On Monday, a new domestic flight route was inaugurated between Central Jutland’s Karup Airport and Copenhagen Airport. This route is now being operated by Alsie Express, a Southern Jutland airline known for its regional service.
As noted on the airline’s website, the inaugural flight took off promptly at 7:00 AM, marking the beginning of a service intended to connect the two regions more effectively. Planned operations include three daily flights on weekdays and one on Sundays, offering greater flexibility for travelers.
This route was previously maintained by Dutch airline AIS Airlines, which conducted its final departure from Karup on June 27, 2025. Following this, the airport officially severed ties with AIS in September, just before the new ownership transition also took place. Bestseller owner Anders Holch Povlsen’s investment firm, Heartland, assumed control of the airport on October 1, acquiring it from nine municipalities in Central Jutland for 22.55 million DKK.
One of the requirements of the agreement with Heartland was a commitment to sustain the domestic route connecting Karup and Copenhagen. Kristian Tvergaard, director of Midtjylland Karup Airport, emphasized the importance of understanding travel demand. In a press release from March, he stated, “When establishing a new route, it is essential to do it thoroughly to gain insight into both the need and usage.” He added that the upcoming period would be crucial for grasping the dynamics of the route and enhancing connections moving forward.
The airport has faced financial challenges for several years, particularly regarding the continuity of the Karup to Copenhagen route. In August 2023, the then-operator, Danish Air Transport (DAT), announced it would cease operations, leading to AIS Airlines stepping in. However, in April 2024, plans were unveiled to reduce departures from three to two per day.
Since 2013, Alsie Express has successfully operated the domestic route linking Sønderborg and Copenhagen. Prior to Heartland’s takeover, Midtjylland Airport was jointly owned by the municipalities of Viborg, Herning, Holstebro, Skive, Silkeborg, Ringkøbing-Skjern, Struer, Lemvig, and Ikast-Brande since the municipal reform in 2007.
As this new chapter begins for Karup Airport, the focus will be on rebuilding and enhancing its air connectivity amidst a fluctuating economic backdrop.
