Major airline threatens to axe routes to popular Christmas weekend break hotspot

In a announcement that could impact holiday travel plans for thousands, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has hinted at the potential cancellation of routes to popular Christmas weekend destinations.

CEO, Anniken Håbjørg, expressed serious concerns over rising operational costs driven by increases in Norway.

Speaking to the Norwegian newspaper , Håbjørg said: "The limit has been reached. Further tax increases could result in fewer flights and a reduced range of destinations for travelers."

The Norwegian government recently unveiled plans to increase airport taxes over the next five years to stabilise Avinor, the state-owned airport operator, which has been struggling financially due to decreased air traffic in recent years.

These proposed hikes in taxes have raised alarms within the aviation sector, as they could force airlines, including SAS, to rethink their service offerings.

Håbjørg added: "Additional fiscal burdens will not only affect SAS but other airlines as well, leading to potential route reductions."

Comparatively, neighboring Sweden has recently cut airport taxes, a move that Håbjørg believes places Norwegian airlines at a competitive disadvantage.

He urged the Norwegian government to reconsider its taxation strategy.

He claimed that the aviation industry already contributes significantly to infrastructure costs and environmental efforts.

"We think that Avinor should also look at their own costs and what they can do to reduce these, as the entire industry is doing," Håbjørg said.

This situation comes as airlines around the world are still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has dramatically altered travel patterns and diminished passenger volumes.

The potential loss of routes to cherished holiday destinations could affect many travelers planning Christmas getaways, leading to concerns about reduced flight availability during a peak travel season.