SAS Launches Copenhagen–Mumbai Route After 17-Year Hiatus

SAS Expands Reach to India

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) has officially inaugurated its new nonstop service between Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai. This route marks the carrier's return to the Indian market after a 17-year hiatus, following the suspension of its Delhi service during the late 2000s financial downturn. The official route announcement confirms that the service is scheduled for five weekly frequencies using the airline's Airbus A330-300 fleet.

This expansion is a cornerstone of the airline's strategy to rebuild its intercontinental network following its transition from Star Alliance to SkyTeam in September 2024. By centralizing long-haul operations at its Copenhagen hub, the carrier aims to better feed traffic into the global networks of partners like Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines.

Operational Challenges on Inaugural Flight

Despite the strategic importance of the launch, the inaugural service, flight SK969, faced significant operational disruption on June 2, 2026. According to flight tracking data, the aircraft was forced to turn back to Copenhagen after approximately four hours of flight time while over Azerbaijan. The diversion resulted in an 8.5-hour round trip that failed to reach its destination. The disruption occurred because the airline had not secured final regulatory clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India before departure.

This incident mirrors a recent operational failure involving Air India on March 19, 2026, when a Delhi-to-Vancouver flight was forced to return after four hours due to missing regulatory clearance for Canadian airspace. Such events highlight the complexities of modern international route planning, where administrative and regulatory approvals are as critical as technical readiness.

Hub Strategy and Fleet Dynamics

SAS currently operates a fleet of eight Airbus A330-300 aircraft for its long-haul requirements. While these aircraft provide the necessary range for the Mumbai route, the airline is also evaluating its broader widebody capabilities as it shifts toward a premium, connection-focused model.

Airbus A330-300 vs. Airbus A350-900: Key Specifications

For passengers on the inaugural flight, the diversion was a high-severity event, causing missed connections and significant travel delays. Furthermore, the decision to prioritize Copenhagen as the primary intercontinental hub has drawn criticism from Swedish airport operators, who argue that the strategy diminishes direct global connectivity for travelers originating from Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

Regulatory Approvals and Future Outlook

SAS is working closely with Indian authorities to ensure all procedural requirements are met for the continuation of the service. The resumption of regular, uninterrupted operations for SK969 is expected by late June 2026, pending final confirmation from the DGCA.

Why This Matters for SkyTeam

The Mumbai route is critical for SAS to establish its relevance within the SkyTeam alliance. By linking Scandinavia to one of the world's most vital business and leisure markets, the airline is attempting to capture premium traffic that previously flowed through Gulf carriers such as Emirates or Qatar Airways. Success in this market will depend on the airline's ability to maintain high schedule reliability and seamless connectivity at its Copenhagen hub, proving that its new alliance alignment can deliver the promised network efficiencies.