Kangerlussuaq’s Population Decline: A Community in Transition
Since the opening of Nuuk’s new airport on November 28 of last year, Kangerlussuaq has experienced a dramatic population decline, with numbers dropping by more than 30 percent. Mayor Malik Berthelsen of Qeqqata Kommune reflects on this change with a palpable sense of loss.
“It’s a sad reality,” he admits. Berthelsen vividly recalls his first visit to Kangerlussuaq after Air Greenland shuttered its local operations and most flights to and from Copenhagen were canceled. “It was heartbreaking to see the empty cafeteria and know that many loyal employees had to relocate far away.”
A Shift in Perspectives
Despite the optimism surrounding the new airport, the mayor challenges the narrative that travel accessibility to and from Greenland has improved. “I think the confidence in Nuuk Airport is overstated while Kangerlussuaq’s importance is grossly undervalued,” he contends.
“When the new airport opened, there was talk of bridging Greenland to the rest of the world. In reality, we’ve moved further away,” Berthelsen argues. He notes the prohibitive ticket prices that hinder many Greenlandic families from visiting loved ones, both abroad and within the country. “For our family, we only travel in November because summer flights can soar to DKK 30,000 for three. It feels as though Greenland has become a closed-off community, restricting the movement of its people.”
Economic Resilience Amid Challenges
Interestingly, the economic impact of Kangerlussuaq’s depopulation has yet to significantly strain the municipality, which has actually recorded income growth in 2025. Berthelsen, however, warns against complacency. “We’re not immune to labor emigration, which I believe will hit us in 2026 and in more profound ways. Right now, the majority of the workforce is employed, and ongoing construction in Maniitsoq and Sisimiut contributes to a low unemployment rate of just 2.35 percent. But I worry that project completions in Sisimiut may lead to a decline in available construction jobs.”
A Look Ahead: Cautious Optimism for Tourism
While Berthelsen sees potential for tourism growth in Kangerlussuaq, he remains cautiously optimistic. “I’ve always believed we could lead in adventure tourism here and in Sisimiut,” he shares. Yet, he notes that the limited agreements between tour operators like Albatros and Air Greenland, often only for a single year, cast shadows over future prospects.
He envisions a brighter travel landscape if Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat could connect more effectively, allowing tourists to experience both North and Central Greenland. “Combining these distinct experiences could create memorable journeys for visitors,” he adds.
A Future with Uncertain Employment Opportunities
With regard to potential employment from the defense sector, Berthelsen expresses mixed feelings. He acknowledges the interest of the Norwegian Armed Forces in maintaining operations at Kangerlussuaq. “We were hopeful that the latest defense agreement would lead to lasting job opportunities, as promised by Troels Lund Poulsen. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet received any concrete information from Naalakkersuisut.”
As Kangerlussuaq navigates this transformative period, the future remains uncertain. The mayor’s heartfelt observations reflect a community grappling with change while holding on to hopes for renewed connections and opportunities.