A record month: Strong transfer and domestic traffic growth in November
The number of passengers passing through Copenhagen Airport in November was up 11 per cent on the same month last year, reaching 2.42 million – the highest number of November travellers on record. Growth was particularly driven by transfer traffic, with one in four passengers now transferring in Copenhagen.
Moving into the final month of the year, a strong appetite for travel is still evident, as this November saw 2.42 million passengers passing through the terminals at Copenhagen Airport – Danes heading to sunny and warmer climes, tourists on autumn visits to Denmark and transfer passengers travelling via Copenhagen towards destinations around the world.
“We are seeing solid growth across all passenger groups, with a full 11 per cent more travellers than at the same time last year. The airlines’ winter programme this year is the largest in the airport’s history with more connections than ever before. Routes to warmer destinations in Europe are popular, and the many routes further afield are also in high demand,” says Peter Krogsgaard, Chief Commercial Officer of Copenhagen Airports A/S.
Whatever the season, London is always by far the most popular destination from Copenhagen. Spain is the favourite southern European country for November travellers to visit. Barcelona, Malaga and Gran Canaria are the leading Spanish destinations, though Madrid is also seeing a surge in popularity.
Strong transfer traffic growth
More and more people are using Copenhagen Airport as a hub on their way to their final destination. The number of transfer passengers in November was 37 per cent higher than in the same month last year, and one in four passengers at the airport is now a transfer passenger.
Transfer traffic is of great importance to Denmark because it ensures even more direct routes to and from Copenhagen Airport. Good connectivity with destinations worldwide gives Danish companies increased accessibility to global markets, boosts tourism in Denmark and makes the country attractive to international investors.
“The major upswing in transfer traffic is a clear signal that Copenhagen is the preferred traffic hub in the Nordic region. It strengthens connectivity to Europe and intercontinental routes to North America and Asia, for example, and gives Denmark a competitive advantage. Transfer traffic enables us to maintain and develop our route network to destinations around the world that would otherwise not be directly accessible, which is positive for the Danish economy,” explains Peter Krogsgaard.
The majority of transfer passengers are from Denmark, Sweden and Norway, as well as quite a few from Germany, Italy and Poland.
Increase in domestic travel
Domestic traffic also grew considerably in November with a 23 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of passengers. It is an indication that air travel remains an important part of Denmark’s infrastructure, creating cohesion across the country.
“Domestic routes are crucial for many Danes who need to travel quickly between different parts of the country, and no matter where you are in Denmark, you have easy access to the whole world. The growth clearly demonstrates that we have a strong and efficient network making it easy to travel from Aalborg or Bornholm to destinations such as Marrakesh or Seoul,” says Krogsgaard.
The growth in domestic travel is mainly driven by the routes from Billund and Aalborg – and by local passengers and transfer travellers alike.
Strong winter programme for long-haul routes
This year’s winter programme offers a large number of long-haul routes, which contributed to November’s passenger growth. It offers even more direct route options to Asia: Shanghai is back on the route map, the route to Japan is very popular, and new destinations such as Mumbai in India and Seoul in Korea have been added.
“We are seeing strong demand for travel to Asia and the Middle East, reflecting a travel trend where more people seek experiences that give them insight into other traditions and cultures. It is crucial that we, as the Nordic region’s largest international transport hub, are able to back this trend with a broad and stable route network that meets passengers’ needs and travel patterns,” says Krogsgaard.
Compared with last November, 23 per cent more passengers travelled between Copenhagen and destinations in Asia, while travel to destinations in the Middle East grew by 14 per cent.
In two weeks, there will be even more opportunities to travel to Asia as Vietnam Airlines launches the first ever direct route between Denmark and Vietnam. The airline offers three weekly flights between Copenhagen and Ho Chi Minh City.
