Danish military prepared to destroy airport runways in event of invasion

A secret contingency plan obtained by Danish broadcaster DR reveals that Denmark’s armed forces had prepared to destroy runways at three civilian airports to prevent their use by an invading force.

The plan, developed by the Danish Defence Command, identified runways at Billund, Aalborg, and Karup airports as critical infrastructure that would need to be rendered unusable in a crisis. Explosives were to be pre-positioned at key points along the runways to ensure rapid demolition if ordered.

According to DR’s investigation, the strategy was part of broader defensive measures aimed at delaying an enemy advance by denying access to key transport hubs. The plan specified that the runways would be targeted in a way that would require extensive repairs, making them non-operational for an extended period.

Military sources confirmed to DR that while the plan existed, it was one of several defensive scenarios and not necessarily indicative of an imminent threat. The existence of such preparations underscores Denmark’s focus on total defence, a concept that integrates civilian infrastructure into national security planning.

Neither the Danish Defence Command nor the government has publicly commented on the specifics of the plan.