On May 21, 2025, SAS Scandinavian Airlines made a vibrant return to Seattle, celebrated with a water-cannon salute from the SEA airport firefighters and accompanied by an array of pastries. This new service from Copenhagen marks the airline’s sixth return to Seattle after a lengthy suspension.

SAS has been a pivotal player in Seattle’s air travel history since it initiated service to Europe in 1966, being the first airline to link the Pacific Northwest directly to Europe. Their inaugural flight in 2009 was rooted in significant history, with past services resuming after declines due to the global recession.

Seattle is SAS’s 11th North American destination and enhances Copenhagen Airport’s stature as a transatlantic hub, connecting to numerous European cities including Berlin, Zurich, and Milan.

The route will be operated using Airbus A350 aircraft, serving passengers five times weekly throughout the year. SAS’s return is not just a boon for the company but a treasure for travelers seeking more options to and from Europe.