Finavia Pilots Predictive Queue Time Service for Security Control at Helsinki Airport

Finavia is piloting an innovative digital service at Helsinki Airport that predicts the queue times for security control over the next 12 hours. This service, developed in collaboration with Finavia’s customers, aims to enhance the passenger experience and make travel smoother by providing up-to-date information about expected wait times.

Predicting Security Control Wait Times

The predicted queue time service allows passengers to check the expected wait times at security control before arriving at the airport. The service also includes details about the number of departing passengers at 30-minute intervals, which helps passengers plan their arrival at the airport. This real-time information is available on the Finavia website.

“The predicted queue time is based on the number of passengers expected to pass through security control within the next 12 hours,” says Hanna Hämäläinen, Head of Passenger Services and Development at Helsinki Airport. “The busiest periods are typically in the morning, between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., and in the afternoon, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.”

Improving Travel with Data-Driven Insights

This new service is an example of how Finavia is using data to improve customer service. The prediction model is designed to give travelers a clearer idea of when to arrive at the airport, helping them avoid long waits and plan their journey more efficiently.

The service has already gained significant attention, with nearly 100,000 views within the first two months of its launch in October 2024. The pilot will continue until the end of 2024, with Finavia collecting user feedback through a form on their website to refine the service further.

Recommendations for Passengers

While the predicted queue times are designed to assist with planning, Finavia advises passengers to follow the instructions provided by their airline regarding the recommended arrival time at the airport.