Protesters blocked Ryanairs first departure from Copenhagen

The budget carrier does not want to comply with generous Danish collective bargaining agreements

A Ryanair pilot called for police assistance when a group of Danish demonstrators blocked the carrier’s plane at Copenhagen Airport, preventing it from taking off for a planned trip to Dublin yesterday afternoon.

Passengers and crew were stranded for three hours while about 60 people protested against Ryanair’s refusal to accept Danish collective agreements for pilot and flight attendants.

READ MORE: Ryanair making move to Copenhagen Airport

'Unlawful blockade'
Police told the staff to leave, but the protesters, waving Danish flags, held their positions until 17:30.

Eventually, the crowd voluntarily dispersed, and the aircraft was able to refuel and roll down the runway one hour later.

While some demonstrators were blocking the plane, others protested inside the terminal with duct tapes over their mouths and signs saying "Ryanair colleagues, break the silence, we have freedom to talk about our jobs."

The budget carrier called the protest an ‘unlawful blockade’ carried out by ‘non-Ryanair individuals’ and asked Danish authorities to prevent it from happening again.

READ MORE: Unions lash out at Ryanair ahead of airline's March launch

Flying under Irish employment rules
In October, the Dublin-based company announced it would be flying from Copenhagen to Dublin, London, Warsaw and Milan under Irish employment rules instead of the more generous Danish labour laws.

The Danish Confederation of Trade Unions has distanced itself from the protests, stating that it has taken legal action against the low-cost airline company.

A ruling next week could lead to more demonstrations.




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.