Kangerlussuaq's status as a hub for Greenlandic air traffic ended with the opening of the new Atlantic Airport in Nuuk back in 2024. However, passenger figures for 2025, which have just become publicly available on Greenland's Statistics website, show "that Kangerlussuaq still has an important role," says Mayor Malik Berthelsen of Qeqqata Municipality, according to a press release.
He points out that the 2025 air passenger numbers for the settlement are at “a higher level than expected”.
- They (the air passenger figures, ed.) document that there is still a concrete need for Kangerlussuaq, and that the airport continues to play – and should play – an active role in the national infrastructure, believes Malik Berthelsen, adding:
Independent destination
- It is therefore crucial that Kangerlussuaq is not only considered based on its previous function as a hub, but is increasingly prioritized as an independent destination with clear development perspectives within tourism and research.
Malik Berthelsen's hope is that national politics will be prepared to support the settlement in terms of destination development, investments and long-term planning.
- Without such prioritization, there is a risk of overlooking an area that can continue to contribute significantly to both regional development and national interests, the mayor states.
To support his argument, the mayor has pulled these figures from Statistics Greenland, which he believes should be included as a central basis for decision-making:
- Without such prioritization, one risks overlooking an area that can continue to contribute significantly to both regional development and national interests, emphasizes Malik Berthelsen.
