Greenland opens international airport to boost tourism and independence bid

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 15:25 · Archive

Greenland has opened a new international airport in Ilulissat, served by a direct flight from Copenhagen, as the Arctic island seeks to diversify its economy ahead of potential independence from Denmark.

Greenland has opened a new international airport, with the inaugural direct flight from Copenhagen to Ilulissat taking place on 29 October. The 4.5-hour flight carried 169 passengers on an Airbus A330neo operated by government-owned Air Greenland.

Greenland's government is seeking to grow tourism and diversify an economy still largely dependent on fishing. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described the airport as 'one of the biggest investments' in the island's history. 'If Greenland wants to be independent, we need to have a strong foundation, both economically and in terms of industry and business,' he told the Associated Press before the flight departed.

The Arctic island, home to roughly 56,000 people, has attracted international attention as a strategically important territory. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a desire to acquire Greenland during his first term and has repeatedly threatened to seize it from Denmark, a NATO ally, during his second term. In September, Trump signed an agreement with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Danish Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard, who flew on the inaugural service, said Trump's threats had 'been a shadow over the entire Kingdom of Denmark, but especially Greenland'.

How it is being reported

• Greenland opens new international airport to lure tourists as it eyes future independenceGreenland has opened a new international airport, seeking to lure visitors from around the world as the Arctic island looks toward eventual independence from Denmark.Clickorlando · 30 Oct, 14:50
• Greenland opens new international airport to lure tourists as it eyes future independenceGreenland has opened a new international airport, seeking to lure visitors from around the world as the Arctic island looks toward eventual independence from Denmark.News4Jax · 30 Oct, 14:50

In this story: Greenland · Denmark · Ilulissat · Jens-Frederik Nielsen · Donald Trump · Peter Hummelgaard · Air Greenland

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