Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced its most extensive summer schedule to date for 2026, significantly increasing its network and seat capacity. The airline plans to introduce nine new routes across Europe, North America, and Asia, while also extending operations on several existing services. This expansion will boost seat capacity from its Copenhagen hub by 20% and create 50% more connecting flight opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- SAS will operate its largest ever summer schedule in 2026.
- Nine new routes are planned across Europe, North America, and Asia.
- Copenhagen hub will see a 20% increase in seat capacity.
- Connecting opportunities from Copenhagen will rise by 50%.
- New destinations include Mumbai, Istanbul, and Madrid.
Significant Expansion from Copenhagen Airport
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) serves as a central hub for SAS, from which the airline currently operates more than 100 routes. In recent years, SAS has consistently expanded its network from this key location. For instance, during the 2025 summer season, the airline added 28 new routes across its entire network, with most of these originating from Copenhagen. These additions included services to cities such as Madrid, Budapest, Krakow, Lyon, Wroclaw, and Nuuk in Greenland. The airline also introduced long-haul flights to Seoul and Seattle.
The upcoming 2026 summer schedule will continue this growth trend, with a majority of the new routes departing from Copenhagen. This strategic focus on Copenhagen aims to enhance the airline's presence and connectivity in both European and international markets. The expansion is part of a broader strategy to solidify SAS's position as a leading carrier in the Scandinavian region.
"Our 2026 summer program represents our most ambitious expansion to date, significantly enhancing connectivity for our passengers," an SAS spokesperson stated. "The increased capacity and new routes, particularly from Copenhagen, will offer more choices and better access to key global destinations."
New Long-Haul Service to Mumbai
One of the most notable additions from Copenhagen is the resumption of flights to Mumbai, India. Starting June 2, SAS will operate five weekly flights to Mumbai using its Airbus A330-300 aircraft. This marks SAS's return to the Indian market after a 17-year absence. The airline last served Delhi in 2009 and previously operated flights to Kolkata until 1985.
Fact: First Nonstop Copenhagen-Mumbai Link
The new SAS service will be the first nonstop connection between Copenhagen and Mumbai. This complements Air India's existing Delhi–Copenhagen route, which is currently the only direct link between India and Scandinavia.
The introduction of the Mumbai route has been a long-term goal for SAS. However, a shortage of suitable wide-body aircraft and the ongoing closure of Russian airspace had previously delayed its launch. The new connection is expected to facilitate business and leisure travel between Scandinavia and India, a growing market for both regions.
Expanding European Network and Short-Haul Routes
Beyond the long-haul expansion, SAS is also significantly boosting its European footprint with several new routes from Copenhagen. These include services to Istanbul, Riga, Luxembourg, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Visby. These additions aim to provide more options for travelers within Europe and strengthen regional connections.
Airline Profile: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
- IATA Code: SK
- ICAO Code: SAS
- Airline Type: Full Service Carrier
- Year Founded: 1946
- Alliance: Star Alliance
- CEO: Anko van der Werff
In spring 2026, SAS will also introduce two new short-haul routes. From March 29, the airline will operate twice-weekly flights between Stockholm and Madrid. A day later, on March 30, a twice-weekly service will begin between Oslo and Hamburg. These new routes aim to enhance connectivity within Northern Europe and to key Spanish destinations.
Key New Routes from Copenhagen in Summer 2026
- Mumbai: Starting June 2, five weekly flights (except Mondays and Wednesdays).
- Istanbul: Starting March 26, daily flights.
- Riga: Starting March 8, three daily flights.
- Luxembourg: Starting March 9, two daily flights.
- Bordeaux: Starting May 15, two weekly flights.
- Marseille: Starting June 22, two weekly flights (peak season only).
- Visby: Starting June 22, three weekly flights (peak season only).
Extended Services and Increased Frequencies
In addition to new routes, SAS will extend three existing routes to operate for the entire summer season. These include Copenhagen–Alesund, Copenhagen–Edinburgh, and Copenhagen–Thessaloniki. Previously, these routes were limited to peak months. This extension provides more consistent travel options for passengers throughout the summer schedule.
According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, the Copenhagen–Thessaloniki route will operate from May 5 with at least three weekly flights. The Copenhagen–Edinburgh service will see up to six weekly flights starting from the same month. These extensions reflect a growing demand for these destinations and SAS's commitment to providing year-round access.
Data Point: Frequency Boost
SAS is increasing frequency on more than 30 existing routes across its network. Copenhagen alone will gain additional departures on over 25 connections, including Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Krakow, Prague, Seoul, Tallinn, and Tokyo.
Stockholm will benefit from more flights to Brussels, Dublin, Paris, and Vaasa. Oslo will also see expanded links to Brussels, Dublin, and Reykjavik. These frequency boosts are designed to offer greater flexibility and convenience for travelers, particularly for business passengers who require more frequent connections.
Winter 2025/26 Network Expansion
SAS is also expanding its winter 2025/26 network from Copenhagen. Starting in October, the airline will add six new destinations and increase frequencies on key routes. Furthermore, 22 of its most popular summer services will be carried over into the colder months. This comprehensive winter plan aims to enhance connectivity across Scandinavia and Europe.
Overall, SAS projects that winter seat capacity from Copenhagen will rise by 40%. Connectivity across Scandinavia and Europe is expected to improve by 75%. This significant increase in winter operations demonstrates SAS's commitment to maintaining a robust schedule throughout the year, catering to both leisure and business travel demands.
New Winter Destinations from Copenhagen
- Vienna: Six weekly year-round services.
- Tel Aviv: Three weekly year-round services (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays).
- Marrakech: Two weekly seasonal services (Saturdays).
- Madeira: One weekly seasonal service (Saturdays).
- Fuerteventura: One weekly seasonal service (Saturdays).
- Kittila: Two weekly seasonal services (Tuesdays and Saturdays).
The airline will also continue 22 existing summer routes through the winter. These include transatlantic and European destinations such as Toronto, Seoul, Budapest, Madrid, Venice, Lisbon, Krakow, and Wroclaw. This strategy ensures that popular routes remain accessible during the off-peak season, supporting tourism and business travel throughout the year.
The combined summer and winter expansions highlight SAS's aggressive growth strategy. The airline is focusing on increasing its market share and providing a wider array of travel options for its customers. This includes both long-haul international flights and shorter regional connections, catering to diverse passenger needs.
