Copenhagen Optimization shares key pointers on managing capacity constraints, introducing new technologies, and driving transparency and collaboration across operations

Copenhagen, Denmark, 18 June 2025  – Copenhagen Optimization, a world leader in airport operations optimisation, is publishing some of the findings of a two-day summit in which representatives of some of Europe’s leading airports discussed the current challenges in airport management.

Topics of discussion at the summit spanned key areas of airport challenges including stand and gate management, baggage handling, security and staffing, check-in management and forecasting.

Stand & gate management: With strong peak growth in the last few years coming out of the pandemic, almost all airports are facing stand capacity constraints which is often solved operationally with more bussing of passengers to and from remote stands as well as increased towing of aircraft between stands. In turn, the number of busses and tow trucks available are becoming bottlenecks and must be considered when planning the allocation of stands. An immediate knock-on effect is further congestion on the taxiways, leading to the introduction of more aircraft push-back constraints to avoid deadlock situations. Ultimately, as airports struggle to maintain agreed pier service level targets, they need to evaluate how to improve the bussing product and ensure a fair set of allocation principles across airlines and other stakeholders.

Baggage handling: Peak growth and capacity constraints are also experienced in the baggage halls, which calls for a move away from traditional, static allocation of flights to handler home zones towards a dynamic allocation of baggage make-up resources based on actual baggage volumes on the day and expected bag presentation. This shift requires airports to take a more active role in the daily planning in close collaboration with the ground handlers and airlines. Furthermore, the change must be backed by data-driven decision-making which pushes airports to collect and create value from the abundance of data typically found in baggage handling systems.

Security staffing: New technology (CT scanners and body scanners) is being introduced gradually in all airports, drastically changing the throughputs and flows of the passenger as well as operational processes. The most successful airports adapt and recalibrate continuously as they collect more data from the new setups, but an efficient sharing of data and staffing plans remain a challenges for airports with third-party staff providers. While the new technology and data bring significant potential for process improvements, airports also report a “fear of disruption” where new initiatives may be introduced at a slower rate to allow the operation the needed time to adapt.

Check-in: Airports face increased pressure to optimize check-in allocation amid counter shortages. Common-use check-in for the majority of airlines has now become the standard in most airports but may still be held back by outdated SLAs and airline branding concerns. It is essential to ensure that the allocation plans reflect the actual usage of counters, and tools that can collect and compare data from baggage handling systems, waiting time sensors and airline systems are being used in the most advanced airports. Generally, airports must shift from passive landlords to active facilitators of the entire check-in area, driving transparency and collaboration to overcome resistance to automation and shared systems.

Forecasting: Forecasting accuracy is a growing focus, especially for checkpoint staffing that often requires several weeks notice. While machine learning (ML) adoption is advancing, challenges include seasonal granularity, limited availability or delays of realised data, and data-sharing restrictions. Some airports use long-term schedule data and explore Monte Carlo simulations to forecast a range of scenarios. Greater collaboration and a mindset shift around sensitive data are key to improving operational planning and innovation.

The summit took place over two days with over 30 representatives from 13 different airports across Europe and the US. It was the 5th edition of the popular event. During the sessions, representatives from airports including London Gatwick and Copenhagen Airports shared deep dive thinking on the challenges facing their hubs, and how they believed those challenges could be resolved.

Kasper Hounsgaard, co-CEO and founder of Copenhagen Optimization, said; “It was an honour and a privilege to welcome representatives from 13 of our partner airports to the beautiful Tivoli Gardens for the fifth edition of our Better Airport Summit. At Copenhagen Optimization, our mission has always been to passionately innovate and make the most of everything so that together we enable tangible, sustainable improvements for people globally, and this summit is a shining testament to that. Through communication and collaboration, we are able to understand the constraints facing airports of all sizes around the world, and work together with them to unlock potential not previously thought possible.”