Denmark, Copenhagen and Mumbai have regained a direct aviation connection as Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) returned to India after a 17-year absence, launching year-round nonstop services between Copenhagen and Mumbai. The route began on 2 June 2026, operating five times a week with Airbus A330 aircraft. For tourism, the reconnection opens a faster gateway between Scandinavia and western India, while also strengthening Copenhagen’s role as a connecting hub for travellers continuing across Europe and North America.
Key Stats
- Route: Copenhagen–Mumbai
- Airline: SAS
- Service: Year-round
- Frequency: 5 flights per week
- Aircraft: Airbus A330
- Flight number: SK969/SK970
- Approximate flight time: 8 hours 20 minutes–8 hours 50 minutes
- Approximate distance: 6,444 km
- SAS return to India: After 17 years
- Copenhagen Airport: SAS’s principal Scandinavian hub
- Mumbai airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
The 17-Year Gap Is Finally Over
The return of SAS to India closes a significant gap in direct connectivity between Denmark and one of Asia’s most important aviation and tourism markets.
The Copenhagen-Mumbai service was announced as part of SAS’s expansion of its intercontinental network, with the airline identifying India as an important market for both economic and travel demand.
For Danish travellers, Mumbai provides a direct entry point into India, reducing dependence on connecting flights through other European or Middle Eastern hubs.
For Indian travellers, Copenhagen becomes a direct gateway to Denmark and a convenient connecting point for wider Scandinavian and European journeys.
And that is where this route gets particularly interesting for tourism.
Mumbai Becomes A Direct Gateway To Denmark
Mumbai is one of India’s largest metropolitan areas and a major centre for business, culture, entertainment and international travel.
The city offers visitors experiences ranging from historic colonial architecture and waterfront landmarks to contemporary restaurants, markets and performing arts.
The nonstop connection makes Copenhagen more accessible for Indian travellers looking to combine Mumbai with a Scandinavian holiday.
Visitors can begin in Mumbai before travelling north to Copenhagen, where historic palaces, waterfront neighbourhoods, museums, design districts and New Nordic cuisine provide an entirely different cultural experience.
Copenhagen Gets A Stronger India Connection
Copenhagen is already one of Northern Europe’s major aviation gateways, and the Mumbai route strengthens its position as an international hub.
The city is particularly well suited to short city breaks. Visitors can explore Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace and the city’s extensive cycling network.
For Indian travellers planning a wider Nordic holiday, Copenhagen can also function as the starting point for journeys into Sweden, Norway and other European destinations.
SAS has designed the Mumbai schedule to facilitate connections to destinations across Scandinavia, Europe and North America.
The Route Is About More Than Leisure
Tourism is only one part of the connectivity story.
Mumbai’s importance as India’s financial and commercial capital gives the route a strong business-travel component. Direct flights can make corporate journeys between India and Scandinavia more convenient, while improved connectivity can support conferences, trade visits and professional exchanges.
For the tourism industry, that business traffic can also support hotel demand, meetings and events, restaurants and local transport.
The route therefore creates opportunities across several segments rather than relying entirely on holiday traffic.
Five Weekly Flights Create More Flexibility
SAS operates the service five times each week, giving travellers several departure options while maintaining a year-round schedule.
The Copenhagen-to-Mumbai service operates as SK969, while the return operates as SK970.
The airline’s published schedule places Copenhagen departures in the afternoon, with arrival in Mumbai after midnight local time. The return service leaves Mumbai in the morning and reaches Copenhagen before midday.
Travellers should check the latest operating schedule before booking because flight times and operating days can change.
Airbus A330 Brings Long-Haul Capacity
The route is operated with an Airbus A330, giving SAS the aircraft capacity required for a long-haul connection between Scandinavia and India.
The aircraft also supports the airline’s wider strategy of strengthening its intercontinental network from Copenhagen.
SAS joined the SkyTeam alliance in 2024, further expanding the potential network of connections available to passengers travelling through Copenhagen.
For international tourism, alliance connectivity can be particularly useful for visitors combining several countries within one holiday.
India And Scandinavia Gain A New Tourism Bridge
The route arrives as travellers increasingly seek direct international connections that reduce journey complexity.
Indian visitors can use Copenhagen as a base for exploring Denmark before continuing towards other Nordic destinations. Danish travellers can similarly use Mumbai as an entry point for exploring Maharashtra and connecting onwards to other parts of India.
The direct service also benefits travellers who value shorter overall journey times and fewer airport transfers.
Travel Details For International Visitors
Copenhagen Airport is Denmark’s principal international aviation gateway and is connected to central Copenhagen by Metro, train and other public transport.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport serves Mumbai and provides access to the city’s major districts through road and urban transport connections.
Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK), while India uses the Indian rupee (INR).
Travellers should check visa requirements, passport validity, airline schedules and entry regulations before departure.
FAQ
1. When did SAS restart Copenhagen-Mumbai flights?
The year-round service began on 2 June 2026, marking SAS’s return to India after 17 years.
2. How often does SAS fly between Copenhagen and Mumbai?
The route operates five times a week using Airbus A330 aircraft.
3. Why is the route important for tourism?
It creates a direct link between Denmark and western India, supporting leisure travel, business trips and connections between Scandinavia, Europe and India.
Timeline And Events
- 2009: SAS ended its previous direct India service, beginning the 17-year gap in connectivity.
- 25 June 2025: SAS announced its new Copenhagen-Mumbai route.
- 2 June 2026: The first new Copenhagen-Mumbai service operated.
- 2026: SAS operates the route five times weekly using Airbus A330 aircraft.
- 2026: Copenhagen continues to strengthen its position as SAS’s main international hub.
Conclusion
Denmark and India have entered a new phase of direct travel connectivity with SAS’s return to Mumbai after 17 years. The five-weekly Copenhagen-Mumbai service gives tourists, business travellers and wider international passengers a direct bridge between Scandinavia and western India. With Copenhagen serving as a gateway to Denmark and the wider Nordic region, while Mumbai provides access to India’s commercial and cultural heart, the route adds a significant new dimension to international tourism between the two regions.
