The 5 Billion Kroner Transformation: What to Expect at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in 2025 and Beyond

The 5 Billion Kroner Transformation: What To Expect At Copenhagen Airport (CPH) In 2025 And Beyond

The 5 Billion Kroner Transformation: What to Expect at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in 2025 and Beyond

Copenhagen Airport (CPH), officially known as Københavns Lufthavn, is currently undergoing one of the most significant transformation periods in its century-long history. As of December 15, 2025, the airport is not only celebrating its 100th anniversary but is also cementing its status as the Nordic region's busiest hub with record-breaking passenger traffic and a multi-billion kroner commitment to future-proofing its infrastructure.

This massive investment and operational boom signal a new era for travelers flying to and from the Danish capital. From a major redevelopment of the central terminal area to a slew of new long-haul routes, the airport is radically changing the passenger experience, preparing to handle an anticipated 32 million travelers by the end of 2025. This article dives into the essential, up-to-date facts and developments that every traveler needs to know about CPH today.

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) Key Facts and Historical Milestones

Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup, is more than just a gateway; it is a historical landmark and a critical piece of Scandinavian infrastructure. Its century of operation provides a rich context for the massive expansion projects currently underway.

  • Official Name: Københavns Lufthavn, Kastrup
  • Original Name: Kastrup Airport
  • IATA Code: CPH
  • ICAO Code: EKCH
  • Location: Situated on the island of Amager, approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of Copenhagen city center.
  • Opened: 1925, making 2025 its 100th Anniversary.
  • Status: The largest and busiest international airport in the Nordic countries.
  • Key Facilities: The airport operates three main terminals (Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 handle most international traffic), a dedicated low-cost terminal (CPH Go), and is directly connected to the Copenhagen Metro and train networks.

The airport’s strategic geographical location serves as a major transfer hub, particularly for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), connecting Northern Europe with the rest of the world. This role as a primary gateway is the driving force behind the current, unprecedented level of investment and development.

The 5 Billion Kroner Expansion: The 'Terminal of the Future'

The most compelling news for CPH in 2025 centers on its monumental infrastructure overhaul. The airport has confirmed a massive 5 billion kroner investment in redevelopment, which is part of a broader seven-year, 4.5 billion kroner framework agreement designed to expand and modernize the facility.

A New Hub for Travelers: Gates B and C Renovation

A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to transforming the terminal area between Gates B and C. This renovation is not merely a facelift but a complete redesign, aiming to create what the airport is calling the "terminal of the future."

The project, which is already progressing, aims to enhance the passenger experience dramatically by improving flow, increasing retail capacity, and providing modern amenities. This new, expansive central area is scheduled to open in 2028 and will change the experience for the majority of connecting and departing travelers.

Capacity and Technology Upgrades

The core intention of the expansion is to increase the airport's capacity and operational efficiency. The current projects include:

  • Terminal 3 Expansion: A key development project focused on increasing the capacity of the main terminal.
  • Finger D Expansion: A 9,000 m² expansion, designed by KHR Architecture, that links Terminals A, B, and C, crucial for handling the increasing number of flights.
  • Digital Airport Initiatives: Ongoing efforts to implement new technologies to streamline security, check-in, and baggage handling processes.

While the construction phase has temporarily reduced some retail capacity, the long-term goal is to create a seamless, world-class travel experience that solidifies CPH's position against other major European hubs.

Record-Breaking Passenger Numbers and New Long-Haul Routes in 2025

Despite global economic fluctuations, Copenhagen Airport is riding a massive wave of growth in 2025, largely driven by its 100th-anniversary celebrations and a strong increase in route connectivity.

A Year of Records

The first half of 2025 saw record passenger numbers, putting the airport on track for an estimated total of approximately 32 million travelers for the full year. This represents a significant recovery and growth trajectory, building on the close to 30 million passengers served in 2024.

While reports indicated a temporary 11% decline in passenger numbers for November 2025 compared to the previous year, the overall trend remains overwhelmingly positive, with strong transfer and domestic traffic growth bolstering the hub's performance.

North American Connectivity Soars

The most exciting operational news for 2025 is the substantial expansion of long-haul routes, particularly to North America. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), which maintains a dominant hub presence at CPH, is leading the charge.

The airline unveiled its largest-ever summer expansion, introducing 28 new routes and increasing capacity on popular existing services like those to Toronto and Berlin.

Two new and relaunched US destinations are key highlights of the 2025 network:

  • Copenhagen (CPH) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): SAS relaunched this strategic route on May 21, 2025, operating five times a week. This service, last operated in 2009, significantly strengthens transatlantic connectivity.
  • Copenhagen (CPH) to Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP): Delta Air Lines launched its first-ever nonstop service on this route in May 2025, expanding its European network and leveraging a new codeshare arrangement with SAS.

In total, 15 new routes were confirmed for the summer 2025 schedule, with many of the summer services continuing into the winter program, ensuring year-round connectivity growth.

Navigating CPH: Tips for the Modern Traveler

With the airport in the midst of a major development phase, travelers need to be aware of how to navigate the evolving facility. While the construction is primarily focused on the core terminal area, minor disruptions are possible.

Getting to and From the City

Copenhagen Airport is renowned for its seamless integration with Denmark’s public transport system.

  • Copenhagen Metro: The M2 line connects CPH directly to the city center (Kongens Nytorv, Nørreport) in approximately 15 minutes, operating 24/7. This is the fastest and most reliable option.
  • Train Services: Regional and intercity trains, including the Öresund train to Malmö, Sweden, depart from the airport’s train station located beneath Terminal 3.
  • Taxis: Available directly outside the terminals, offering a quick but more expensive alternative.

The Future of the CPH Experience

The ongoing redevelopment is a clear signal that CPH is prioritizing the passenger experience. The new "Terminal of the Future" opening in 2028 promises not just more space, but a superior environment with enhanced dining, shopping, and relaxation options. For the next few years, travelers should check the CPH official website for the latest updates on gate changes, check-in locations, and any temporary retail reconfigurations due to the 5 billion kroner investment.

Copenhagen Airport's 100th year is proving to be its most transformative. The combination of record passenger growth and a massive, forward-looking infrastructure investment ensures that CPH will remain a vital and highly competitive international hub in the Nordic region for decades to come.

The 5 Billion Kroner Transformation: What to Expect at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in 2025 and Beyond
The 5 Billion Kroner Transformation: What to Expect at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in 2025 and Beyond

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