Located 8km from Copenhagen city centre, Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup is Scandinavia’s largest and most popular airport. Serving a wide network of Domestic, European and intercontinental destinations, Copenhagen Airport hosts millions of passengers every year. Kastrup is not only Scandinavia’s biggest airport but also one of the busiest in Northern Europe. Denmark’s central airport caters to a daily traffic of passengers, and it does so with the country’s trademark Scandi design and style.
Innovation and Functionalism at the Forefront of Copenhagen Airport’s Design
Although the airport was first established in 1925, the increase in passenger numbers in the 1930s necessitated the building of a new terminal. The terminal was designed by the pioneering Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen. With an emphasis on service and passenger comfort, Lauritzen’s seminal design of the terminal incorporated Nordic functionalism. Post WWII, Copenhagen was home to the most modern international airport in Europe. Today, the terminal’s division between street traffic on the “landside” and air traffic and gates on the “airside” mirrors most airport designs. The function of the building forms the basis of contemporary aviation architecture.
Post-Pandemic Recovery and Future Expansion
At the start of 2024, Copenhagen Airport reported an increase in earnings following an accumulation of debt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport ended 2023 with a pre-tax profit of DKK 398 million. With the ease of restrictions in 2021, the Scandinavian aviation industry was on the mend with air travel increasing in 2022. More recently, Copenhagen Airport is renovating and expanding Terminal 3 and the completion date is expected to be in 2028.
Shopping and Dining the Danish Way
Made up of Terminals 2 and 3, Copenhagen Airport boasts a variety of shops, restaurants and cafés, rendering any layover or short visit a pleasurable one. As the largest and busiest airport in Scandinavia, it comes as no surprise that Copenhagen Airport hosts a wide range of shops. Opportunities to shop are endless, especially when it comes to classic Danish brands like Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen, Bang & Olufsen and LEGO. Nordic Gastronomy also has a large selection of local Danish delicacies, allowing you to take the taste of Denmark home with you.
As the main transit hub in Scandinavia, Kastrup provides travellers with more than a few options for food. Before leaving the Danish capital, any traveller should feel obligated to indulge in Danish cuisine. Several eateries at the airport serve fresh Smørrebrød, a classic Danish open-faced sandwich with different topping options. Of course, no visit to Denmark is complete without having a Danish pastry. Several cafés and bakeries in the airport ensure this last opportunity to grab a sweet treat isn’t missed.
As the largest airport in Scandinavia and among the busiest in Northern Europe, Copenhagen Airport proves to be more than a simple transit hub. Kastrup is a place to enjoy Danish design, cuisine and comfort. With its combination of functionality and style, the current expansion and renovation of the Airport can only mean further securing the Airport’s status as a popular transit hub.
Have you ever flown in or out of Copenhagen Airport? How was your experience? Let us know in the comments below
