Beginning March 1, 2026, travelers flying between Aalborg and Copenhagen can opt for a more climate-conscious journey as Norwegian wins the bid to operate Denmark’s first domestic green air route using sustainable aviation fuel.
Denmark Launches First Domestic Green Air Route
The Danish Ministry of Transport has announced a significant step toward greener air travel within the country. Starting March 1, 2026, Norwegian will operate a newly designated green domestic flight route between Aalborg and Copenhagen, Denmark’s two major airports. This initiative is part of the Danish government’s broader plan to decarbonize short-haul aviation by the end of the decade. The route is part of Denmark’s green goals.
The new sustainable route stems from a 2023 political agreement titled “Green Aviation in Denmark,” spearheaded by the Danish government together with the Red-Green Alliance and the Socialist People’s Party. Under this agreement, funding was allocated to create Denmark’s first green domestic route in a bid to accelerate the transition to climate-friendly air travel. More routes may follow in the coming years.
Norwegian Selected as Operator
After a formal bidding process led by the Danish Transport Authority (Trafikstyrelsen), Norwegian was selected as the airline best meeting the contest’s sustainability and operational requirements. From 2026, flights on the Aalborg and Copenhagen route will be partially fueled by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), reducing carbon emissions and aligning with Denmark’s climate strategy for the transportation sector.
Norwegian’s proposal stood out for committing to use at least 40% sustainable aviation fuel for each flight, a significant share given current supply constraints and high costs associated with SAF. Traditional jet fuel, derived from fossil sources, will make up the remainder.
Quantifying the Environmental Impact
Environmental savings from the initiative are expected to be substantial, even within the project’s current scope. Based on government estimates, the route is anticipated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 6,700 metric tons over the duration of its initial support phase. That phase runs from the launch date in March 2026 through the end of 2027.
The cost efficiency of the initiative will also be monitored. According to the Ministry of Transport, the public subsidy equates to around 8,700 Danish kroner (approximately $1,250) for every ton of CO2 displaced under the program. This reflects a broader ambition to develop economic models that justify sustainable aviation practices while reducing the environmental impact of short-haul flights.
Denmark’s Broader Aviation Climate Goals
This initiative is not a one-time experiment. Rather, it is part of Denmark’s comprehensive plan to ensure that all domestic flights within the country run on green fuels by 2030. After the current support phase ends in 2027, the government plans to issue another call for proposals that will cover the years leading up to 2029. This future procurement round will further push airlines to transition toward more sustainable fuels and ultimately prepare the market for full green flight compliance by the end of the decade.
Infrastructure and Market Implications
The collaboration between the Ministry of Transport, the Transport Authority, and airline operators like Norwegian is expected to spark innovation and investment across the Danish aviation sector. By creating a market for SAF and subsidizing its early use, Denmark aims to incentivize more airlines to adopt greener practices voluntarily, even outside the specific scope of the green route.
The country’s two main airports, (AAL) Aalborg and Copenhagen (CPH), will also play key roles in handling the logistics of sourcing, storing, and refueling aircraft with SAF. This may lead to increased infrastructure investments at these hubs to meet the rising demand for sustainable fuel.
Looking Forward
While current SAF usage remains low globally due to limited availability and high production costs, Denmark’s approach could serve as a model for other nations seeking ways to decarbonize domestic air travel. By embedding sustainability into public procurement and offering financial support during market ramp-up, Denmark is building a framework for long-term environmental and economic benefits.
In the years ahead, the government’s performance metrics and funding efficiency on the green route will be closely watched. Success here may unlock broader European support initiatives and catalyze cross-frontier green aviation strategies, particularly timely as Denmark assumes leadership roles in EU transport policy discussions through 2025 and beyond.
