In a massive strategic shift, SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) has officially announced its Winter 2026/2027 schedule, revealing three major new routes that will reshape holiday travel from Copenhagen (CPH).

For the first time in over a decade, the airline is returning to the UAE with a daily service to Dubai. Simultaneously, SAS is launching its first-ever scheduled nonstop flights to two of Thailand’s most beloved southern gateways: Phuket and Krabi.

Here is everything you need to know about the new routes, the aircraft you’ll be flying, and what this expansion means for your next winter getaway.

Thailand: Nonstop to Paradise (Phuket & Krabi)

This is the headline news for leisure travelers. While SAS has long served Bangkok, travelers heading to the islands previously had to connect via BKK or other hubs. That changes this winter. SAS will become the only airline offering scheduled nonstop commercial flights from Scandinavia to these two destinations.

1. Copenhagen to Phuket (HKT)

• Start Date: December 9, 2026
• Frequency: 2–3x Weekly (peaking at 3x weekly in Jan–Feb)
• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900

2. Copenhagen to Krabi (KBV)

• Start Date: December 8, 2026
• Frequency: 2x Weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays)
• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900

The Experience: True Long-Haul Comfort

Unlike the Dubai route (see below), these flights will be operated by the flagship Airbus A350. This is a massive win for passenger comfort.

• Business Class: Features SAS’s lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
• SAS Plus & Go: Modern cabins with high-definition entertainment screens at every seat.
• Capacity: This move increases SAS’s total capacity to Thailand by over 75% compared to last winter.

Dubai: The Comeback (CPH to DWC)

After a 15-year hiatus, SAS returns to the United Arab Emirates. However, there are two critical details travelers need to know before booking, as the experience differs significantly from the Asian routes.

Route Details

• Start Date: October 25, 2026
• Frequency: Daily
• Schedule: Late night departure from CPH (23:45) -> Morning arrival in Dubai (09:15).

Important: Know Your Airport & Aircraft

1. The Airport: Dubai World Central (DWC)

SAS will fly into DWC (Al Maktoum International), not the primary DXB airport.

• Pros: Generally less congested; closer to the Dubai Marina, The Palm, and Jebel Ali areas.
• Cons: Further from Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall) and currently has fewer public transit options than DXB.

2. The Aircraft: Airbus A320neo

This is a narrow-body aircraft, similar to what you fly within Europe.

• Business Class: This will likely be a “Euro-business” configuration (standard seat with a blocked middle), not a lie-flat bed. Given the flight time (approx. 6.5 hours) and the overnight timing, comfort expectations should be managed accordingly.

The “Eastward” Push: A Strategic Expansion

This announcement is part of a broader aggression by SAS to capture long-haul market share. By adding two new Airbus A350s to the fleet, they aren’t just opening new routes; they are beefing up existing ones for the Winter 26/27 season:

Summary for Travelers

• Best for Comfort: If you want the full wide-body experience with lie-flat beds, book Phuket or Krabi.
• Best for Convenience: The Dubai route offers a great daily schedule for quick sun-seekers, but be prepared for a narrow-body experience.
• Booking Tip: With high demand expected for these nonstops, look for EuroBonus award availability immediately upon release, especially for the coveted A350 Business Class seats to Thailand.