We’ve visited the Aspire Lounge by Gate 27 at Helsinki Airport a few times now, both before and after its renovation in early 2025. The refresh made a noticeable difference in the interior design, and my most recent visit was in October 2025. While the space feels brighter and more modern, the food and drinks selection remains fairly average.

Location and access

There are multiple Aspire Lounges in the airport. This lounge is located near Gate 27, just up a short staircase. It’s easy to reach right after security if you’re staying within the Schengen area. Opening hours run from 5am to 9pm daily, and entry is limited to 3 hours before departure. It’s strictly enforced, as we arrived 3 hours and 30 minutes before our flight and were turned away, even though it was a connecting flight.

If you’re departing from the non-Schengen side, you may be better off heading to the Plaza Premium Lounge after passport control, which now opens past 9pm as of writing.

Access is available via Priority Pass or through select airlines. With SAS upgrading their regional offerings recently, this lounge is now included when flying SAS Business Class flights, or as SkyTeam Elite Plus when flying with SAS. For other airlines, you can check directly.

Layout

The lounge kept its loft-style setup. Right after the reception is a staircase leading to an upper-level seating area. It’s a very small area and was already full during our visit, so we didn’t explore it further. Finavia’s photo gives a better idea of how it looks.

The main lounge has been refreshed with newer furnishings, a noticeable upgrade from its pre-renovation look. The interior feels cleaner and brighter throughout the space, with a good mix of seating options: bar stools, long communal tables, lounging chairs, high-tops, and semi-booths. It’s still the same size post-renovation, but the new layout makes it feel more comfortable and spacious than before.

You can also enjoy tarmac views from most seats in the lounge, and can watch flights take off from the runway.

Food and drinks

The bar is located near the entrance. Beer and wine are available, though I recall they are not complimentary. This is also the only place to refill water, since there are no taps elsewhere in the lounge. You will need to ask a staff member for help with this.

Breakfast is served buffet-style, and the menu is placed nearby. The spread includes yoghurt, a small salad bar, cakes and pies, ham and cheese, fruits and berries, and cookies. There is also a coffee machine with flavoured options. The selection is simple and works fine if you just want a quick bite or a place to settle in before your flight. Don’t expect much however.

Final thoughts

The renovated Aspire Lounge at Gate 27 is a nicer place to spend time than it used to be, and the updated interiors definitely help lift the overall experience. It’s comfortable enough for short stays, especially if you just need a seat, a coffee, and some quiet before your flight.

That said, the food and drink offering remains very basic, and the strict three-hour entry rule can be inconvenient for longer connections. If your priority is a more substantial meal or better amenities, there are stronger options elsewhere in the airport (though it may be paid, unless you have an Amex Platinum). But for a straightforward stop to rest or get some work done, it’s probably okay, though not worth arriving early for.