NEW DELHI: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is set to resume operations in India after a 17-year hiatus, following the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granting the airline the required authorisation. SAS will operate its first flight from Copenhagen to Mumbai on October 1.
SAS had earlier attempted to operate flight SK 969 to India on June 2 without securing the necessary clearance. The airline turned the Airbus A330 back to Copenhagen midway through the journey as it approached Azerbaijan. This newspaper was the first to report the incident.
It was denied regulatory permission to enter the Indian airspace due to improper documentation submitted by the airline for clearance. A source at DGCA said, “The airline has submitted all the requisite documents for authorisation. The DGCA has given it the permission for operations.”
Under the Aircraft Act 1934 and the Aircraft Rules 1937, an operating authorisation from the DGCA is mandatory for any foreign airline. The airline later announced a temporary suspension in operations for a few days, which then extended into many weeks.
In an official statement, Scandinavian Airlines announced it would restore operations from October 1, 2026, and would run direct, non-stop flights between Mumbai and Copenhagen five times a week. “The route restores SAS’ presence in India after 17 years, expanding its intercontinental network and opening access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies,” it said.
DGCA gives approval
The airline was denied regulatory permission to enter the Indian airspace due to improper documentation submitted by the airline for clearance. A source at DGCA said, “The airline has submitted all the requisite documents for authorisation. The DGCA has given it the permission for operations.”