Scandinavian carrier SAS announced that its inaugural Copenhagen-Mumbai flight was forced to return to Copenhagen because a final regulatory approval expected from authorities was not issued as anticipated. The A330 aircraft was flying over Azerbaijan when it turned back and diverted to Copenhagen.
Flight Details
Flight SK969 departed Copenhagen for Mumbai around 8:30 PM local time, approximately four hours behind schedule, according to Flightradar24, a flight-tracking website. The flight was en route when the decision to return was made.
Statement from SAS
In a statement, SAS said: "The Copenhagen-Mumbai flight returned to Copenhagen after the final approval expected from the authorities was not issued as anticipated." The airline emphasized that it had completed all necessary operational and regulatory preparations for the route launch following months of planning and coordination and had expected the remaining formal approval to be finalized while the flight was en route.
"As the approval was not finalized as anticipated, the flight could not continue as planned," the carrier added. SAS confirmed that its immediate focus is on supporting affected passengers and obtaining the remaining approval needed to begin services. "The safety and security of our passengers, colleagues and operations is never compromised," the airline stated.
Future Plans
The carrier expressed confidence that the Copenhagen-Mumbai service will commence within the next few days once the formal approval is issued. This route marks SAS's return to India after a 17-year absence and is aimed at strengthening connectivity between Scandinavia and India. The airline reiterated its readiness to commence operations and looks forward to continuing the route as planned.
