In a strategic move that redraws the map for transatlantic travel, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Aeromexico have officially launched an expanded codeshare agreement. Effective December 1, 2025, this partnership is set to revolutionize connectivity between Northern Europe and Mexico, offering seamless travel options for both business executives and leisure seekers.
This development is not just a standard airline agreement; it is a logistical bridge connecting the icy fjords of Scandinavia with the vibrant, sun-soaked landscapes of Mexico. By leveraging key North American gateways, the two carriers—both proud members of the SkyTeam Alliance—are ensuring that the journey between Copenhagen and Cancun is smoother, faster, and more rewarding than ever before.
The “Gateway” Strategy: How It Works
Unlike direct point-to-point routes which are often limited in frequency, this codeshare utilizes a robust network of 10 major North American hubs. This “gateway strategy” offers travelers unparalleled flexibility in scheduling.
SAS customers originating from Copenhagen (CPH), Stockholm (ARN), and Oslo (OSL) can now book a single ticket to Mexico City International Airport (MEX) connecting via:
- East Coast: Boston (BOS), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Washington D.C. (IAD), Toronto (YYZ), Miami (MIA)
- Midwest: Chicago (ORD)
- West Coast: San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA)
From these hubs, passengers transfer seamlessly onto Aeromexico flights to reach the Mexican capital. Conversely, Aeromexico passengers gain easy access to SAS’s extensive network across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, opening up the Nordics to a new wave of Latin American travelers.
Beyond the Capital: Unlocking New Destinations
While Mexico City is the primary hub, the agreement’s reach extends far deeper. Paul Verhagen, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, emphasized that the deal provides access to several key destinations within Mexico.
“Travelers can now reach Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Cancun, and the country’s many historical and cultural sites,” Verhagen noted.
For the Scandinavian tourist, this is a game-changer. It means the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya and the cultural richness of Jalisco are now accessible on a single itinerary, with baggage checked all the way through to the final destination.
The SkyTeam Advantage: Loyalty Pays Off
One of the most significant aspects of this expanded partnership is the integration of loyalty benefits. With SAS recently joining the SkyTeam Alliance in September 2024, this deal solidifies the tangible perks for frequent flyers.
Members of SAS EuroBonus and Aeromexico Rewards can now enjoy reciprocal privileges that take the friction out of international travel:
- Earn and Redeem: Points can be earned on codeshare flights and redeemed across both networks.
- Priority Services: Elite members enjoy priority check-in and boarding, regardless of which carrier operates the flight.
- Lounge Access: Eligible members have access to SkyTeam lounges, providing a quiet sanctuary during layovers in busy US hubs like LAX or JFK.
“The implementation of this new agreement allows us to bring our customers closer to a wider variety of destinations,” said Giancarlo Mulinelli, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Aeromexico. He highlighted that this move is part of a broader strategy to attract travelers from Scandinavia to explore Mexico’s diverse tourism offerings.
Why This Matters for 2026 Travel
The timing of this expansion is impeccable. As we head into 2026, the demand for “bleisure” travel (combining business with leisure) and long-haul cultural exploration is at an all-time high.
For Business Travelers: The diversity of US gateways means that if a meeting in New York runs late, there are multiple alternative routes (e.g., via Chicago or Washington) to get to the final destination. The single-ticket policy ensures that if a connection is missed due to delays, the airlines take responsibility for rebooking—a crucial safety net for corporate itineraries.
For Leisure Travelers: Scandinavia has long been a bucket-list destination for Mexicans seeking the Northern Lights or the “hygge” lifestyle. Similarly, Mexico remains a top winter escape for Scandinavians. By removing the hassle of re-checking bags and navigating separate bookings, this partnership lowers the barrier to entry for these long-haul vacations.
SAS: Strengthening the Hub
For SAS, this is part of a larger post-restructuring aggressive growth strategy. By strengthening its main hub in Copenhagen, SAS is positioning itself not just as a regional carrier, but as a global connector. This follows recent similar expansions with other partners like Vietnam Airlines and WestJet, painting a picture of an airline that is eager to weave a dense web of global connectivity for its passengers.
The Outlook
As the aviation industry continues to recover and evolve, partnerships like the one between SAS and Aeromexico prove that the future of travel isn’t always about flying longer ranges, but about flying smarter. By utilizing existing infrastructure in the US and Canada to bridge two distinct regions, these airlines have created a “virtual highway” across the Atlantic.
For the traveler standing in Stockholm dreaming of tacos in majestic Coyoacán, or the resident of Mexico City longing for a fika in Gamla Stan, the world just got a little bit smaller—and a lot more connected.
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