SAS Cancels Planned Copenhagen to Tel Aviv Route Resumption

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has officially cancelled its planned resumption of direct flight services between Copenhagen, Denmark, and Tel Aviv, Israel. The decision, announced on September 17, 2026, follows a comprehensive reassessment of the route's viability and the current operational environment. As the largest carrier in Northern Europe, SAS had previously signaled intentions to restore this connection, but the reversal highlights the ongoing volatility and cautious approach airlines are taking regarding Middle Eastern routes in the current geopolitical climate.

This cancellation reflects a broader trend of network adjustments across the aviation industry, where carriers are increasingly prioritizing route profitability and risk mitigation. By pulling back from the Tel Aviv market, SAS is reallocating its resources to more stable corridors within its network. This move is consistent with the airline's recent efforts to streamline operations and maintain financial stability following its restructuring period.

This cancellation primarily impacts travellers who had already secured bookings for the planned Copenhagen-Tel Aviv service. It also affects business and leisure travellers who rely on SAS for connectivity between Scandinavia and the Levant region, forcing them to seek alternative carriers or connecting flights via other European hubs.

Makutet expects that SAS will continue to exercise extreme caution regarding its Middle Eastern network expansion for the remainder of 2026. We anticipate that the airline will focus on strengthening its core European and transatlantic hubs rather than pursuing high-risk, low-margin routes in the current climate. Travellers should prepare for continued schedule instability on routes serving the region as airlines prioritize operational flexibility over network breadth.