Peak travel season continues into autumn

The strong appetite for travel is continuing into autumn. In September, 3.2 million passengers travelled through Copenhagen Airport, four per cent more than in the same month last year.

“Peak travel season no longer ends with the summer holidays. In September, we welcomed almost as many passengers as during the summer months. This is mainly because more passengers are travelling via Copenhagen on their way to destinations around the world. At the same time, many Danes and southern Swedes are choosing to extend the summer with some sun and warmer weather in southern Europe, take a city break in Europe or travel across the Atlantic to the United States,” says Peter Krogsgaard, Chief Commercial Officer at Copenhagen Airport.

In September, Norway was the largest market from Copenhagen with 270,000 passengers, followed by Spain with 255,000 and the UK with 245,000.

Growth on routes to the US
Travel between Denmark and the United States is growing. In September, 140,000 passengers travelled on direct routes between Copenhagen and the US, eight per cent more than in the same month last year.

“We are seeing clear growth in traffic between Denmark and the United States. Passenger numbers on the direct routes are increasing, while at the same time more American visitors are coming to Denmark. This shows that the interest in travelling between Denmark and the US goes both ways,” says Peter Krogsgaard.

The number of Americans visiting Denmark has increased in recent years. Figures from Statistics Denmark show that during the first seven months of this year, the number of overnight stays by American tourists in Denmark was 11 per cent higher than last year.

“Denmark is a popular destination for American travellers, and the direct air links make it easy to get here. Some have Copenhagen and Denmark as their destination, while others travel onwards to other parts of Europe. The many American visitors are important to Danish tourism, while strong air connectivity also benefits Danish businesses and exports,” says Peter Krogsgaard.

Copenhagen Airport is the only airport in Denmark with direct flights to and from the United States. SAS, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines operate a total of 12 direct routes from Copenhagen Airport to 10 different destinations in the US. New York is the largest US destination by passenger numbers, followed by San Francisco, Boston and Chicago.

Busy autumn school holiday ahead
The autumn school holiday begins on Friday 9 October, and this year around 1.1 million passengers are expected to travel through Copenhagen Airport to sunny destinations, European cities and other holiday destinations.

London is the most popular city-break destination during the autumn school holiday, while Spain, Italy and France are the most popular holiday destinations in southern Europe, with around 220,000 passengers travelling to and from these countries around week 42.

“The autumn school holiday is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, and on the busiest days we expect more than 115,000 passengers at the airport. We have prepared well and are ready to welcome the many travellers from early in the morning. Shops, cafés and restaurants will also be open, giving passengers plenty of opportunity to do some shopping or have something to eat and drink before continuing their journey,” says Peter Krogsgaard.

To allow plenty of time, Copenhagen Airport recommends arriving at the airport two hours before departure when travelling to European destinations within the Schengen area, and three hours before departure when travelling outside Europe.

Travel tips

• Check in from home if your airline offers this option.
• Pack your hand luggage correctly. Liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and placed in a resealable one-litre bag. A maximum of one bag is allowed per passenger. See the hand luggage rules.
• Follow your flight at cph.dk or in the CPH Airport App.