A celebratory run scheduled to take place on the tarmac of Københavns Lufthavn has been cancelled following strong criticism from health experts and advocacy groups. The race, part of the airport’s 100-year anniversary programme, had attracted more than 1,500 children and young people from the local area.
The event, set for 3 May on a closed-off section of the runway, was intended as a festive community gathering with music, food, and entertainment at Lufthavnstorvet, the square in front of the terminals.
However, environmental health specialists raised alarms about exposing children to high levels of air pollution caused by aircraft emissions. According to Professor Steffen Loft, an expert in environmental medicine at the University of Copenhagen, “ultrafine particles emitted by jet engines likely have harmful health effects,” especially for vulnerable groups such as children with asthma.
Danish asthma group slams event as “extremely poor gimmick”
The event was met with fierce criticism from Astma-Allergi Danmark, which called the airport’s decision to host a race on a “particle-polluted” site an “extremely poor gimmick.” The organisation expressed concern that such initiatives might trivialise the growing health risks posed by air pollution in high-traffic transport hubs.
Media outlet RADIO IIII also reported on the potential risks, intensifying public debate over whether a run in an active airport environment was appropriate for young participants.
Airport says debate over pollution overshadowed community celebration
In a press release, Copenhagen airport explained that the decision to cancel the run was not about rejecting the pollution debate, but rather about avoiding its dominance over a planned local celebration.
“We fully acknowledge that the aviation industry emits particles and pollution, and it is important that there is focus on this and that all stakeholders work to improve air quality,” said Lise Agerley Kürstein, the airport’s Director of Communications.
“By choosing to cancel the race, it is not an expression that we do not want to debate air pollution. But we are concerned that the debate overshadows and casts doubt on our intentions of a shared celebration with local citizens.”
Despite the event’s cancellation, the airport underlined that it meets all regulatory thresholds for particle emissions as set by Danish authorities.
Copenhagen Airport backs research and cleaner fuel solutions
In an effort to show its commitment to addressing environmental concerns, Københavns Lufthavn expressed its full support for an ongoing health impact study commissioned by the Danish Ministry of Environment. The study, led by the Danish Cancer Society (Kræftens Bekæmpelse), is investigating the long-term health effects of living near the airport.
The airport also reaffirmed its role as a strong advocate for fossil-free aviation fuels, which it sees as the most effective strategy to reduce harmful particle emissions from air traffic.
Local disappointment over cancelled community event
The decision leaves over 1,500 registered children and teenagers without the chance to participate in what was meant to be a festive local milestone. Many families had looked forward to the rare opportunity to experience the airport from a different perspective.
“We know that many were excited about the day. Our purpose with the run was to invite children and young people from neighbouring municipalities for a fun and festive day, and to celebrate the airport’s 100th birthday,” said Kürstein. “But we do not want participants to risk becoming part of a debate about air pollution.”
All registered participants will be contacted directly about the cancellation.
