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SAS ramps up Copenhagen as main international hub

SAS is to focus on building up Copenhagen as its main international hub after switching to the SkyTeam alliance following a financial restructure.

The Scandinavian carrier insisted that it would continue to offer “robust services” from Oslo and Stockholm. 

But the ramp up of operations from the Danish capital’s airport next summer will see it positioned the airline’s main hub as a key international gateway to and from Scandinavia and northern Europe.

The 2025 summer schedule includes 15 new European routes to Krakow, Madrid, Budapest, Lyon, Valencia, Malta, Bucharest, Milan Linate, Seville, Turku, Billund, Kristiansand, Harstad/Narvik and Bodø plus a new long-haul service to Seattle.

Frequency will also be raised on 15 existing routes, including key destinations such as Stockholm, Oslo, Prague, Berlin and Helsinki.

The airline said: “With the recent entry into SkyTeam, SAS is focusing on global reach and will continue to develop Copenhagen as its main hub for international travel. 

“Copenhagen’s attractive location in continental Europe allows for efficient same-day travel across northern, central, and western Europe. The hub will also serve as a key transit point for long-haul travel, connecting Europe with North America and Asia.”

SAS noted that it will maintain up to 125 daily departures from Oslo Gardemoen airport to more than 60 destinations, focusing on regional and European travel plus a new season summer route to New York JFK.

More than 70 direct routes and 120 daily departures will operate from Stockholm Arlanda airport, which will remain “an important gateway” for European and intercontinental travel, supported by a partnership with local carrier Braathens Regional Airways to “optimise regional air services”.

SAS chief executive Anko van der Werff said: “Following new ownership and the successful completion of our restructuring, SAS is emerging as a competitive and financially strong airline. 

“By enhancing Copenhagen as our main hub and expanding our network, we are boosting connectivity and driving economic growth not only in Denmark but across Scandinavia. 

“As we focus on building a global hub in Scandinavia, Copenhagen will become a central gateway, bringing the region even closer together.

“For our passengers, this means more travel options, improved convenience, and a seamless experience across a growing number of destinations.”

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