SAS is expanding its intercontinental offering for Winter 2026/27 with three new long haul routes from Copenhagen to Dubai, Phuket, and Krabi.
The additions strengthen SAS’ winter portfolio, responding to growing demand for travel to the Middle East and Asia while further reinforcing Copenhagen’s role as a global hub for Scandinavia and Northern Europe.
The return to Dubai—SAS’ first operation to the UAE since 2011—marks a significant milestone in the airline’s long haul development. Dubai is one of the world’s most dynamic cities and a prominent international centre for business, tourism, and innovation. Its world-class resorts, vibrant cultural scene, and year-round warm climate make it a compelling destination for both leisure and business travellers.
Thailand also receives a major boost, with more than 75 percent additional capacity compared with last winter. With the introduction of Phuket and Krabi, SAS becomes the only airline offering scheduled commercial nonstop services from Scandinavia to three destinations in Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi.
The routes have been carefully scheduled to offer convenient timings to and from Dubai and maximize connecting opportunities from Europe to Phuket and Krabi.
Strengthened longhaul network and increased A350 operations
The winter expansion is supported by the addition of two new Airbus A350 aircraft, enabling a 34 percent increase in A350 operations across the network. This added capacity allows SAS to scale its long haul presence significantly.
Capacity will increase across key destinations, with 70 percent more seats to Boston, 20 percent more to San Francisco, and 10 percent more to Chicago. In Asia, SAS will further strengthen its long haul presence through coordinated increases in frequency and seat capacity, including more than 50 percent growth to Seoul (ICN), 40 percent to Tokyo Haneda (HND), and 15 percent to Bangkok (BKK), alongside the new nonstop connections to Phuket and Krabi.
SAS’ operational performance continues to support this growth. Over the past year, the airline has been recognized as the world’s most punctual airline across several months, underscoring the progress of its operational turnaround and the reliability customers can expect as the network expands.