The Danish government has reached a conditional agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in a deal valued at $4.5 billion.
The Danish Ministry of Finance plans to purchase an additional 59.4% of Københavns Lufthavne A/S, the company that owns and operates the airport, from Danish pension fund ATP. If finalized, the deal would bring state ownership of the airport to approximately 98%.
However, the government said that once the deal is completed, it plans to reduce its ownership to 50.1% over time through one or more divestments.
Danish Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen emphasized CPH’s importance to Denmark’s international accessibility and economy, highlighting its role as a key infrastructure asset and major employer.
He welcomed the agreement to increase state ownership, noting it ensures long-term and responsible management, while supporting the airport’s continued contribution to the “Danish economy, Danish business life and Danish workplaces.”
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) welcomed the move, saying it will “strengthen Denmark’s infrastructure and connectivity” and “ensures alignment of strategic interests.” The Danish government has a stake of about 25.8% in SAS.
“Strengthening Copenhagen Airport as a global hub requires close collaboration between all stakeholders, and we warmly welcome the Danish State’s decision as it will facilitate the necessary alignment for stronger Scandinavian connectivity,” SAS President and CEO Anko van der Werff said.
Already the largest airline at CPH, SAS in September announced plans to increase its presence at airport, opening 15 new routes in 2025. These include flights to Seattle and Seoul.
In the first nine months of 2024, 22.8 million passengers traveled via Copenhagen Airport, corresponding to a 12% rise over the same period last year. A total of 8.9 million passengers traveled through the airport in July, August and September.
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