Denmark, India: Scandinavian Airlines Launches New Year-Round Copenhagen-Mumbai Route, Boosting Travel Between Northern Europe and South Asia Starting June 2026

Thursday, June 26, 2025

In an exciting development for both business and leisure travelers, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is returning to India with the launch of a new year-round route connecting Copenhagen and Mumbai starting on June 2, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in SAS’s intercontinental expansion, as the airline resumes direct service to India after a 17-year hiatus.

The new service will operate five times per week on an Airbus A330, providing essential connectivity between Northern Europe and one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. The route not only strengthens Copenhagen Airport’s position as a major northern European hub but also enhances travel options for business and tourist traffic heading to South Asia.

SAS President and CEO Anko van der Werff stated that the launch is a strategic move aimed at bolstering Copenhagen’s role as a global hub while improving the accessibility of India—a country of immense economic importance and growing demand—especially for Northern Europe and North America. The Copenhagen-Mumbai route is designed to support global connectivity, catering to travelers who wish to connect to the booming markets of India and beyond.

A Milestone for Scandinavian Airlines and Copenhagen Airport

This route launch is a major step forward for Scandinavian Airlines as it continues its expansion beyond Europe and reestablishes connections with emerging global markets like India. For the Copenhagen Airport, the route represents a critical addition to its growing intercontinental network. The airport’s position as a leading gateway between Northern Europe and key international destinations like India, North America, and Asia will be strengthened with this direct connection to Mumbai.

Additionally, Mumbai, India’s financial and cultural powerhouse, is one of the world’s most influential hubs. Its growing international business landscape, alongside rich cultural and heritage tourism, offers travelers an all-encompassing experience. With more than 20 million people living in the city, Mumbai is one of the largest urban centers globally. From business meetings to cultural explorations, the city promises something for everyone—making it a compelling destination for both corporate travelers and tourists alike.

Key Features of the New Route: Five Weekly Flights

The new Copenhagen-Mumbai service will offer a convenient schedule that aims to optimize travel times for passengers connecting from both Europe and North America. With five weekly flights, travelers can expect flexibility and a reliable flight service, with carefully planned departure times to provide smooth connections across SAS’s extended global network.

The new service includes the following flight schedule:

SK969 departs Copenhagen at 13:10 and arrives in Mumbai at 01:30 (+1) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.SK970 departs Mumbai at 06:00 and arrives in Copenhagen at 11:45 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

With these timely departures, passengers can take advantage of efficient connections to major long-haul destinations across SAS’s network, including cities like New York, Boston, and Toronto. This scheduling will facilitate easier travel from India to Northern Europe and North America, streamlining both business and leisure travel.

Mumbai: A Major Hub for Business and Tourism

Mumbai, often referred to as the “City of Dreams,” is not only the financial capital of India, but it also draws tourists from around the world with its rich cultural heritage, thriving food scene, and diverse tourism offerings. The city is home to major business hubs, world-class restaurants, and several historic landmarks, making it a prime destination for both corporate travelers and tourists alike.

For tourists, Mumbai provides an enticing mix of beaches, heritage landmarks, and wellness escapes. Visitors can explore iconic sites like the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and the Elephanta Caves while also indulging in the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Mumbai is also famous for being the heart of Bollywood, attracting film enthusiasts and fans of Indian cinema from across the globe.

On the business front, Mumbai continues to grow as a global economic powerhouse, with numerous multinational corporations having their Indian headquarters in the city. As a result, Mumbai has long been a key destination for business travelers, and SAS’s return to the city ensures more accessible options for professionals traveling between India and Northern Europe.

Enhancing Connectivity Between India and Northern Europe

The Copenhagen-Mumbai route will offer streamlined connections for travelers between Northern Europe and India. Copenhagen, being one of the most well-connected cities in Scandinavia, serves as a hub for SAS’s European network. The launch of this new route means that travelers from cities like Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki will have greater access to Mumbai without the need for multiple layovers.

In addition, the new service will serve as a convenient gateway for travelers from India who wish to connect with Northern Europe or travel onward to North America. The enhanced connectivity between India, Europe, and North America will allow SAS to tap into the growing demand for both business and tourism travel to India.

Scandinavian Airlines Intercontinental Growth Strategy

With this new route to Mumbai, SAS demonstrates its growing focus on intercontinental travel and expanding its global footprint. After a period of relatively limited international routes, the airline is now looking to tap into burgeoning markets in Asia, South Asia, and beyond. As India continues to experience robust economic growth, SAS aims to serve travelers heading to one of the most dynamic regions in the world.

By expanding its services to Mumbai, SAS is diversifying its portfolio of international routes and creating more opportunities for travelers looking to explore the world. Whether for business or pleasure, the Copenhagen-Mumbai connection aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to increase global reach and connect passengers to emerging markets.

A Boost to Copenhagen Airport’s Global Role

For Copenhagen Airport, this new route to Mumbai will boost its status as a critical node in global aviation. As one of the major international airports in Northern Europe, Copenhagen Airport is strategically positioned to serve as a key hub connecting Europe, India, and North America. This development will likely encourage more international airlines to consider Copenhagen as a viable base for connecting flights to Asia and other regions.

The addition of the Copenhagen-Mumbai route will also benefit Denmark’s economy by increasing tourism and business activity, enhancing the country’s profile as a gateway to Northern Europe. As India continues to grow as a source of both inbound and outbound tourism, the new SAS route will serve to further solidify Copenhagen Airport’s importance as a leading international airport.

The Future of SAS and Connectivity with India

The return of SAS to India is just the beginning of what is expected to be a significant phase of growth for the airline’s intercontinental network. As the demand for travel to and from India continues to rise, SAS is poised to expand its offerings to other key cities in the region. This move represents an exciting shift for the airline, as it adapts to evolving global travel trends and positions itself as a key player in the competitive Asia-Europe travel market.

With Mumbai at the center of this new service, SAS is set to provide increased convenience and affordable travel options for those looking to travel between Northern Europe and South Asia. The launch of this direct route between Copenhagen and Mumbai not only strengthens SAS’s global connectivity but also supports the airline’s goal to foster greater international collaboration in both business and tourism.

Conclusion: SAS’s Bold Expansion Strategy into India

The introduction of the Copenhagen-Mumbai route is an exciting step forward for SAS and a significant move in enhancing global connectivity. This new service will allow more efficient travel between India and Northern Europe, benefiting business travelers and tourists alike. With Mumbai serving as the economic and cultural heart of India, the new SAS route ensures smoother access to one of the world’s most influential regions.

As SAS continues to expand its intercontinental reach, the Copenhagen-Mumbai route will play a pivotal role in connecting Northern Europe to the dynamic markets of South Asia. For travelers, it represents an exciting new option to explore India, Europe, and North America, while benefiting from SAS’s renowned comfort and service.