When Germany invaded Denmark on 9 April 1940, the German Luftwaffe (Air Force) launched one of the first airborne operations in history, in which paratroopers captured the airport.

Aalborg Lufthavn was considered a crucial element in the ferrying of troops and equipment from Germany to Norway as it acted as a refuelling base for Luftwaffe transport planes, especially Junkers Ju 52/3m, during the campaign.

The Luftwaffe greatly expanded the airport - which they called Fliegerhorst Aalborg West - from 140 to 2750 hectares of land.

One of the RAF pilots, New Zealand fighter ace Michael Herrick, was killed leading aircraft of No.

After the war, an internment camp for Baltic German refugees was set up at the location.