SAS is expanding its winter long-haul network with three new routes from Copenhagen: daily flights to Dubai and seasonal service to Phuket and Krabi in Thailand. The Dubai route marks SAS’s return to the UAE after 15 years, while the two Thai destinations will be served with scheduled nonstop flights for the first time ever.

For EuroBonus members, this means new redemption opportunities on routes that don’t currently exist. Here’s what’s coming:

  • Daily nonstop service to Dubai starting October 25, 2026.
  • First-ever scheduled flights from Copenhagen to Phuket and Krabi.
  • More than 75% additional capacity to Thailand compared to last winter.
  • A 34% increase in A350 operations across the network.

For the full press release, see the official announcement.

Key Highlights

  • Dubai returns: SAS resumes UAE service after 15 years with daily A320neo flights.
  • Thailand expansion: Phuket and Krabi get first-ever scheduled nonstop service from Copenhagen on the A350.
  • Season: October 25, 2026 – March 29, 2027.
  • Capacity boost: 70% more seats to Boston, 50%+ more to Seoul, 40% more to Tokyo.
  • For EuroBonus members: New routes often launch with solid award availability: set alerts now.

The 3 New Winter Routes

Here are the new SAS long-haul services launching for Winter 2026/27. Tap Search to check award availability on AwardFares.

Route Frequency Season Aircraft Search Awards
Copenhagen – Dubai Daily Oct 25, 2026 – Mar 27, 2027 A320neo 🔎
Copenhagen – Phuket 2–3 x Weekly Dec 9, 2026 – Mar 29, 2027 A350 🔎
Copenhagen – Krabi 2 x Weekly Dec 8, 2026 – Mar 28, 2027 A350 🔎

Note on Dubai Airport

SAS will operate to Dubai World Central (DWC), not the main Dubai International (DXB). DWC is located about 60 km south of the city center but is less congested and growing as an alternative hub.

Dubai: SAS Returns After 15 Years

The last time SAS flew to the UAE was 2011. The new daily service positions Dubai as a winter sun destination and business gateway for Scandinavian travelers.

Schedule:

Route Flight Departure Arrival
CPH → DWC SK773 23:45 09:15 (+1)
DWC → CPH SK774 11:00 15:20

The late-night departure from Copenhagen means you arrive in Dubai mid-morning, ready for the day. The return timing works well for connections across Scandinavia and Northern Europe. SAS is using the A320neo on this route, which means a narrowbody cabin configuration. Expect SAS Business and SAS Go seating rather than the long-haul A350 product.

Phuket and Krabi: First Scheduled Nonstops from Scandinavia

This is the bigger story for holiday travelers. SAS will be the only airline operating scheduled nonstop flights from Copenhagen to Phuket (HKT) and Krabi (KBV). Both routes use the Airbus A350, which means access to SAS Business lie-flat seats.

Phuket Schedule (varies by period):

Period Frequency Outbound Return
Dec 9–30 1 x Weekly (Wed) 17:40 → 10:50 (+1) 12:35 → 19:15
Dec 13 – Feb 28 1 x Weekly (Sun) 23:45 → 16:55 (+1) 22:50 → 05:30 (+1)
Jan 1 – Feb 26 2 x Weekly (Wed, Fri) 13:40 → 06:50 (+1) 08:45 → 15:25
Mar 3–28 2 x Weekly (Wed, Sun) 17:40 → 10:50 (+1) 12:35 → 19:15

Krabi Schedule:

Route Flight Days Departure Arrival
CPH → KBV SK979 Tue, Sat 23:45 16:55 (+1)
KBV → CPH SK980 Wed, Sun 22:50 05:30 (+1)

Phuket vs. Krabi

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, known for beaches, resorts, and nightlife. Krabi is quieter and serves as a gateway to Railay Beach, Ao Nang, and the Phi Phi Islands. Having both options means you can pick based on the type of trip you want.

Capacity Increases Across the Network

Beyond the three new routes, SAS is adding significant capacity to existing long-haul destinations for Winter 2026/27:

Destination Capacity Increase
Boston +70%
Seoul (ICN) +50%
Tokyo Haneda (HND) +40%
San Francisco +20%
Bangkok +15%
Chicago +10%

This expansion is powered by two additional A350 aircraft joining the fleet, resulting in a 34% increase in A350 operations overall.

Our Take

New routes are often the best time to find award availability. Airlines release inventory before demand patterns are established, and these flights won’t have the booking history that limits award seats on mature routes.

The Thailand routes are particularly interesting for premium cabin redemptions. A350 service means SAS Business Class with lie-flat seats on a 10+ hour flight. That’s a high-value redemption if you can find the space!

EuroBonus Reminder

Remember: SAS EuroBonus increased award prices in December 2025. Long-haul Business now costs 60,000 points one-way on SAS metal. Lock in your seats as soon as availability opens.

How to Find Award Seats with AwardFares

Use AwardFares to search for EuroBonus award availability on these new routes as soon as the schedule loads.

  1. Set alerts: Create alerts for CPH–DWC, CPH–HKT, and CPH–KBV to get notified when award seats appear.
  2. Use Timeline View: See availability across multiple dates at once to find the best redemption windows.
  3. Check SkyTeam partners: These routes may also be bookable through Flying Blue or other SkyTeam programs at different prices.

Start searching on AwardFares to:

  • ✈️ Track all three new SAS winter routes
  • 🔔 Set alerts for EuroBonus Business Class availability
  • 📅 Use the Timeline view to compare dates across the season

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the new SAS routes to Dubai and Thailand start?

Dubai service begins October 25, 2026. Phuket and Krabi launch in early December 2026. All three routes operate through late March 2027.

Which aircraft does SAS use on these routes?

Dubai is served by the A320neo (narrowbody). Phuket and Krabi use the A350 with lie-flat Business Class.

Is this SAS's first flight to Dubai?

It’s SAS’s return to the UAE after 15 years. The airline last operated Dubai service in 2011.

Can I book these flights with EuroBonus points?

Yes, once the schedule is loaded. New routes typically have better award availability early on. Set alerts on AwardFares to catch seats when they’re released.

Which Dubai airport does SAS fly to?

SAS will operate to Dubai World Central (DWC), not Dubai International (DXB).

How often does SAS fly to Phuket?

Frequency varies through the season: 2–3 times per week depending on the period. Check the schedule table above for exact dates.

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