DENMARK. Copenhagen Airports’ non-aeronautical income climbed by +6% year-on-year in H1 2026 to DKK105 billion (US$164 million). This included income from the shopping centre, car parking, hotels and leasing of premises at the airport.
Within this, concession revenue amounted to DKK471 million (US$73.6 million) for the first six months, an increase of around +6% compared with the same period last year.
The commercial business growth lagged a +9% rise in passenger traffic to 16.1 million. The traffic increase came despite a -30% contraction in numbers to and from the Middle East in the period compared to last year.
“The airport has never welcomed more passengers during a six-month period. Global demand for air travel remains strong despite rising fuel prices, and more passengers are choosing to travel via Copenhagen,” said airport CEO Christian Poulsen.
Company revenues hit DKK2.8 billion (US$450 million), an increase of +9% compared with H1 last year.
Profit before tax climbed by +43% to DKK851 million (US$133 million). The profit figure benefited from the May 2026 sale of the airport company’s stake in the Smarter Airports joint venture, through which it developed its Airhart IT platform in partnership with Netcompany.
Transfer traffic growth
In the first half of 2026, 4.3 million passengers transferred through the airport, +31% more than in the same period last year.
“Transfer passengers account for a significant share of overall passenger growth at the airport. Today, more than one in four passengers, or 27%, connect through Copenhagen, and this development strengthens our position as the largest aviation hub in the Nordic region,” said Poulsen.
Most transfer passengers are Norwegian, Swedish and Danish travellers changing flights in Copenhagen before continuing to destinations across Europe, North America and Asia. The high share of transfer passengers is helping to secure additional intercontinental routes to and from Copenhagen, said the airport company in a statement.
In the first half of 2026, Copenhagen Airport invested DKK1.16 billion (US$181 million) in upgrading infrastructure.
“We need to be ready for future demand and are continuously developing the airport’s facilities,” said Poulsen. “This includes creating additional aircraft stands and providing more space for passengers so that we can continue to deliver a positive travel experience. Next year, the new area in Terminal 3 will open. It will feature expanded passport control and baggage handling facilities, as well as additional space for passengers, including more restaurants, shops and lounge areas.”
Copenhagen Airports has revised its passenger outlook for 2026 to 34.5 million (previously 35.5 million), above last year’s figure of 32.4 million.
Revenue growth is expected to remain around +7%, supported by a favourable passenger mix, said the company, with profits set to be between DKK1.8 billion (US$293 million) and DKK1.95 billion (US$304 million), compared to previously announced figures of between DKK1.75 billion and DKK1.9 billion. ✈
