Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is to resume direct flights from Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm to Tel Aviv, with the new service starting on October 28, 2025. The airline is returning to Israel after a near decade-long hiatus since its last flights in 2016. The new route is part of SAS’s extended regional operations, with a goal of enhancing connectivity and facilitating tourism between Scandinavia and Israel.
The decision is likely to offer greater travel choices for business and holiday travelers alike, and facilitate travel to Israel’s rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and thriving business centers. It is also coming at a time when Israel’s tourism industry is experiencing a consistent rise in the number of international visitors, and tourism from Europe is a key driver of its growth.
The new direct flight service from Tel Aviv to Copenhagen will operate three times a week, with flights scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The Copenhagen–Tel Aviv route will offer a reliable and convenient travel option, catering to tourists from Scandinavia looking to explore Israel. Fares for the new route are set to start at around 312 Euro for round-trip tickets, offering competitive pricing in comparison to other airlines operating in the market.
The return of SAS to Israel is expected to stimulate both tourism and business exchanges between the two regions, providing Scandinavian tourists with easier access to Israel’s tourism destinations, and enabling Israeli businesses to further engage with key Scandinavian markets.
The return of SAS is also expected to significantly benefit the tourism and hospitality sectors in both Israel and Scandinavia. According to Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, the new flights will provide a boost to inbound tourism, especially from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, which are known to contribute a growing number of tourists to Israel. By improving air connectivity, the new service will make Israel more accessible to European tourists who are interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural history, including its ancient landmarks and modern attractions.
This service also strengthens the business links between Israel and Scandinavia, encouraging cross-border trade and investment opportunities. Israel’s economy, known for its high-tech sector and entrepreneurial spirit, stands to benefit from increased connectivity with Northern Europe, which will provide business travelers with more efficient ways to collaborate, attend conferences, and explore partnership opportunities.
The restoration of SAS’s direct flights to Tel Aviv reflects an overall regional trend of expanding air connectivity between Europe and the Middle East. It positions Israel as an even more attractive destination for travelers looking for affordable flights, luxury travel options, and convenient access to the Middle East.
In addition to SAS’s new service, other major airlines are also increasing their presence in Israel, further enhancing the region’s connectivity and competition in the travel industry. The entry of SAS into the Tel Aviv market brings greater diversity in airline options, likely resulting in lower fares and improved service quality for travelers.
This flight restoration is an important step in building stronger connections between Israel and Scandinavia, with long-term benefits for the region’s tourism sector. SAS’s expansion into Israel represents a growing interest in the Middle East as a tourism hub and a business destination for global investors.
Israel’s tourism industry is expanding rapidly, with the Ministry of Tourism highlighting Israel’s role as a gateway to the Middle East and South Asia. As the region strengthens its cultural and economic ties with countries in Europe, this new route is expected to further cement Israel’s position as a top destination for tourism and international business.
The addition of SAS’s new flights to Tel Aviv not only contributes to short-term tourism growth but also positions Israel as a vibrant destination for future travelers. As more international visitors choose Israel as their travel destination, the country’s tourism infrastructure and hotel industry will continue to expand, creating new jobs and improving the overall tourism experience for visitors.
Israel’s government and tourism bodies are also working to improve visa facilitation and tourism marketing efforts, ensuring that the country remains competitive in the global travel market. By building on its strategic location and rich cultural heritage, Israel aims to attract a growing number of tourists from around the world, particularly from Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
The resumption of SAS’s direct flights to Tel Aviv is a major landmark in the continued development of Israel’s tourism and travel industry. By increasing regional air connectivity, the new route will make Israel more convenient for Scandinavian tourists to visit, facilitate business transactions, and boost economic growth between the two nations. As SAS continues to develop more services in the Middle East and Israel, the restored route will bring long-term prosperity to the tourism industries in Israel and Scandinavia, resulting in the benefit of both the travel industry and the local economies.