An increasing number of travelers are venturing to wintry mountains and vast plains high up in northern latitudes. To meet the growing demand for Arctic and winter tourism, SAS is launching direct flights from Copenhagen to Kiruna, starting December 12, 2024.

The new route is part of SAS’ ongoing strategic effort to enhance Copenhagen Airport’s position as a global hub, offering travelers worldwide easy access to Kiruna’s unique winter experiences. With enhanced connections, SAS aims to facilitate tourism and improve accessibility to the northernmost regions of Scandinavia.

Located 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, known for its scenic surroundings, the Northern Lights, the Icehotel, and opportunities to experience Sami culture, Kiruna is fast becoming a top destination for winter travelers seeking to explore the Arctic.

“There is clearly a growing demand for inbound tourism to Swedish Lapland from around the world. As a result, we have already decided to maintain direct flights between Copenhagen and Kiruna during the 2025/2026 winter season. The route will also provide residents of northern Sweden with convenient connections to Europe and beyond, taking advantage of SAS’ extensive global network through our Copenhagen hub,” says Henrik Winell, Vice President Network at SAS.

The new service will allow SAS to attract travelers not only from Denmark and southern Sweden but also from across Europe, similar to Tromsø, Norway.

“This new direct flight from Copenhagen marks a significant step in enhancing connectivity and accessibility to our region. SAS is not only making it easier for travelers to visit Kiruna but also supporting local businesses and the growing interest in Arctic travel,” says Peter Salomonsson, CEO of the Kiruna Lapland Economic Association.

“We are pleased that SAS is launching this direct route from Copenhagen, allowing international visitors to experience the beauty of Lapland. Flights are of great importance to the region and the local community, where tourism plays a vital role. Additionally, the people of Kiruna now have a quick and convenient opportunity to explore the Danish capital,” says Jörgen Bergstrand, acting Airport Manager at Kiruna Airport, Swedavia.

Currently, flights over Christmas and New Year are nearly fully booked, but there are still opportunities to secure tickets.

The Copenhagen-Kiruna route will run when Kiruna is blanketed in snow, from December 12, 2024, to April 27, 2025. During the core period, flights will be available on Thursdays and Sundays. Additional service will be provided on Saturdays for six weeks over the Christmas and New Year period.

At the end of the season, in April, SAS will operate only on Sundays. However, Kiruna will remain accessible throughout the year via SAS flights from Stockholm, ensuring excellent connectivity to and from SAS’ main hub in Copenhagen and beyond.