ILULISSAT, Greenland (AP) — Greenland has inaugurated a new international airport, aiming to attract global visitors as the Arctic island aspires towards eventual independence from Denmark. The maiden international flight from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Ilulissat, Greenland, marks a significant step in the government’s effort to expand its tourism sector and reduce dependence on its fishing-based economy.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen characterized the new airport as "one of the biggest investments" in the island’s history. Nielsen was among 169 passengers on the inaugural 4.5-hour flight aboard an Airbus A330neo, operated by the government-owned Air Greenland. An Associated Press journalist was on board as part of a trip organized by the tourism agency Visit Greenland.
"If Greenland wants to be independent, we need to have a strong foundation, both economically and in terms of industry and business," Nielsen stated before departure.
The strategic island, home to approximately 56,000 residents, has been a point of interest for U.S. President Donald Trump, especially during his first term when he expressed a desire to acquire Greenland. His repeated suggestions to seize the territory from Denmark, a NATO ally, caused tensions with other NATO partners. In September, Trump signed an agreement with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland to enhance security cooperation in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
Danish Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard, who also participated in the inaugural flight, acknowledged the situation. "There’s no doubt that it has been a shadow over the entire Kingdom of Denmark, but especially Greenland," he said. "The opening of this new international airport marks, I think, hope and optimism."
Ilulissat, known as the "City of Icebergs," is located along Greenland's western coast and hosts around 5,000 residents. As the third-largest city on the island, it is a popular tourist destination, situated over 550 kilometers (342 miles) from Nuuk, the capital. Tourists can enjoy various activities, including sled dog tours and icefjord cruises in Disko Bay, renowned for its impressive icebergs.
Previously, access to Ilulissat required travelers to arrive by cruise ship, take a small plane from Iceland, or fly to one of Greenland's international hubs and connect to smaller flights. With no road links to other major towns, air travel was essential. Historically, Greenland’s primary international gateways were former U.S. military air bases in Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq, remnants from World War II, from where visitors would catch smaller flights to major towns.
In late 2024, an international airport opened in Nuuk, and United Airlines introduced a seasonal route between Nuuk and Newark, New Jersey, marking the first direct flight from the U.S. to Greenland by an American airline.
The new Ilulissat airport boasts a 5,000-square-meter (53,820 square feet) terminal and a 2,200-meter (1.37-mile) runway, accommodating larger passenger aircraft. Air Greenland has committed to up to six weekly flights between Copenhagen and Ilulissat during the summer peak in 2025, with Icelandair also planning direct flights from its Keflavik hub. Jens R. Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, expressed hopes to attract airlines from the U.S. and mainland Europe to serve Ilulissat.
"It’s quite wonderful that you can go directly right now," remarked Kirsten Berthelsen, a 35-year-old resident of Ilulissat who booked a ticket for the inaugural flight without knowing it was the first service. "Sometimes it’s quite difficult to travel from Nuuk and to other countries."
Despite a 65% increase in international visitor numbers since 2018, reaching nearly 150,000 in 2024, a major tourism boom remains elusive. As of 2024, tourism contributes less than 5% to Greenland's GDP, and infrastructure, including hotel accommodations, is still limited.
Aalborg University associate professor Carina Ren, who focuses on Arctic tourism, noted that some U.S. tourists were deterred from visiting due to the recent tensions surrounding Trump, with a few canceling their travel plans. "I’ve heard of people canceling their bookings, but also others canceling because they were afraid that perhaps they would not be welcomed," she stated, adding that many Americans continue to visit, especially on cruise ships.
However, local concerns about mass tourism and its potential impact on Greenland's sensitive environment persist. Palle Jerimiassen, a former regional mayor, expressed anxiety over the city’s capacity to handle an influx of 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."
