SAS resumes Copenhagen-Bangkok direct flights after 10-year hiatus
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has welcomed the return of direct flights by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) on the Copenhagen-Bangkok route after a 10-year hiatus, which it hopes will revitalise the long-haul tourism market from Scandinavia.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT’s deputy governor for international markets, announced yesterday (October 31) that TAT was delighted to welcome Scandinavian Airlines flight SK973 from Copenhagen to Suvarnabhumi Airport, the first since the service was suspended in 2013. This marked a significant milestone in the recovery of the long-haul tourism market, he noted, and would offer greater convenience to travellers from the European region during the current high season.
Tina Szczyrbak, SAS brand promotion manager, told reporters that SAS had serviced the Bangkok route from Scandinavian countries for over 64 years, adding that the return of direct flight after 10 years is a positive development.
The Copenhagen-Bangkok flight is a significant new starting point for Thailand in promoting its image as a key destination for travellers from the Scandinavian countries, both for business and leisure. The direct flight will be in operation during the winter season until April 2, with three flights per week using Airbus A350 aircraft, accommodating 300 passengers per flight.
The Scandinavian nations group (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) is a high-quality long-haul tourist market. During the first nine months of this year, a total of 254,417 travellers from Scandinavian countries visited Thailand, an increase of 149.66% compared to the same period in 2022. This group consists mainly of visitors aged 40 and above, often active seniors who prefer to travel as families, with friends and with partners, and often return. They have an average length of stay of 18 days and spend around 5,400 baht per day.
Their preferred travel destinations are coastal and beach destinations, with popular provinces including Phuket, Krabi, Chonburi, and Surat Thani as well as Bangkok.
TAT expects that the introduction of direct flights to Bangkok by SAS will increase seat capacity by approximately 20,100 seats, providing an opportunity to expand the market for long-haul tourists from Scandinavia. This flight option is expected to bring in more tourists to Thailand and contribute to achieving the target of welcoming 404,452 visitors from the Scandinavian market and generating revenue of 39.31 billion baht in 2023.
