Greenland opens new airport to boost tourism revenue

The government of Greenland opened a new international airport in Ilulissat on Thursday to attract more tourists and reduce the economy’s dependence on fishing. The facility serves as a direct link between the Arctic island and Europe, aiming to diversify local revenue streams.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the Greenlandic Prime Minister, called the project one of the largest investments in the island’s history. He boarded the inaugural Airbus A330neo flight from Copenhagen with 168 other passengers. The trip lasted 4.5 hours and was operated by Air Greenland, a state-owned carrier.

Before takeoff, Nielsen told reporters that economic stability is a prerequisite for political autonomy. "If Greenland wants to be independent, we need to have a strong foundation, both economically and in terms of industry and business," he said. Danish Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard also flew on the plane and described the opening as a sign of hope for the region.

Ilulissat, a town of roughly 5,000 people, previously required visitors to arrive by cruise ship or connect through smaller airports in Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq. Those older facilities were originally U.S. military bases from the World War II era. A new international airport in Nuuk opened in late 2024, and United Airlines launched a seasonal route from Newark to Nuuk last year.

The new Ilulissat terminal covers 5,000 square meters and features a 2,200-meter runway capable of handling large passenger jets. Air Greenland plans to offer up to six weekly flights between Copenhagen and Ilulissat during the summer peak. Icelandair will also operate large jets from its Keflavik hub. Jens R. Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, said the company is negotiating with U.S. and European carriers to add more routes.

International arrivals to Greenland increased by 65 percent since 2018, reaching nearly 150,000 visitors in 2024. However, tourism generated less than 5 percent of the territory’s gross domestic product that year. Carina Ren, an associate professor at Aalborg University, noted that the recent political standoff with the United States caused some American tourists to cancel plans.

Local officials remain cautious about the pace of growth. Palle Jerimiassen, a former regional mayor, warned that the city’s infrastructure may not handle a sudden surge in visitors. "How many can we invite?" he asked. "We are welcoming all the tourists, it’s a possibility to earn some new money. But we have to be careful."