Sas Inaugurates First Direct Route Between Scandinavia And Seoul

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has launched its first-ever non-stop service linking Scandinavia with South Korea, as the inaugural Copenhagen – Seoul flight took off today. The new connection establishes a direct air bridge between the two regions, reflecting both rising demand from Scandinavian travelers to East Asia and growing inbound interest from South Korea.

The route will operate four times weekly during the autumn season, adjusting to three weekly flights in the winter schedule. From June 2026, SAS will expand capacity by 50%, offering up to six flights per week in response to strong forward bookings and market demand.

“This is an exciting day for SAS and our passengers. With our inaugural flight to Seoul, we are not only responding to strong customer demand but also strengthening the ties between Scandinavia and one of Asia’s most vibrant hubs. Seoul is a global center of culture, innovation, and business, and we are proud to add it to our growing intercontinental network,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.

The new service provides Scandinavian travelers with direct access to Korea’s capital, which has become a popular destination in recent years thanks to its mix of cultural heritage and modern lifestyle. At the same time, Korean passengers will gain easier access to Scandinavia’s natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and onward connections to over 100 European destinations through SAS’ network.

Expanding SAS’ intercontinental network

With the addition of Seoul, SAS now operates 14 long-haul destinations from Copenhagen, reinforcing the Danish capital’s role as the airline’s primary intercontinental hub. The move highlights SAS’ commitment to positioning Copenhagen as a global gateway for Northern Europe.

Flights are operated with the Airbus A350, the airline’s most fuel-efficient widebody aircraft, offering seating for around 300 passengers. Scheduled with evening departures, the flights are designed to optimize connectivity across Europe and maximize usable time at destination.

Seoul Incheon: a major Asian hub

Seoul’s Incheon International Airport ranks among the world’s largest aviation gateways, handling nearly 70 million passengers and 3 million tons of freight in 2024. Its extensive global connections make it a strategic addition to SAS’ Asian network and a valuable link for both leisure and business travelers.

The introduction of the Copenhagen–Seoul route reflects broader trends in transcontinental aviation, where demand is being reshaped by new cultural links, increased tourism flows, and business opportunities. With capacity alrady set to expand in 2026, SAS is positioning itself to capture both outbound Scandinavian demand for Asia and inbound flows from South Korea into Northern and Western Europe.

Flight schedule:

The article SAS inaugurates first direct route between Scandinavia and Seoul first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.