CNN
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When most individuals consider Greenland, they consider the chilly, the snow and the way distant it’s.
Two out of three of these issues are unlikely to alter any time quickly, however as of November 28, it’s about to get loads much less distant.
That’s because of a brand new worldwide airport, geared up with a 2,200-meter (7,217-foot) runway, opening within the capital of Nuuk. The brand new airport will permit bigger planes to attach the Arctic territory with the remainder of the world.
And beginning in June, United Airways will provide nonstop seasonal flights from Newark, New Jersey, that can take simply over 4 hours.
Already, 130,000 guests a yr come to Greenland on cruise ships or fly in. It’s a quantity anticipated to develop because the area opens as much as tourism, however one which officers hope won’t turn into too unwieldy.
Earlier than the brand new airport’s opening, touring by air to Greenland meant flying into smaller cities resembling Kangerlussuaq to the north or Narsarsuaq, additional south. As former US navy bases constructed throughout World Warfare II, each are in a position to accommodate bigger planes.
The brand new airport will function the bottom for Air Greenland, which is able to function an Airbus A330neo aircraft on a path to Copenhagen, Denmark. Will probably be in a position to deal with 800 passengers an hour. Flights may even hyperlink Nuuk to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Jens Lauridsen, chief govt of Greenland Airports, is aware of the opening of the brand new facility at Nuuk could have an enormous impact on tourism and the financial system. The airport operator estimates every flight will add $200,000 to Greenland’s financial system.
He says guests must be conscious they’re not in for the standard tourism expertise once they arrive in Greenland.
“We’re situated within the Arctic,” he tells CNN, and guests are “in for an journey if you come right here.”
With greater than 400,000 followers on her YouTube channel Q’s Greenland, Qupanuk Olsen is named Greenland’s greatest content material creator. She plans on being on the primary flight that lands on the new Nuuk Worldwide Airport.
“I’m very enthusiastic about it,” she says, “I’m so excited that I’m going to be on the primary flight touchdown on the brand new airstrip … it’s going to be superb.”
Anne Nivíka Grødem, the CEO of tourism physique Go to Greenland, believes the brand new airport is a milestone that can enhance tourism and have a broader societal impression.
“I consider tourism can drive significant change,” Grødem says. “It’s about discovering the stability between native alternatives, market developments and human aspirations.”
Two extra airports are scheduled to open in Greenland on the finish of 2026, connecting Ilulissat within the north and Qaqortoq within the south. In a rustic with solely about 56 miles (90 kilometers) of paved roads, locals and vacationers will nonetheless must fly or take boats to different locations inside Greenland, and these airports will considerably open up journey.
“Greenland isn’t just a vacation spot; it’s an expertise that adjustments the way you see the world,” Grødem stated.
“Guests ought to include an open thoughts and a spirit of journey. The nation’s quiet, reflective tradition affords an opportunity to reconnect with nature and your self.”