The Sermersooq Municipal Council views Icelandair’s decision to further reduce flights to Kulusuk with great concern. This decision underscores just how vulnerable the infrastructure in East Greenland still is and how important it is to continue working to ensure stable connections.
Mayor Avaaraq Olsen acknowledges that the Self-Government is already paying close attention to this area and is working on a number of initiatives to strengthen the infrastructure. That is precisely why it is important that development in East Greenland remains a high priority:
“When a private company determines that a route is no longer profitable, we can’t blame them for that. But at the same time, it shows how important it is for the public sector to take responsibility for the infrastructure that connects Greenland. I know that the Self-Government is working on this issue, and I hope that this development will help keep the focus on the need for a long-term solution.”
Residents of East Greenland should have the same opportunities to travel, work, receive public services, and visit family as residents in the rest of the country. This should not depend on where in Greenland one lives.
For several years, Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq has highlighted the challenges that unstable flight connections and limited capacity pose for residents, businesses, and municipal services alike. Every time these connections deteriorate, it becomes more difficult to foster growth, attract employees, and ensure the social cohesion that is essential for a vibrant East Greenland.
The consequences extend far beyond municipal operations.
For families, this uncertainty means that visits to loved ones may be postponed or become impossible. For patients, transportation to treatment may become more complicated. For businesses, it creates uncertainty regarding deliveries and opportunities for growth. Tourism is being hit hard, as are the people who make their living by creating experiences and jobs in the region.
At the same time, athletes and sports clubs find, year after year, that delays and cancellations make it difficult to participate in tournaments and competitions or to hold events as planned. With fewer departures, the consequences will be even greater.
As air service deteriorates year after year, the distance to the rest of Greenland and the world is, in practice, growing rather than shrinking.
The Sermersooq Municipal Council understands that airlines must operate their businesses on a financially sound basis. It is therefore only natural that the public sector play an active role in ensuring the connections necessary for the community’s development.
Avaaraq Olsen emphasizes: “We share the desire to create a strong and cohesive Greenland with equal opportunities for all. That is why I hope that the Self-Government will continue the important work of strengthening the infrastructure in East Greenland, so that development is not slowed down but, on the contrary, is given the best conditions to succeed.”
The municipality looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the Self-Government to find long-term solutions that ensure stable and reliable air service to East Greenland. This is not just about transportation, but about social cohesion, settlement, business development, and the opportunity for citizens to live a safe and fulfilling life, no matter where in the country they live.
East Greenland deserves an infrastructure that creates opportunities for development, cohesion, and optimism about the future.
