SAS launches new long‑haul routes to Dubai and Thailand for Winter 2026/27

SAS is expanding its intercontinental offering for Winter 2026/27 with three new longhaul 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 longhaul development. Dubai is one of the world’s most dynamic cities and a prominent international center 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 travelers.

Thailand also receives a major boost, with more than 75 percent additional capacity compared with last winter. With the introduction of Phuket and Krabi—served with scheduled operations for the first time ever—SAS becomes the only airline offering nonstop services from Copenhagen to some of Thailand’s most popular vacation destinations.

The routes have been carefully scheduled to offer convenient timings to and from Dubai and maximize connecting opportunities from Europe to Phuket and Krabi.

“Dubai represents an important market for SAS, and at the same time we are proud to introduce Phuket and Krabi to our longhaul network,” says Paul Verhagen, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at SAS. “Re-establishing our presence in Dubai allows us to offer our customers direct access to one of the world’s most exciting cities, while the addition of Phuket and Krabi provides nonstop connections to Thailand’s most sought-after holiday destinations. Together, these routes strengthen Copenhagen as a global hub for Scandinavia and Northern Europe and expand the choices available to our customers for both business and leisure travel.”

“With additional A350 aircraft and increased capacity on key routes across Asia, the Middle East, and North America, we are strengthening our global network while continuing to deliver the reliable, world-class punctuality our customers expect from SAS. This expansion reflects the strong momentum of our transformation and our ambition for sustainable growth,” says Erik Westman, Chief Revenue Officer at SAS.

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 longhaul 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 longhaul 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.
 

FACTS:

Copenhagen – Dubai

Season: 25 October 2026 – 27 March 2027
Frequency: Daily
Aircraft: Airbus A320neo

Copenhagen – Phuket

Season: 09 December 2026 – 29 March 2027
Frequency: 2–3 weekly
Aircraft: Airbus A350

Copenhagen – Krabi

Season: 08 December 2026 – 28 March 2027
Frequency: 2 weekly
Aircraft: Airbus A350