Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is set to enhance its international flight offerings by introducing a new nonstop service connecting Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) starting September 12, 2025. This marks a significant milestone as it will be SAS’s first regular direct route from Scandinavia to South Korea, aligning with the airline’s recent partnership with Korean Air as part of the SkyTeam alliance.
The new route will operate four times per week during the summer months, with a reduction to three flights per week in the winter season. The airline plans to utilize the modern Airbus A350 aircraft for this service, which is known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
SAS has expressed that this route is designed to meet the increasing demand from travelers in Korea who wish to explore Scandinavia. Additionally, it aims to provide seamless connections for passengers traveling to various destinations across Europe through SAS’s extensive network.
The announcement follows SAS’s transition from the Star Alliance to the SkyTeam alliance, a move that was part of a larger restructuring effort. This shift included a strategic investment from Air France-KLM, which acquired a 19.9% stake in SAS. Since joining SkyTeam, SAS has already revealed plans for a new route to Seattle, set to commence in May 2025, which will reconnect the airline with the Washington air gateway after a hiatus of over 15 years.
In addition to the Seattle route, SAS has also launched a service to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which commenced in June and operates daily during the summer season, transitioning to five roundtrips per week in the winter. These additions are part of SAS’s strategy to leverage its new partnership with Delta Air Lines, a key member of the SkyTeam alliance, to enhance connectivity for its passengers.
According to data from OAG Schedules Analyser, once the Seoul service begins, SAS will be the only airline offering flights between Denmark and South Korea. The only other Nordic airline providing service to Seoul is Finnair, which operates daily flights from Helsinki using the Airbus A350-900. Notably, Sabre Market Intelligence data indicates that a significant portion of passengers traveling from Helsinki to Seoul originate from other points on Finnair’s network, highlighting the potential for SAS to attract connecting travelers through Copenhagen.
The introduction of this new route is expected to bolster SAS’s position in the Asian market and provide enhanced travel options for passengers looking to explore both Scandinavia and South Korea. With evening departures planned, the schedule is optimized for convenient connections within Europe, catering to the needs of international travelers.
As SAS continues to expand its global network, the airline is focused on creating new opportunities for travel and connectivity, further establishing its presence in key markets around the world.
