It is not new that the changeable weather in East Greenland disrupts traffic at this time of year. In addition, the helicopter used for transportation between Tasiilaq, the airport in Kulusuk and other settlements has experienced technical problems.
As a result, travelers to and from Tasiilaq have been delayed. Flights scheduled for Saturday were canceled due to bad weather, while the helicopter has experienced technical problems, further complicating the transportation process.
- This is of course regrettable, says Inga Dóra G. Markussen, Director of Sustainability and Communications at Air Greenland.
Yesterday, a flight to Kulusuk was made, where, among other things, a. sent spare parts and cargo from Nuuk to Kulusuk. A private helicopter from GreenlandCopter brought the spare parts on to Tasiilaq.
- The helicopter is now being repaired, but it also needs to be tested, and the weather is bad. If the weather improves tomorrow, it will be tested, so we don't know yet whether it is ready. We will probably find out tomorrow, she says.
Athletes sailed themselves from Tasiilaq to Kulusuk
When the plane was supposed to fly from Nuuk to Kulusuk yesterday, some of the passengers took themselves from Tasiilaq to Kulusuk. Several of them were supposed to participate in a sporting event on the west coast at Easter and therefore had to make sure they got to Kulusuk on time.
Didn't you have the option of using other means of transport?
- In previous years, we have collaborated with GreenlandCopter as a backup when our own helicopter has been out of service. We must also remember that safety is very important.
- We must first ensure that they meet some safety requirements of the authorities. This investigation has been carried out, but we are still awaiting the results, says Inga Dóra G. Markussen.
When some of the travellers from Tasiilaq sailed to Kulusuk, it was investigated what the conditions for sailing were and whether there were passenger-approved boats available. However, it turned out that there was no possibility of sailing. In the meantime, Air Greenland has been informed that the conditions for both sailing and transport by snowmobile on parts of the route have deteriorated due to large amounts of snow, says Inga Dóra G. Markussen and adds:
- We will notify customers directly as soon as we know more about what plans we can implement.
