While overtourism has become an issue in a number of countries, Greenland is not one; it’s about to open a new international airport on the hope that “if you build it, they will come.”
The airport, at the capital city of Nuuk, will allow direct flights from Europe or North America for the first time, starting with a five-a-week service to Copenhagen, increasing for holidays and summer. United Airlines will offer service next summer.
Up to now, because of the old airport’s small capacity, the only international flights to Greenland have been meant a change of planes in Iceland, using smaller planes. Greenland is also beefing up two other airports in Ilulissat, on the east coast and Qaqortoq, in South Greenland. Opening by 2026, they will make more regions of the country accessible within an hour and a half.
Last year, Greenland saw 100,000 visitors, with about half arriving on cruise ships.
