In response to growing demand for travel to the U.S., Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced the introduction of a new direct route to Seattle as part of its summer 2025 schedule. Starting May 21, 2025, SAS will offer five weekly nonstop flights from Copenhagen to Seattle, marking a significant milestone as the airline resumes service between the two cities 57 years after its inaugural flight.
With the addition of Seattle, SAS will now provide nonstop flights to 11 North American gateways, further enhancing its global connectivity from Copenhagen Airport. This expansion solidifies Copenhagen as a key international hub for travelers to and from Scandinavia and Northern Europe.
“We are excited to expand our North American network with Seattle. The route from Copenhagen will provide more travel options for our customers and strengthen the connection between Scandinavia and the Pacific Northwest, a region of growing economic importance with deep Scandinavian roots,” said Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.
Strengthening Scandinavian Connections in Seattle
Seattle, known as one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S., has long-standing connections with Scandinavia, dating back to the early 1900s. Waves of Nordic immigrants helped shape the city’s identity and economy, bringing their culture, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit to the Pacific Northwest. Today, these deep ties remain, making Seattle a strategically significant addition to the SAS network.
“This new addition to our network further expands our global reach and underscores our commitment to providing travelers with more direct route options. Seattle has been a highly requested destination by our customers, and we are excited to respond to their needs by launching this route. Additionally, Seattle’s growing cargo operations make this expansion even more strategically valuable,” van der Werff continued.
Expanding Global Reach Through Key Hubs
SAS has designed the Copenhagen-Seattle flight schedule to optimize connectivity within its broader network. The route will offer seamless one-stop access to 39 European cities via Copenhagen, including key destinations such as Berlin, Helsinki, Milan, and Zurich, ensuring passengers have more convenient options for their journeys.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), which handled 50.9 million passengers in 2023, is expected to see continued growth in passenger traffic. The addition of SAS flights is expected to contribute to this increase, further establishing Seattle as a vital hub for both passenger travel and cargo operations.
This new route is part of a larger expansion strategy by SAS, with more routes to be announced in the coming months.
