Marking its 100th anniversary with fresh momentum, Copenhagen Airport capped a standout first half of 2025 with record traffic, stronger earnings, and the most ambitious building program in its history, even as ownership and policy debates shaped the path forward.
The airport handled 14.9 million passengers from January to June 2025—an increase of 1.1 million over the same period last year—and is tracking toward a full‑year total of 32 million, which would set a new high for Denmark’s main international gateway, according to Copenhagen Airports A/S. Revenue for the period rose to DKK 2,541 million, and management kept a firm hand on costs while pushing ahead with DKK 2.3 billion in 2025 investments centered on a larger Terminal 3 and new security scanners.
Centenary and public messaging
The centenary milestone—officially marked on April 20, 2025—carried more than symbolism. The airport used the moment to highlight its role in linking Denmark to the world and to explain how today’s choices will set the tone for the next century.
A late‑2024 change in ownership structure, a proposal for night‑flying limits that shareholders later rejected, and a far‑reaching capital plan together underscored how Copenhagen Airport is balancing growth with comfort for neighbors, passengers, and airlines.
During the centenary month, events brought together employees, neighbors, and passengers. SAS handed out cakes to travelers and staff, and a special logo appeared across the terminal. The airport leaned into personal stories—families reunited, students leaving for exchange programs, and long‑serving workers—showing a human‑centered approach to marking 100 years.
VisaVerge.com’s analysis suggests this mix of service upgrades and community messaging follows a wider European trend: airports with strong local ties often move faster on construction plans and route development.
Traffic, routes and commercial performance
The rise in passenger numbers reflects both pent‑up demand and network growth. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), the airport’s largest carrier, is launching 15 new routes in 2025, including long‑haul flights to Seattle (United States 🇺🇸) and Seoul.
Key commercial figures:
– Aeronautical revenue: DKK 1,548 million (up 9%), helped by higher charges effective April 1, 2025
– Non‑aeronautical revenue: DKK 993 million (up 7%)
– Full‑year profit before tax guidance: DKK 1.45–1.65 billion
More long‑haul flights strengthen Copenhagen’s role as a northern European hub, improving connectivity for Scandinavian and Baltic cities and supporting retail and hospitality jobs in and around the airport.
Investments and construction (2025)
Management has earmarked about half of the DKK 2.3 billion 2025 budget for:
– Terminal 3 expansion
– Installation of new security scanners
The remainder funds projects to boost capacity, safety, and regulatory compliance.
What travelers can expect:
– More space in check‑in and security areas
– More seating at gates
– Faster security screening once new scanners are fully online
Short‑term impacts:
– Redirected walkways and temporary waiting zones
– Occasional noise and lane closures during installation
Policy, ownership and governance
In December, the Danish government agreed to acquire a controlling stake—about 98%—in Copenhagen Airport in a deal valued at roughly $4.5 billion, with a plan to reduce state ownership to 50.1% over time.
- Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen described the move as a vote of confidence in national infrastructure.
- SAS CEO Anko van der Werff welcomed closer state involvement for better alignment on long‑term connectivity.
Night‑flight proposal and AGM outcome:
– In March 2025, the board proposed night‑flight limits (similar to Frankfurt) to reduce noise and improve air quality.
– The idea triggered debate between residents, airlines, and cargo operators.
– At the April 8, 2025 Annual General Meeting, shareholders voted down the restrictions; current night operations remain under existing rules.
Noise, emissions and sustainability
Even without new curfew rules, the airport is pursuing noise and emissions reductions through:
– Building plan tied to net‑zero ambitions
– More efficient operations and greener ground support equipment
– Smarter energy use in new facilities
The airport highlights a long record of efficiency and the preservation of the Vilhelm Lauritzen terminal as evidence it can safeguard history while expanding.
Passenger experience and operational changes
Security and space are the most tangible short‑term changes for passengers:
– New scanners aim to allow liquids and laptops to remain in bags, reducing time at checkpoints.
– During installation some lanes will be closed—travelers are advised to arrive earlier than usual and follow updated wayfinding.
– Shops and restaurants will see phased changes; pop‑ups may appear while permanent outlets are built near the expanded Terminal 3 hall.
Practical traveler tips:
1. Allow extra time for check‑in, security and transfers—especially with children or heavy luggage.
2. Keep travel documents handy; be prepared for revised gate screens and queuing layouts.
3. For connections, check whether baggage is checked through and whether passport control is required between flights.
Staff and community impacts
For staff, the centenary year delivered a morale boost. Employees were visible in public events and internal campaigns, receiving recognition for keeping the airport running through storms, peak crowds, and major construction phases.
For local communities, the ownership change and the night‑flight debate demonstrate how airport policy reaches beyond the perimeter fence. Balancing growth with sleep and air‑quality concerns will be an ongoing process, likely involving:
– Smarter runway use and quieter flight procedures
– Incentives for cleaner operations
– Targeted relief and briefings for neighborhoods near flight paths
History and significance
A brief historical perspective:
– 1925: Kastrup Lufthavn opened with a wooden house, a grass runway, and a single route to Berlin.
– First flight took seven hours with two stops; first year had 252 passengers.
– 2024: Nearly 30 million passengers handled.
– 2025 forecast: On track for 32 million, marking a new high if achieved.
The airport’s development pattern—upgrading facilities ahead of demand—continues with the Terminal 3 plan, focusing on space, layout, and security technology.
Risks and contingency planning
Management cautioned that global risks could still affect travel volumes this year:
– Geopolitical tensions
– Fuel cost fluctuations
– Currency shifts
Completing core elements of Terminal 3 and the security upgrade aims to build resilience by providing:
– More flexible space
– Faster screening
– Greater capacity to absorb peaks and disruptions
Regulations and travel information
Non‑EU/EEA visitors should monitor entry rules, passport validity, and biometric checks across Schengen. The official source for travel guidance is the Danish Police page: https://politi.dk/en/travelling
For airport press releases and investor materials, see:
– Official Airport News
– Investor Relations
Key updates at a glance (2025)
- Traffic and growth: H1 traffic 14.9 million; full‑year target near 32 million
- Financials: H1 revenue DKK 2,541 million; full‑year profit before tax guided at DKK 1.45–1.65 billion
- Investments: DKK 2.3 billion earmarked for 2025; focus on Terminal 3 and new security scanners
- Routes: SAS adding 15 new routes, including Seattle and Seoul
- Ownership: Danish state secured about 98%; plan to reduce to 50.1% over time
- Policy: Proposed night‑flight limits not approved at the April 8, 2025 AGM
- Dividend: DKK 200 million payout approved with the 2024 annual report (DKK 25.48 per share)
Important: expect construction‑related disruptions during the buildout—follow airport notices and allow extra time for transit through the terminal.
Looking ahead
If Copenhagen Airport reaches the 32 million passenger mark in 2025, it will be more than a record—it will signal Denmark’s strengthening place in global travel networks. The airport’s agenda for its second century blends ambition (new routes, bigger terminals) with care (community engagement, sustainability and heritage preservation).
Officials will need to keep balancing:
– Growth without eroding neighborhood comfort
– Route expansion without crowding the passenger experience
– Reasonable costs for airlines while funding passenger‑visible improvements
Official updates, AGM notices and detailed financial reports will continue to appear on the airport’s channels: Official Airport News and Investor Relations. Expect more community briefings as construction reaches key phases—and for travelers, a busier but more capable Copenhagen Airport as the centenary year unfolds.
This Article in a Nutshell
Copenhagen Airport marked its centenary on April 20, 2025, amid a strong H1 performance: 14.9 million passengers and DKK 2,541 million revenue. The airport projects a full‑year total near 32 million passengers and a profit before tax guidance of DKK 1.45–1.65 billion. Management allocated DKK 2.3 billion for 2025 investments, prioritizing Terminal 3 expansion and new security scanners to increase capacity and speed screening. SAS plans 15 new routes, including Seattle and Seoul, enhancing Copenhagen’s hub status. The Danish government agreed to acquire about 98% of the airport in December 2024, with a plan to reduce to 50.1% over time. A proposed night‑flight curfew was rejected at the April 8 AGM. The airport is pursuing sustainability goals (net‑zero), quieter operations and heritage preservation while advising travelers to expect construction disruptions and to allow extra time for journeys.
