newstodate.aero

Apr 29, 2024 (newstodate): A final decision on the future status of Greenland's currently only Transatlantic airport at Kangerlussuaq is still pending.
   November 28, 2024, will see the opening of the first of three new airports in Greenland as Nuuk Airport handles its first scheduled flight from Copenhagen, and Air Greenland's traffic will from then shift focus away from Kangerlussuaq.
   However, Kangerlussuaq still offers a stunning nature and close access for tourist trips to the icecap.
   Tourism is therefor seen as one industry to fight for continued international passenger air traffic.
   One key player fighting for a future for Kangerlussuaq Airport is the tour operator Albatros Arctic Circle that is operating the airport hotel as well as other facilities.
   According to Greenland media Sermitsiaq, Albatros Arctic Circle is currently in talks with six airlines in an effort to secure air connectivity after the opening of Greenland's new Transatlantic airports.
   In September 2019, an agreement was inked between the governments of Denmark and Greenland to the effect that Kangerlussuaq Airport will remain in service, with the Danish Ministry of Defense to fund the operation.
   To secure the future of Kangerlussuaq Airport in the longer term will however require massive maintenance and reconstruction works on the airport's 2,500 m runway that is impacted by changes in the permafrost conditions causing cracks in the runway surface.
   Kangerlussuaq Airport may also receive direct US investments, reflecting its importance for US military positioning in the Arctic region that is gaining importance as more maritime lanes are opening, while the region's strategic position is attracting increased attention from many sides.
   The position is now that the future of the airport's importance for civil aviation will be decided only after all issues concerning its military use have been settled.