Denmark · CPH

EKCH Copenhagen runways and takeoff performance

Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (EKCH/CPH) serves Copenhagen, Denmark, at 17 ft above sea level. It has 3 paved runways; the longest, 04L/22R, is 3,600 m (11,811 ft). Below are the runway dimensions, how the layout works, and an example takeoff for the A320 and the 737-800 from each runway end of at least 1,800 m, worked out with the same performance engine SkyNexus uses for your own flights.

ICAO / IATA
EKCH / CPH
Elevation
17 ft
Runways
3
Position
55.618, 12.656

Runways at EKCH

RunwayLengthWidthHeading (true)SurfaceThreshold elev.
04L/22R3,600 m11,811 ft45 m041° / 221°Asphalt, lit13 ft / 14 ft
04R/22L3,300 m10,827 ft45 m041° / 221°Asphalt, lit12 ft / 8 ft
12/302,800 m9,186 ft45 m123° / 303°Asphalt, lit13 ft / 8 ft

The main direction is a set of two parallel runways (04L/22R and 04R/22L) on 041/221° true. 12/30 lies 82° off that axis and is the crosswind option when the wind blows across the main runways.

Lengths run from 2,800 m on 12/30 to 3,600 m on 04L/22R, a difference of 800 m.

Displaced thresholds: 22R 600 m, 12 705 m, 30 270 m. A displaced threshold shortens the landing distance from that end, not the takeoff run.

Example takeoff performance

Flap setting, assumed temperature (FLEX) and V1/VR/V2 in knots for an A320ceo at 70 t and a 737-800 at 72 t, from the start of each runway of at least 1,800 m. Conditions are a standard day so runway length and airport elevation are what change: ISA temperature at the runway elevation, QNH 1013, calm wind, dry, no obstacles.

Runway length shows in the numbers: from 04L (3,600 m) the A320 example uses CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 61 °C, while 12 (2,800 m) needs CONF 2 and 57 °C, so less thrust reduction.

At 17 ft above sea level the air is as dense as it gets, and the elevation costs nothing: the A320 example on 04L matches the same runway at sea level (CONF 1+F, 61 °C).

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from 04L (3,600 m). The limiting end is 30 (2,800 m), which needs CONF 3 with an assumed temperature of 48 °C. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.

RunwayOATA320ceo flap / FLEX, V1/VR/V2737-800 flap / assumed, V1/VR/V2
04L3,600 m15°C1+F / 61°154/156/1605 / 67° max144/146/154
22R3,600 m15°C1+F / 61°154/156/1605 / 67° max144/146/154
04R3,300 m15°C1+F / 60°150/153/1565 / 67° max144/146/154
22L3,300 m15°C1+F / 60°150/153/1565 / 67° max144/146/154
122,800 m15°C2 / 57°140/143/1475 / 67° max144/146/154
302,800 m15°C2 / 57°140/143/1475 / 67° max144/146/154

The A320 V2 values include improved climb: with a long runway and a high assumed temperature, V2 is raised above its minimum so the one-engine climb gradient still holds. That is why V2 runs higher on the longer runways.

The 737-800 assumed temperature is at its FCOM maximum (marked max) from each runway end in the table, so at 72 t the runway is not what limits it.

An illustration for flight simulation, not for real-world operations. Your own numbers depend on weight, weather, runway condition, intersection and obstacles; SkyNexus computes them from your SimBrief plan and the live METAR. See the A320 performance calculator and the 737-800 performance calculator for how it works.

Flying EKCH on VATSIM

VATSIM Scandinavia publishes a pilot briefing for Copenhagen with local procedures. Read it before you file: VATSIM Scandinavia EKCH briefing. In SkyNexus the division notes show up next to your departure briefing, with the live VATSIM and IVAO controllers along your route.

EKCH questions

How long is the longest runway at EKCH?
Runway 04L/22R at Copenhagen is 3,600 m (11,811 ft) long and 45 m wide, surfaced in asphalt.
What is the elevation of Copenhagen?
Copenhagen Kastrup Airport sits at 17 ft above sea level. Elevation lowers air density, which raises true airspeed at a given V-speed and lengthens the takeoff run, so it matters for performance.
Which flap setting does an A320 use for takeoff at EKCH?
In our reference example (70 t, ISA, calm wind, dry runway, full length) the A320 uses CONF 1+F or CONF 2 here. On a real day the answer moves with weight, temperature, wind and the runway condition; SkyNexus works it out from your SimBrief flight plan and the live METAR.
Which runway at EKCH limits a heavy A320 takeoff?
Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from 04L (3,600 m). The limiting end is 30 (2,800 m), which needs CONF 3 with an assumed temperature of 48 °C. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.
Is there a VATSIM pilot briefing for EKCH?
Yes. VATSIM Scandinavia publishes a pilot briefing for Copenhagen with local procedures. SkyNexus links to it and shows the division notes next to your departure and arrival briefing.

Get your own numbers for EKCH

Import your SimBrief flight plan and SkyNexus works out takeoff and landing performance for today's weather. Free, in the browser.

Open SkyNexus

Airport and runway data from OurAirports (public domain). Not for real-world navigation.