four free, book-free work pods will be added next month, underscoring Helsinki Airport’s focus on mixed-use ‘third spaces’ for business travellers.
For global-mobility managers the initiative signals the growing importance of wellbeing infrastructure in airport selection. Companies routing staff through Helsinki can now highlight a dedicated space for spiritual and mental decompression – a small but appreciated perk for frequent flyers. It also underlines Finavia’s strategy of positioning Helsinki as a ‘smooth transfer’ gateway between Europe and Asia, where traveller comfort is part of the competitive edge.
