SAS announced the launch of a new direct route between Copenhagen and Kiruna, in the far north of Sweden, which will operate from December 12, 2024, to April 27, 2025. This connection aims to respond to the growing interest in winter tourism and Arctic experiences in the Swedish Lapland region, according to the company.
Located over 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Kiruna is known for its winter landscapes, the northern lights, the famous Icehotel, and its connection to Sami culture. The new route will offer flights on Thursdays and Sundays during the main season on A320neo aircraft, with an additional service on Saturdays during the Christmas period. Towards the end of the season in April, operations will be limited to Sundays. Nevertheless, Kiruna is not SAS’s northernmost destination, as the airline also serves other cities even further north, such as Evenes (EVE), Tromsø (TOS), Alta (ALF), Kirkenes (KKN), and Svalbard-Longyearbyen (LYR), which is, in turn, the world’s northernmost airport with regular flights.
According to SAS, this route is part of a strategy to strengthen Copenhagen Airport’s role as an international connection hub, allowing travelers from around the world more direct access to the Swedish Lapland region. “There is growing demand for tourism to northern Sweden from different parts of the world. For this reason, we have decided to maintain this direct connection also during the winter season of 2025/2026,” stated Henrik Winell, Vice President of Network at SAS.
The initiative will also facilitate mobility for Kiruna residents, who will be able to take advantage of SAS’s global network through its hub in Copenhagen.
“This new direct flight significantly improves the connectivity and accessibility of our region. SAS not only facilitates the arrival of tourists in Kiruna but also supports local businesses in the context of growing interest in the Arctic,” said Peter Salomonsson, CEO of the Kiruna Lapland Economic Association.
Meanwhile, Jörgen Bergstrand, Acting Manager of Kiruna Airport, remarked, “We are pleased that SAS is launching this direct route from Copenhagen, which will allow international visitors to experience the beauty of Lapland while offering Kiruna residents a quick and convenient way to visit the Danish capital.”
According to SAS, flights for the Christmas and New Year holidays are nearly sold out, although tickets for other dates are still available. The region will also remain accessible year-round through flights from Stockholm, connecting to SAS’s main network in Copenhagen.
