Today, 28th November 2024, marks a historic moment for Greenland as direct flights between Nuuk and Denmark become a reality. The opening of Nuuk’s new international airport eliminates the need for layovers in Kangerlussuaq or Iceland, drastically reducing travel time to under five hours. This development is expected to revolutionize Greenland’s tourism industry, bringing new opportunities and challenges to the Arctic nation.
A Gamechanger both for tourism and for expats
The new airport features a 2,200-meter runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft, paving the way for direct flights from Copenhagen, Billund, Aalborg, and soon, destinations in the USA and Canada. For Maren-Louise Kristensen, co-owner of Inuk Hostels, this milestone is cause for celebration.
Image: Nuuk Airport
“This is a big day for us,” she says, standing proudly outside her Nuuk-based hotel. “Direct flights will undoubtedly boost tourism and allow us to share our culture and history with more visitors.”
Inuk Hostels, located amidst Nuuk’s stunning natural landscapes, already offers unique accommodations, including igloo-shaped glass cabins designed for winter tourism and northern lights viewing. Kristensen hopes that these additions will attract more tourists to experience the Arctic’s serene beauty.
A new era of opportunities
The promise of increased tourism has prompted significant local investment. Anders Laursen, co-owner of Nuuk Water Taxi, has prepared for this day for years, expanding his fleet and planning a glamping site deep within Nuuk Fjord. His efforts have already paid off, with pre-sales for the summer season quadrupling compared to previous years.
“This airport is a gamechanger for Greenland,” Laursen remarks. Yet, he remains cautious, noting the challenges of meeting growing demand for accommodations and services.
To ensure that tourism growth benefits Greenlandic communities, a new law mandates that at least two-thirds of ownership in tourism businesses must be held by Greenlanders. While this limits foreign investment, it safeguards local interests.
“For us, it’s vital that local operators share our stories and culture,” says Kristensen, who supports the regulation.
Laursen agrees, though his business needs to adjust ownership to comply. “It’s a reasonable rule,” he says, emphasizing the importance of preserving Greenlandic control over its tourism industry.
Looking Ahead
Nuuk’s new airport is just the beginning. A similar project in Ilulissat is set to open by 2026, potentially increasing the town’s population by thousands as it becomes another hub for international travel.
Greenland’s government has ambitious goals: by 2035, tourism is projected to account for 40% of the country’s export value. However, as the sector grows, immediate efforts are needed to expand accommodations, dining options, and workforce capacity to meet rising demand.
