Copenhagen Airport on course for new record – 16.1 million passengers in first half of the year

Copenhagen Airport is heading for a new record year. During the first half of the year, 16.1 million passengers passed through the airport, the highest number ever recorded during a first half-year.

- The airport has never had so many passengers over a six-month period. Global demand for air travel remains strong despite rising fuel prices, says Christian Poulsen, CEO of Copenhagen Airport, in a press statement.

The increased traffic is also reflected in the financial results. Revenue rose by 9 per cent to DKK 2.8 billion, while profit before tax increased by 43 per cent to DKK 851 million.

Part of the improvement in earnings comes from the sale of the airport's stake in IT company Smarter Airports. At the same time, Copenhagen Airport is investing heavily in its own operations. During the first half of the year, investments totalled DKK 1.17 billion.

More passengers change flights in Copenhagen

A particularly strong development can be seen among transfer passengers. 4.3 million travellers changed flights in Copenhagen during the first half of the year, an increase of as much as 31 per cent.

This means that 27 per cent of the airport's passengers are now transfer passengers.

- Transfer traffic is crucial for Denmark. It makes it possible to establish and maintain direct routes to the rest of the world, routes that would not exist without a strong transfer base, says Christian Poulsen.

Most transfer passengers come from Norway, Sweden and Denmark, changing flights in Copenhagen on their way to destinations in Europe, North America and Asia. At the same time, the number of American and Asian travellers using Copenhagen as a gateway to Europe is increasing.

The airport sees this development as a sign that its role as a Nordic aviation hub is being strengthened.

Lowers forecast, raises profit target

Despite record traffic, Copenhagen Airport has lowered its forecast for passenger numbers in 2026. The new forecast is 34.5 million passengers, compared with the previous 35.5 million. This would still represent a clear increase from last year's 32.4 million.

At the same time, the forecast for profit before tax has been raised to DKK 1.80-1.95 billion, from the previous DKK 1.75-1.90 billion.

Revenue is expected to increase by around 7 per cent during the year.

Expanding Terminal 3

To accommodate the growing traffic, the airport is continuing to expand its capacity. Next year, a new section of Terminal 3 will open, with expanded passport and baggage handling, as well as more space for restaurants, shops and lounges.

The airport is also working on a long-term expansion plan. According to Christian Poulsen, a new regulatory framework for land use is needed, among other things, to enable the airport to adapt to the next generation of aircraft.

Middle East traffic declines

Geopolitical unrest has, however, affected traffic to the Middle East. During the first half of the year, around 310,000 passengers travelled on routes between Copenhagen and destinations in the region, 140,000 fewer than in the same period last year.

This represents a decrease of around 30 per cent.

At the same time, higher oil prices have pushed up aviation fuel prices. According to the airport, this has so far had a limited impact on overall traffic, although some airlines have reduced the number of departures on routes where several daily alternatives are available.

Copenhagen Airport now expects 34.5 million passengers in 2026 and profit before tax of DKK 1.80–1.95 billion.