Copenhagen Airport experienced a five percent increase in passenger traffic in May, handling almost 2.9 million travelers. This surge is partially attributed to a significant rise in transfer passengers.

The airport is preparing for its busiest period of the year, anticipating up to 9.5 million passengers during the summer months. Airport officials advise travelers to arrive two hours before Schengen area flights and three hours before non-Schengen flights to mitigate potential wait times.

A significant portion of the increased traffic is due to Copenhagen Airport’s growing role as a major transit hub. Over 650,000 passengers used the airport for transfers in May, marking a 23 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Peter Krogsgaard, Commercial Director at Copenhagen Airport, stated that the airport is solidifying its position as Northern Europe’s largest traffic hub with more than one in five travelers transferring through Copenhagen. SAS’s decision to concentrate its traffic in Copenhagen and establish the airport as its global hub is a key factor, with nine out of ten transfer passengers flying SAS from various locations including Norway, Sweden, the USA, Germany, and other parts of Denmark.

Aarhus Airport also reported a six percent increase in passenger numbers in May, also influenced by SAS. The airline has deployed larger aircraft between Aarhus and Copenhagen and adjusted departure times in Copenhagen to reduce waiting times for transfer passengers from Aarhus. CEO Lotta Sandgaard believes there is potential for more departures with increased capacity.