Finavia to start using a coating that destroys viruses and bacteria at Helsinki Airport

Airport company Finavia will start using Finnish technology company Nanoksi Finland Oy’s coating solution at Helsinki Airport. The coating can be used to remove viruses and bacteria from airport surfaces and furniture.

“We are continuously keeping track of new methods and products to ensure a high level of hygiene at the airport. This nanotechnology-based coating, which is sprayed on contact surfaces and furniture, makes it easier to keep surfaces clean. The coating destroys pathogens with the help of light and air,” says Sami Kiiskinen, Finavia’s Vice President, Airport Development for Helsinki Airport.

The coating is sprayed on targets such as check-in counters, machines, departure gates and toilet facilities. The coating lasts for a long time, even though the furniture is wiped several times a day.

The Nanoksi solution has been tested at the
airport since early summer and, thanks to the good results, Finavia has decided to start using it in September 2021.

Helsinki Airport Development Programme moves forward faster than planned due to the low passenger volumes

In 2020, a total of 5 million (2019: 21.9) passengers travelled from Helsinki Airport, of which 4 million on international routes. The number of passengers at Helsinki Airport fell by a total of 77 per cent from the previous year. In spite of the COVID-19 crisis, Finavia has decided to continue Helsinki Airport Development Programme.

International transfer travel, which has enabled the airport's rapid growth in recent years, fell by 80 per cent. The number of passengers with connecting international flights was 713,000 (3,571,900).

The number of passengers at Finavia's 21 airports remained at a record low in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2020, airports served a total of 6,4 million passengers, which is almost 20 million less than in the previous year. The number decreased by 75 per cent compared to 2019.