Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is to open an international airport that will be able to handle large aircraft, paving the way for direct flights to the US and Europe.
Currently, international flights can only use the military airport in Kangerlussuaq, 319km north of Nuuk, and in Narsarsuaq, 465km south of the capital.
According to BBC, the new international facility will be operational from the end of November.
“I think it will have a big impact,” says Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports. “I’m sure we will see a lot of tourism, and we'll see a lot of change.”
From November 28, Air Greenland will launch direct flights between Nuuk and Copenhagen, carrying more than 300 passengers per flight. And next summer, United Airlines will begin flying from New York to Nuuk, which is intended to become Greenland’s main travel hub.
Popular activities in Nuuk include hiking up the Quassussuaq and Ukkusissaq mountains on the edge of the city, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding at Colonial Harbour, and whale-watching or fly-fishing tours.