OSLO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- A new international airport opened Thursday in Ilulissat, western Greenland, after receiving approval from Danish aviation authorities, airport operator Greenland Airports said.
The airport's 2,200-meter runway can accommodate large passenger aircraft, enabling direct international connections to Greenland's third-largest town and improving access to Disko Bay and northern Greenland.
The Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority said final approval was granted overnight following months of inspections and testing, including a test flight.
An Air Greenland Airbus A330neo arrived from Copenhagen on Thursday to mark the launch of the direct route. Regular winter services will begin in November, initially operated by Jettime using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Flights will operate primarily once a week on Wednesdays, with additional Monday departures during selected periods.
Greenland Airports said operations would expand gradually, with the aim of reaching full operation by the summer 2027 season.
The opening completed a three-airport development program, following the opening of new airports in Nuuk in November 2024 and Qaqortoq in April 2026. The operator said the new facilities would improve transport links and create opportunities for tourism, cargo and regional business.
Ilulissat is known for its icebergs and the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ■
