Train service to Aalborg Airport continues despite low ridership concerns

The train service to Aalborg Airport will continue operations despite averaging fewer than two passengers per departure. Airport director Niels Hemmingsen remains optimistic about the train’s potential. He emphasizes the importance of mobility options, including trains and buses, for facilitating passenger access to the airport.

While Hemmingsen believes in the success of the train service, some experts argue that its low ridership warrants its closure. One such expert, Anker Lohmann-Hansen, an emeritus lecturer in transportation and urban planning, contends that a well-functioning bus system could eliminate the need for the train.

Passenger Aleksander Risom Nyrup expressed skepticism about ridership increasing significantly, suggesting that while the service may attract a few more riders, it will not lead to a substantial rise in numbers. Hemmingsen attributes the current low ridership to several factors, including the train’s launch during the pandemic and service disruptions due to track maintenance during the peak travel season.

He argues for giving the service a fair chance before making a decision, stressing the need for reliability to build passenger confidence in on-time arrivals. The train line, which spans three kilometers from Lindholm Station to Aalborg Airport, was inaugurated on December 13, 2020, with an investment of 276 million kr.

Currently, there are limited daily departures, which Hemmingsen believes should be increased to ensure that travelers, especially those coming from afar, have greater assurance of timely connections. He suggests that operating only one train per hour is insufficient, advocating for more frequent service to meet passenger needs.