SAS Returns to India: Copenhagen–Mumbai Nonstop Flights Begin After 17 Years

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) began nonstop Copenhagen–Mumbai flights on October 1, 2026, ending a 17-year absence from India. The route runs five times a week on an Airbus A330 with 266 seats, and it connects to SAS flights from New York, Boston and Toronto through Copenhagen.

What SAS Launched on October 1

Route: Copenhagen (CPH) to Mumbai (BOM) · Flight numbers: SK969 / SK970 · Frequency: 5 weekly

SAS says the service marks its return to India after 17 years, according to its own launch announcement. Chief Commercial Officer Paul Verhagen described the route as opening "effortless doors" between Scandinavia and a major economic hub, and tickets are on sale across all booking channels.

Schedule and Aircraft

Outbound: Departs CPH 16:10, arrives BOM 04:30 (+1) · Return: Departs BOM 06:30, arrives CPH 12:15

Flight SK969 operates Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Copenhagen, while SK970 flies Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Mumbai, per the Travel Daily News schedule report. Outlook Traveller puts block times at roughly 8 hours 50 minutes eastbound-to-Mumbai and 9 hours 15 minutes back to Copenhagen. The A330 carries business class, premium economy and economy cabins.

The outbound flight leaves Copenhagen at 16:10, which suits passengers arriving from North America or elsewhere in Europe earlier in the day, and lands in Mumbai before dawn. The westbound SK970 leaves at 06:30 and reaches Copenhagen at 12:15, which gives the afternoon for onward flights from the hub. Because the two directions operate on different weekday patterns, only Friday, Saturday and Sunday have flights in both directions, so anyone planning a round trip should check that the outbound and return days line up before paying. The five-day pattern therefore rewards flexible dates.

Why the Launch Slipped From June to October

Original date: June 2, 2026 · Actual start: October 1, 2026 · Cause: missing regulatory approval

The first flight in June turned back over Azerbaijan because a final regulatory approval had not arrived as expected, as Live From A Lounge reported. Simple Flying framed the episode as a paperwork problem, not a safety or technical one. SAS now says it has secured all necessary clearances and that all regulatory approvals are in place, so the October start proceeds on a fully approved footing.

Who the Route Is For and What It Means for India

Target segments: business, leisure, visiting friends and relatives · Hub: Copenhagen

Aviation24 reports that SAS is aiming at all three segments and that the launch coincides with the airline's 80th anniversary. For Scandinavian travelers, the route removes the connection that previously sat between them and western India. For Indian travelers, it adds a Nordic gateway with onward links across Europe.

InterGlobe's J B Singh told India Outbound the route answers rising demand for direct, high-quality connectivity. When SAS first announced the return, Simple Flying noted that IndiGo had expressed interest in a Copenhagen service of its own.

SAS was one of several carriers adding service on October 1. JetBlue began daily Fort Lauderdale–Barranquilla flights, and Southwest started year-round Reno–Nashville service, according to eTurboNews' weekly roundup. The same roundup flags the October 25 opening of Western Sydney Airport and the insolvency filing of Romanian carrier AnimaWings, a reminder that route growth and airline fragility are happening at once. For India specifically, Aviation A2Z's August report tracks how the schedule was rebuilt after the June false start.

Connecting From North America

Onward gateways: New York, Boston, Toronto · Alliance: SkyTeam

SAS says the Copenhagen hub links the new route to its North American network, which includes New York, Boston and Toronto. SAS joined SkyTeam in 2024, so SkyTeam partner miles and status may apply, though travelers should confirm earning rules with their own program. Return fares from Mumbai were quoted at about INR 50,000 to 60,000 by Outlook Traveller, and prices vary by date and availability.

Practical Tips for Flying It

Arrival time: 04:30 in Mumbai · Watch: airport terminal changes from October 25

An early-morning arrival suits connections to domestic flights but makes hotel check-in awkward, so consider booking the prior night. Domestic travelers should note that Mumbai's Terminal 1 closes October 25, which we cover in our Mumbai Terminal 1 closure guide. Anyone heading onward to southern India can read our guide to Kerala hospital accreditation if the trip involves medical care, or our list of the best places to visit in India this winter for leisure ideas. US citizens can apply for the e-Tourist visa through the official Indian e-visa portal, at least 4 days and up to 120 days before arrival, with a passport valid for at least six months and two blank pages. Canadians should check their own eligibility on the same portal. Neither group should assume a visa can be sorted out at the airport in Mumbai after a long overnight flight.

People also ask

When did SAS start flying to Mumbai?

SAS began scheduled Copenhagen–Mumbai service on October 1, 2026, per its official announcement. An earlier June 2 inaugural attempt turned back over Azerbaijan because a regulatory approval had not been received, so the airline reset the launch date and secured all clearances before restarting.

How many times a week does SAS fly to Mumbai?

SAS operates five weekly round trips between Copenhagen and Mumbai. Flight SK969 leaves Copenhagen on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while SK970 leaves Mumbai on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday on an Airbus A330.

What aircraft does SAS use on the Mumbai route?

SAS uses an Airbus A330 with 266 seats on the route. The cabin has business class, premium economy and economy sections. Some trade outlets cite slightly different seat counts of 262 to 266, so check your booking for the exact configuration.

Can I connect to Mumbai from the US or Canada via Copenhagen?

Yes, SAS says the route connects with its North American network through Copenhagen, including New York, Boston and Toronto. Travelers should check total journey time, layover length and baggage rules, and confirm whether a single ticket protects the connection.

Why did SAS stop flying to India before?

Reports say SAS last served India 17 years ago, but the sources reviewed here do not explain why the airline stopped. They focus on the 2026 return, which SAS says reflects demand for direct links between Scandinavia and Mumbai.

Facts in this article were checked against current sources as of October 4, 2026. Schedules, fares and regulatory details can change, so confirm with SAS or your travel provider before booking or traveling.