Possibility of Expanded Long-Haul Flights at Copenhagen Airport following SAS Acquisition
Air France-KLM, the parent company of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air France, has announced plans to acquire a majority stake in Scandinavian airline SAS. This move is set to bolster Copenhagen Airport's position as a global aviation hub, particularly for long-haul connectivity between Scandinavia, Europe, and intercontinental destinations.
SAS's CEO, Anko van der Werff, stated that positioning Copenhagen as a global hub for the region will strengthen SAS's market position. The airline has recently announced the launch of a new nonstop route between Copenhagen and Mumbai, starting June 2, 2026, with five weekly flights operated by Airbus A330 aircraft. This decision reinforces Copenhagen’s role as a global aviation hub and strengthens links between India and Northern Europe, as well as North America.
Although the formal announcement of new long-haul routes following the takeover has yet to be made, SAS's recent route decisions suggest a continued focus on expanding long-distance connectivity from Copenhagen. The addition of Mumbai aligns with SAS's strategy to connect Scandinavia with fast-growing global markets, and this approach is likely to be maintained or enhanced under new ownership, leveraging synergies with Air France-KLM’s extensive global network.
Copenhagen Airport currently offers around 189 non-stop destinations, with a strong presence in long-haul markets to North America, Asia, and the Middle East. This robust network is expected to be further bolstered by the Air France-KLM group’s experience and resources in intercontinental aviation, potentially opening up new direct routes and improving connectivity to major business and leisure destinations worldwide.
The decision to make Copenhagen a hub may attract more passengers and businesses to the airport, leading to an increase in job opportunities in the region. However, it may also impact the competition among airlines operating out of the airport. Air France-KLM plans to make Copenhagen Airport its third hub, joining existing hubs for the airline in Amsterdam and Paris.
The takeover is expected to result in more long-distance routes from Copenhagen Airport, as Air France-KLM intends to increase its ownership stake in SAS from 19.9 percent to 60.5 percent by the end of next year. The investment in Copenhagen Airport is part of Air France-KLM's plan to increase its presence in the Scandinavian market.
Notably, the Danish state, which also owns part of SAS, will retain its 26.4 percent stake and its seats on the board. Air France-KLM will hold a majority of the board positions after the takeover. The airline plans to acquire shares currently held by investment groups Castlelake and Lind Invest.
The investment in Copenhagen Airport is a significant development in the aviation industry and may impact air travel options available from the airport. SAS will continue to maintain strong and strategic operations in both Oslo and Stockholm, ensuring the airline's commitment to serving its Scandinavian home markets.
In conclusion, the proposed takeover of SAS by Air France-KLM is a significant development in the aviation industry, set to strengthen Copenhagen Airport's position as a global aviation hub and expand SAS's long-haul connectivity. This move is expected to contribute to the growth and development of Copenhagen Airport, as well as the Scandinavian market as a whole.
The acquisition of a majority stake in SAS by Air France-KLM reinforces Copenhagen Airport's position as a global aviation hub, particularly for long-haul connectivity between Scandinavia, Europe, and intercontinental destinations. This strategic move is expected to align with SAS's current focus on expanding long-distance connectivity from Copenhagen, resulting in the addition of new routes such as the recently announced direct route to Mumbai.
The expected increase in long-distance routes from Copenhagen Airport under Air France-KLM's management may also contribute to the growth of the local art, news, travel, and lifestyle industries, as a more robust network connects Copenhagen to major business and leisure destinations worldwide.
