Flight Disruptions
Copenhagen Airport security queues cause about 200 Norwegian passengers to miss flights

Copenhagen Airport security queues cause about 200 Norwegian passengers to miss flights

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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Last updated on October 23, 2026

200

Impacted travelers

Affected airports

Affected airlines

200

Impacted travelers

Affected airports

Affected airlines

Disruption overview

About 200 Norwegian Air Shuttle passengers missed evening departures from Copenhagen Airport on 22 October 2026 after temporary security checks created lengthy queues. The checks followed an inspection by the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority, and heavy traffic—including Swedish travelers leaving ahead of the autumn holiday—added to the congestion despite extra screening staff.

Norwegian said it hadn't been warned about the changes and urged early arrival ahead of 16 scheduled departures the following morning, with disruption continuing into the next day. Compensation is unlikely because the checks were outside the airline's control, although support may still apply depending on your flight's circumstances.

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Disruption details

New security checks at Copenhagen Airport in Denmark caused long queues on 22 October 2026, leaving about 200 Norwegian Air Shuttle passengers unable to catch their evening departures. The disruption continued into the next day, with further delays possible over the weekend.

For passengers, the extra time at security meant more than a longer wait: some missed their flights altogether. If you're departing from Copenhagen, Norwegian has urged travelers to arrive well ahead of time.

The temporary additional checks followed an inspection by the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority. The inspection identified issues that required the airport to introduce extra screening.

Copenhagen Airport brought in more staff to help with the checks. However, high passenger numbers added to the congestion during an already busy travel period, including Swedish travelers leaving ahead of the autumn holiday.

Norwegian said it hadn't received advance notice of either the new procedures or the queues they were expected to cause. The airline also raised concerns about Friday morning, 23 October, when 16 Norwegian flights were scheduled to depart from Copenhagen. Those were scheduled departures, rather than a confirmed count of disrupted flights.

Compensation under EC 261, the EU's air passenger rights rules, is unlikely for disruption caused by these authority-required security checks because they were outside the airline's control.

Missing a departure while waiting at security isn't the same as the airline delaying or canceling your flight, so the same rights automatically apply. Ask your airline about your booking options, and follow its check-in and boarding instructions.

Know your rights

These are your air passenger rights

When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.

Rerouting or refund

If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Care and assistance

Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.

Accommodation

If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.

Communication

Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.

This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.

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Quick facts

Summary

Disruption

Delays

Cause

Other

Status

Current disruption

Compensation

Not eligible for compensation

Passengers affected

200

Airlines affected

Norwegian Air Shuttle

Airports affected

Copenhagen Kastrup Airport

Cities affected

Copenhagen

Countries affected

Denmark

Start date

2026-10-22

Checked by

Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Date updated

October 23, 2026

What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked

If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.

Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.

Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.

Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.

Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.

Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.

If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.

Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.

Information on this page is AI generated, but always checked by a (human) passenger right expert.

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