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Copenhagen Live 2026

Pilot briefing

Arrive prepared. Keep Copenhagen moving.

Practical guidance for a smooth flight during Copenhagen Live 2026.

Arrival briefing

Arriving in Copenhagen

From the top of descent to a clear stand, follow each stage in order.

  1. Before descent

    Preparation

    Have the information and tools you will need ready before starting your descent. Being prepared will help you avoid rushed changes and delays for yourself and others.

    Charts
    Be sure to have your charts ready and within reach. You can use either Navigraph Charts or the free charts provided by VATSIM Scandinavia.
    Weather and ATIS
    Check the latest ATIS information for information about the weather conditions and runway to expect.
    Arrival/Approach procedures
    Review the STAR and approach procedures for your arrival. Be ready to comply with all published restrictions and instructions.

    Expect holds and delays during the busy hours of the event. Copenhagen is a busy airport and we will do our best to keep traffic moving, but you should be prepared for delays.

  2. Standard arrival

    Arrival clearance

    Before the end of your route, ATC will normally clear you via a STAR and advise which approach to expect.

    A STAR clearance is not a descent clearance. Maintain your cleared level until ATC gives you further descent. If you are approaching your top of descent without a descent clearance, report that you are ready for descent rather than descending on your own.

    Review the EKCH arrival procedures

  3. Holding

    Expect holding

    Every Copenhagen STAR includes a published holding pattern, normally at its first or second point. During peak traffic, be ready to receive holding instructions before reaching the fix.

    The published holding points are ROSBI for TESPI arrivals, LUGAS for TUDLO, OLPIB for MONAK, TIDVU for TIDVU and ERNOV for ERNOV. Use the current chart for the inbound course, turn direction and leg time.

    Enter and leave the hold only when cleared by ATC. If fuel or another operational limitation affects how long you can remain in the hold, inform the controller early.

    Review the published holding patterns

  4. Approach

    Fly the assigned approach

    Comply accurately with every assigned speed and heading, and advise Copenhagen Approach immediately if you are unable.

    Continue along the RNAV arrival to the vector fix, then fly the specified downwind heading until Approach turns you toward final. Do not turn base or intercept the ILS on your own, even if you have not received another instruction.

    Leave the route discontinuity before final in place. Do not connect either transition directly to the final approach or ILS.

    Review the EKCH STAR procedures

  5. Landing

    Land and vacate promptly

    After landing, vacate the runway as soon as safely possible. During busy periods, following traffic may be close behind and a delayed vacation can force it to go around.

    Brief a likely exit before landing and use the first suitable exit you can make without excessive braking.

    Cross the runway holding point completely and continue until the entire aircraft is clear. Do not stop on the runway exit unless instructed, and advise Tower as soon as possible if you cannot vacate as expected.

  6. Taxi in

    Taxi to the stand

    Remain on Kastrup Tower until ATC instructs you to change frequency, then follow the assigned taxi route to your stand. Copenhagen uses standard taxi routes, but controllers may change them as traffic requires.

    Keep the airport chart displayed until parked. Read back any hold-short or runway-crossing instruction, and stop and ask if the route is unclear. If your stand is occupied, advise ATC rather than choosing another stand on your own.

    Review the Copenhagen taxi guidance

Need a quick answer?

Frequently asked questions

What is the initial climb?

Follow the initial climb published for your cleared SID unless ATC assigns a different altitude. Check the current chart before departure and ask Delivery if anything is unclear.

I've received a release point. What should I do?

Push to the marked release point specified by ATC and stop there as instructed. Advise the controller before pushing if your aircraft or pushback setup cannot perform the customized movement.

What should I do if I am unsure?

Stop before entering a runway or continuing an unclear taxi route, then ask ATC to repeat or clarify the instruction.

What should I do after the vector fix?

Continue on the specified downwind heading until Copenhagen Approach turns you toward final or clears you for the approach. Leave the route discontinuity in place and do not connect the transition to the ILS or turn onto final on your own.

If in doubt, ask ATC. We are here to help.

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