Sund & Bælt is conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment for a new airport dike

The risk of storm surges is a growing challenge in Denmark. Climate change is causing rising sea levels and more frequent and severe storms. The capital region is particularly vulnerable to storm surges, with much critical infrastructure located close to the coast and exposed. 

In October 2025, a broad majority in the Danish Parliament therefore reached an agreement on an Acceleration Package for Coastal Protection. As part of the agreement, it was decided that Sund & Bælt is to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment of a dike on southern Amager to protect the capital’s critical infrastructure such as Copenhagen Airport, the Øresund Motorway, and the Øresund Railway against storm surges. 

As part of the Environmental Impact Assessment, Sund & Bælt is now preparing a series of field surveys on southern Amager. The surveys include, among other things, a mapping of the area’s fauna and flora so that the storm surge protection can be constructed with minimal impact on nature and the environment. The mapping will take place from February to October 2026. 

”The field surveys are important to ensure that storm surge protection can be established with the greatest possible consideration for nature and the environment. The surveys will provide an informed basis for us to assess the environmental impacts,” says Christian Henriksen, Department Manager of Environmental Sustainability & Authorities at Sund & Bælt. 

The field surveys will be carried out across a very large area of Amager to ensure a complete and coherent picture of the distribution of local animals and plants. No decisions have yet been made regarding the alignment and design of the storm surge protection. 

The area to be investigated extends around Copenhagen Airport to the east and further south from the airport towards the Ullerup and Vestamager dikes in the southwest. Affected landowners are being informed on an ongoing basis about the planned surveys. 

Sund & Bælt’s consultant COWI will carry out the surveys. 

The Environmental Impact Assessment is expected to be sent for public consultation in autumn 2027 and then for political consideration at the end of 2027. 

Read more about the Environmental Impact Assessment of the airport dike on Sund & Bælt’s website here. 

About Sund & Bælt  

For decades, Sund & Bælt has been involved in investigating, establishing, and operating large marine infrastructure facilities such as the Great Belt Link and the Øresund Link. Flood protection is an integral part of Sund & Bælt’s work to establish and operate these facilities.