Greenland launches int. airport to attract tourists; sparks potential mass tourism debate
Image Credits - Greenland Travel
The inaugural international route linking Copenhagen, Denmark, with Ilulissat, Greenland, formed part of the island administration's strategy to expand tourism and broaden an economy currently dependent on fishing.
Greenland has launched a new international airport to attract visitors from around the globe, as the Arctic territory works towards achieving eventual independence from Denmark. The inaugural international route linking Copenhagen, Denmark, with Ilulissat, Greenland, formed part of the island administration's strategy to expand tourism and broaden an economy currently dependent on fishing.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described the new airport as “one of the biggest investments” in the island’s history. Nielsen was one of 169 passengers on Thursday’s 4.5-hour flight on an Airbus A330neo.
Ilulissat, known as the “City of Icebergs", sits along the island’s western coast and is home to some 5,000 people. Greenland’s third-largest city is also one of the island’s most-visited destinations. More than 550 kilometres (342 miles) north of the capital, Nuuk, its tourism offerings range from sled dog tours to icefjord cruises in picturesque Disko Bay, known for its towering icebergs.
Previously, travellers reaching Ilulissat had to arrive by cruise ship, take a small plane from Iceland or fly to one of Greenland’s international hubs and connect to smaller aircraft. There are no road connections from other big towns.
While the number of international visitors to Greenland has grown by at least 65% since 2018, reaching almost 150,000 in 2024, the expected travel boom has yet to materialise. In 2024, tourism accounted for less than 5% of the territory’s GDP. Infrastructure, including hotel capacity, remains limited.
At the same time, there are some local concerns about mass tourism and potential damage to Greenland’s fragile nature. Palle Jerimiassen, a former regional mayor, shared he fears the city’s environment, population and infrastructure may be overwhelmed by too many visitors.
“How many can we invite?” he said. “We are welcoming all the tourists; it’s a possibility to earn some new money,” he added, "but we have to be careful.”
