EFHK Helsinki runways and takeoff performance

Runways at EFHK

The main direction is a set of two parallel runways (04R/22L and 04L/22R) on 048/228° true. 15/33 lies 74° off that axis and is the crosswind option when the wind blows across the main runways.

Lengths run from 2,901 m on 15/33 to 3,500 m on 04R/22L, a difference of 599 m.

Displaced thresholds: 04R 240 m, 22R 60 m. A displaced threshold shortens the landing distance from that end, not the takeoff run.

Example takeoff performance

Flap setting, assumed temperature (FLEX) and V1/VR/V2 in knots for an A320ceo at 70 t and a 737-800 at 72 t, from the start of each runway of at least 1,800 m. Conditions are a standard day so runway length and airport elevation are what change: ISA temperature at the runway elevation, QNH 1013, calm wind, dry, no obstacles.

Runway length shows in the numbers: from 04R (3,500 m) the A320 example uses CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 60 °C, while 04L (3,060 m) needs CONF 2 and 58 °C, so less thrust reduction.

At 179 ft above sea level the air is as dense as it gets, and the elevation costs nothing: the A320 example on 04R matches the same runway at sea level (CONF 1+F, 60 °C).

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from 04R (3,500 m). The limiting end is 33 (2,901 m), which needs CONF 2 with an assumed temperature of 48 °C. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.

The A320 V2 values include improved climb: with a long runway and a high assumed temperature, V2 is raised above its minimum so the one-engine climb gradient still holds. That is why V2 runs higher on the longer runways.

The 737-800 assumed temperature is at its FCOM maximum (marked max) from each runway end in the table, so at 72 t the runway is not what limits it.

An illustration for flight simulation, not for real-world operations. Your own numbers depend on weight, weather, runway condition, intersection and obstacles; SkyNexus computes them from your SimBrief plan and the live METAR. See the A320 performance calculator and the 737-800 performance calculator for how it works.

Flying EFHK on VATSIM

VATSIM Scandinavia publishes a pilot briefing for Helsinki with local procedures. Read it before you file: VATSIM Scandinavia EFHK briefing. In SkyNexus the division notes show up next to your departure briefing, with the live VATSIM and IVAO controllers along your route.

Nearby airports

• ESSA Stockholm Arlanda215 NM
• ENGM Oslo Gardermoen412 NM
• EKCH Copenhagen482 NM
• EPWA Warsaw Chopin507 NM

All airports

EFHK questions

How long is the longest runway at EFHK?

Runway 04R/22L at Helsinki is 3,500 m (11,483 ft) long and 60 m wide, surfaced in asphalt.

What is the elevation of Helsinki?

Helsinki Vantaa Airport sits at 179 ft above sea level. Elevation lowers air density, which raises true airspeed at a given V-speed and lengthens the takeoff run, so it matters for performance.

Which flap setting does an A320 use for takeoff at EFHK?

In our reference example (70 t, ISA, calm wind, dry runway, full length) the A320 uses CONF 1+F or CONF 2 here. On a real day the answer moves with weight, temperature, wind and the runway condition; SkyNexus works it out from your SimBrief flight plan and the live METAR.

Which runway at EFHK limits a heavy A320 takeoff?

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from 04R (3,500 m). The limiting end is 33 (2,901 m), which needs CONF 2 with an assumed temperature of 48 °C. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.

Is there a VATSIM pilot briefing for EFHK?

Yes. VATSIM Scandinavia publishes a pilot briefing for Helsinki with local procedures. SkyNexus links to it and shows the division notes next to your departure and arrival briefing.