The rising travel numbers following the opening of the new airport in Nuuk are of no benefit to residents, who are being priced out of air travel, according to Malik Berthelsen, mayor of Qeqqata Kommunia. He is calling on Naalakkersuisut to take action regarding Air Greenland’s ticket prices.
The number of travelers to and from abroad rose by 5,402 people—12.3 percent—in the first half of 2026 compared with last year, according to figures released by Statistics Greenland in July. The increase is regularly highlighted as a success, but according to Malik Berthelsen, mayor of Qeqqata Municipality, it is not an advantage but a disadvantage for the majority of the population. Air Greenland has itself confirmed that ticket prices are rising as the desire to travel increases.
As an example, the mayor notes that a round-trip ticket between Sisimiut and Nuuk during peak season can cost as much as 7,000 kroner—for a 60-minute flight each way.
“We often hear about people who would like to visit their families but give up because the ticket prices are far too high. After all, who can afford to pay 7,000 kroner per person for a one-hour flight?” he asks.
It’s not the Greenlanders who travel more
Naalakkersuisut has pointed out that the number of international travelers rose by 18.2 percent from 2024 to 2025, citing this as a sign of continued enthusiasm for travel despite the prices. However, according to Air Greenland’s own figures, the number of travelers residing in Greenland rose by only 2 percent, while the number of travelers residing in Denmark rose by 25 percent.
“So it’s not the residents of Greenland who are behind the increase. They simply can’t afford it,” says the mayor.
Berthelsen also points out that both Naalakkersuisut and Greenland Airports reject Air Greenland’s explanation that fees and fuel are to blame for the price increases: According to Greenland Airports, airport fees have risen by only 2 percent per year since 2021, and the price of fuel has increased by one krone per liter since 2024.
Owned by the community
Berthelsen points out that Air Greenland is publicly owned and, in his view, was established to enable citizens to travel.
“Prices that are far beyond the reach of citizens are a serious affront to the population and cannot be accepted,” he says, while also criticizing Naalakkersuisut for hiding behind the arm’s-length principle instead of speaking out clearly as the owner.
