Sønderborg Lufthavn

What Sønderborg Lufthavn does

Sønderborg Lufthavn A/S is a privately held regional airport operator headquartered on Lufthavnsvej 1 in Sønderborg, Denmark. Jointly owned since July 1, 2021 by the Bitten & Mads Clausens Fond (the Danfoss founders' foundation) and Sønderborg Municipality, the airport has operated as a public regional gateway since its inauguration in 1969 and runs a 1,797-metre runway (14/32, 30 m wide, asphalt PCN 40/F/A/W/T) with ILS CAT I, DME, radar, Fire CAT 5/6/7 capability, and — as of March 10, 2026 — the first digital air traffic control tower in the Danish Realm. EASA-certified and PRM-compliant, the facility is open 24/7 for airline traffic and supports scheduled, charter, general aviation, flight training, and aircraft maintenance activity.

The core product is air connectivity between Southern Jutland/Northern Germany and the rest of the world, anchored by an Alsie Express domestic route to Copenhagen (up to five daily 35-minute flights) and 17+ European charter destinations sold through partners Gislev Rejser, Best Travel, and Neubauer Reisen. Supporting services include full ground handling (DKK 117.50 per 1,000 kg MTOW), Jet A1 fuel (DKK 12.16/litre + VAT, Shell Fuel & Fly card accepted), 365 free passenger parking spaces, a 15-minute check-in process, on-site Europcar rental, taxi/shuttle/bus ground transport (including a new direct bus from June 2026), the Sønderborg Aviation Center for meetings, and PRM assistance. Interline agreements with SAS, KLM, Air France, Qatar Airways, and Finnair, plus One-Stop Security, enable single-ticket and through-checked-baggage access to global destinations.

The airport earns revenue primarily through transaction-based aeronautical fees: passenger departure fees (DKK 138.50 per pax), takeoff/landing fees scaled to aircraft MTOW (DKK 51.50 per initiated 1,000 kg), aircraft parking, security surcharges, after-hours opening charges, ground handling tariffs, de-icing, fuel margin, and ancillary concessions (catering, car rental). A 212 million DKK Masterplan (2023–2027) funded by the two owners — including a new sustainable terminal building — is currently modernizing the platform, with the goal of attracting additional operators and growing the route network beyond the historical peak of ~79,490 passengers served in 2010.

Name

Sønderborg Lufthavn

Legal name

Sønderborg Lufthavn A/S

Website

https://sonderborg-lufthavn.dk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Sønderborg Lufthavn is a privately held, EASA-certified regional airport in Southern Jutland, Denmark, offering scheduled flights to Copenhagen via Alsie Express and seasonal charters to 17+ European destinations, and serving business and leisure travelers from Denmark and Northern Germany.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Airport Services

NAICS

Other Airport Operations (488119), Airport Operations (48811)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Essential Air Service (EAS) & Subsidized Regional Operators (THABACAC)

Keywords

• Regional airport services
• Aviation ground handling
• Scheduled flight operations
• Charter flight services
• Passenger terminal services

Headquarters

HQ city

Sønderborg

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Passenger Fees: Per-passenger departure charges collected from airlines. Exemptions apply for aircraft under 2,000 kg MTOW and children under 2 years. Additional security fees apply for departing passengers on aircraft with MTOW 2,000 kg or above.
2. Takeoff/Landing Fees: Charges per takeoff calculated based on aircraft Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW). Fees range from DKK 107.50 for aircraft up to 1,999 kg, to DKK 51.50 per initiated 1,000 kg for larger aircraft, with minimum fees of DKK 233.50 (or DKK 756 for CAT 5+ fire category aircraft).
3. Parking Fees: Aircraft parking charges on solid surfaces after the first 6 hours (DKK 10.00 per 1,000 kg MTOW per 24-hour period, minimum DKK 94.50). Grass parking after 72 hours. Monthly rental options available.
4. Opening Charges: Fees for airport access outside normal operating hours, charged per hour from opening request time until aircraft servicing is complete. Ranges from DKK 1,265.50 to DKK 10,266 per hour depending on time period, CAT level, and whether it follows normal closing.
5. Ground Handling Services: Full handling services including marshalling, baggage loading/unloading, passenger service, fueling coordination. Charged at DKK 117.50 per 1,000 kg MTOW with airside/landside components. Additional charges for GPU, de-icing, crew hire, and specialized CAT fire/rescue services.
6. Retail and Concessions: Revenue from car rental (Europcar office on-site), catering concessions (Det Franske Hus, Sønderborg Catering), and passenger services including free WiFi, complimentary coffee and newspapers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sønderborg Lufthavn operates a regional EASA-certified airport serving Southern Jutland and Northern Germany, providing scheduled domestic flights to Copenhagen via Alsie Express (up to 5 daily departures), seasonal charter flights to 17+ European destinations, and comprehensive aviation support services including ground handling, Jet A1 fuel, de-icing, and aircraft parking. The airport offers free passenger parking for 365+ vehicles, 15-minute check-in, and complimentary amenities (WiFi, newspapers, coffee), functioning as the only commercial airport in the region.

Product overview

Sønderborg Lufthavn is a regional airport offering a unified portfolio of aviation and passenger services. Core offerings include scheduled domestic flights to Copenhagen (operated by Alsie Express with up to 5 daily departures) and seasonal charter flights to European destinations. Passenger services encompass free parking (365+ spaces), taxi/shuttle transportation, car rental (Europcar), and complimentary amenities (WiFi, newspapers, coffee). The airport features an Aviation Center for business meetings and provides PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) assistance. For pilots and operators, services include Jet A1 fuel sales, comprehensive ground handling (airside and landside), de-icing, and conference/meeting facilities at the Aviation Center. The airport operates under EASA certification and is undergoing a major 212 million DKK Masterplan modernization (2023-2027) including a new terminal building.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Domestic Scheduled Flights Scheduled domestic airline service between Sønderborg and Copenhagen operated by Alsie Express, with up to 5 daily departures, a 35-minute flight time, and a 15-minute check-in. Passengers can also book through SAS interline for worldwide destinations via Copenhagen on a single ticket. Seasonal summer flights to Bornholm are also offered.
• Charter Flights Charter flights to European destinations including Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, and seasonal routes to Bornholm, Edinburgh, Amalfi Coast, Gotland, Costa del Sol, Wien, and München. Sold through tour operator partners including Gislev Rejser (DK), Best Travel (DK), and Neubauer Reisen (DE).
• Parking Services Free passenger parking with over 365 spaces, including 65 spaces directly adjacent to the terminal for 24-hour parking, long-term parking 150 metres from the terminal, and handicapped parking near the entrance.
• Sønderborg Aviation Center

Quantifiable outcome

• 35-minute flight time from Sønderborg to Copenhagen
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Alsie ExpresscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary scheduled airline operating the Sønderborg–Copenhagen route. Based at Sønderborg Airport. Flying on sustainable fuel. Up to 5 daily departures. Also operating seasonal flights to Bornholm and Isle of Man. Interline agreements with global carriers.
• Gislev RejsercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFirst charter company to operate direct charter flights from Sønderborg (started 2016). Offers 16+ charter departures annually to destinations including Italy, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria. First year saw overwhelming interest.
• SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFull interline agreement enabling passengers to book from Sønderborg to worldwide destinations on a single ticket via SAS website. Baggage checked through to final destination worldwide. Single boarding pass covers entire journey.
• KLM, Air France, Qatar Airways, FinnairminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAlsie Express has interline agreements with KLM, Air France, Qatar Airways, and Finnair, extending global connectivity from Sønderborg through Copenhagen and other hubs. Baggage agreements also with Air Greenland, DAT, Hahn Air, and Atlantic Airways.
• DanfossflagshipOthersDanfoss, operating from Nordborg, is cited as the primary enterprise anchor customer for Sønderborg Airport. The airport's existence and route connectivity to Copenhagen are described as critical for Danfoss to attract talent and serve global customers. The Bitten & Mads Clausens Fond (co-owner of the airport) was founded by Danfoss founders.
• CPHI-Holding A/SminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA unique strengthened collaboration between Sønderborg Airport and technology company CPHI-Holding A/S was concluded, providing new opportunities for the local area. Both companies believe the collaboration will generate growth and more jobs.
• Det Franske HusminorOthersCatering partner for flight catering at Sønderborg Airport. Orders should be placed at least 2 days before flight. Contact: +45 73 44 10 04. Sønderborg Catering is an alternative provider.
• Sønderborg CateringminorOthersAlternative flight catering provider at Sønderborg Airport. Orders placed directly with provider. Contact: +45 71 72 45 00.
• EuropcarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCar rental company with on-site office at Sønderborg Airport. Phone: +45 74 42 8580.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Lübeck Airport: Small German regional airport with charter and limited scheduled service. Similar size category and operating model, but serving a different (northern German) catchment.
• Vágar Airport: Sole commercial airport in the Faroe Islands (part of the Danish Realm) with scheduled and seasonal traffic. Highly relevant peer given shared 'Rigsfællesskabet' regulatory and cultural context.

Broad incumbents

• Aalborg Airport: Larger Danish regional airport with multiple scheduled routes, charter operations, and broader catchment. Comparable category but materially larger scale and route diversity.
• Billund Airport: Denmark's second-largest airport and a major charter hub. Same operating category but at significantly larger scale with broader scheduled and leisure networks.
• Kristiansand Airport: Norwegian regional airport operated by Avinor with scheduled and charter service. Larger and more diversified but serves a similar Nordic small-city catchment profile.

Direct peers

• Sylt Airport: Small German island regional airport with predominantly seasonal leisure and limited scheduled service. Comparable scale, geographic context (Northern Germany border region), and charter mix.
• Esbjerg Airport: Danish regional airport on the Jutland west coast offering scheduled domestic flights and charter service. Closest geographic and operational analog to Sønderborg within Denmark.
• Ängelholm-Helsingborg Airport: Small Swedish regional airport offering scheduled and charter service from the Øresund region. Comparable scale, service mix, and Nordic catchment dynamics.
• Bornholm Airport: Regional Danish island airport offering scheduled domestic and seasonal charter flights with a similarly small passenger base. Highly comparable in scale, service mix, and reliance on a single resident carrier.
• Ronneby Airport: Small Swedish regional airport serving southern Sweden with limited scheduled and charter operations. Closest Scandinavian analog in scale and traffic profile.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sønderborg Lufthavn