Taxi driver Kari Pajunen, 68, shared that he received a message on February 21st intended for taxi drivers in the metropolitan area of Helsinki. The message reminded drivers that the taxi station in front of the terminal is not designated for prayer. Pajunen, who has been driving a taxi since 1989, expressed his surprise at the content of this message. The reminder comes from Finavia, which has reportedly had to address this issue with multiple drivers, especially now that Ramadan has commenced, a time when regular prayer is part of many Muslims' observance.

Ramadan, which lasts from February 17 to March 19 this year, is a period of fasting and prayer for Muslims, during which they observe specific prayer times throughout the day. The message has sparked confusion and discussions among taxi drivers, who have raised concerns about the implications of such reminders. Pajunen questioned whether Finavia's announcement could be seen as infringing on religious freedom, hinting at broader discussions about public spaces and the accommodation of cultural practices in workplaces.

Hanna Hämäläinen, the director of passenger services at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, confirmed the authenticity of the message. This situation raises questions about how public transportation authorities handle religious observances and the balance between operational guidelines and the rights of individuals to practice their faith openly within airport premises. Ultimately, it highlights the ongoing dialogue on inclusivity in public spaces and the consideration of diverse cultural practices during significant religious periods such as Ramadan.