Giant investment in Copenhagen Airport faces criticism: ‘There is an explanatory problem’

Denmark’s government faces questions over a major expansion at Copenhagen Airport after Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) announced a multi-billion-kroner investment in up to 40 new aircraft.

The plan, described by SAS as its largest-ever investment in the airport, has drawn criticism from the governing coalition’s left-wing support party, the Red-Green Alliance (Enhedslisten), which warns of increased air pollution.

Transport spokesperson Leila Stockmarr said the investment contradicts the government’s stated goal of reducing airport-related emissions as outlined in the new four-party coalition agreement between the Social Democrats, Socialist People’s Party, Moderates and Danish Social Liberal Party.

“No matter how you look at it, this will mean more flights in and out of Copenhagen Airport,” Stockmarr said. “If the government hasn’t even clarified what this means for air pollution, then I think it has an explanatory problem.”

The Red-Green Alliance has requested interviews with the minister for transport, environment and finance. Transport Minister Signe Munk (Socialist People’s Party) declined to comment. Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard (Social Democrats) and Environment Minister Maria Reumert Gjerding (Socialist People’s Party) provided written responses.

“As a co-owner, the government expects SAS to set ambitious targets for reducing the company’s climate and environmental impact,” Hummelgaard wrote. Gjerding added that her ministry is conducting a major study into the health effects of ultrafine particles around the airport and that results will help determine the scale and consequences of the problem.