Ittoqqortoormiit’s Future on the Horizon
Erling Madsen, the last mayor of Ittoqqortoormiit, stands at the intersection of hope and determination as he reflects on a groundbreaking framework agreement between the state and self-government. This agreement opens the door to much-needed funding for a regional airport to replace the aging Nerlerit Inaat, located just 40 kilometers northeast of this remote town.
“If we had more fireworks left in the city, I would have launched a New Year’s celebration to mark this momentous news,” Madsen quipped, his excitement palpable.
At 66, Madsen embodies the spirit of a proud community that recently celebrated its centenary—a milestone that he’s eager to ensure can be honored for generations to come. “An airport, coupled with tourism development, is crucial for our future,” he asserts, highlighting the importance of diversifying the local economy beyond its historical reliance on the prison industry.
For years, residents have longed for a port that could effectively replace the current shallow-water jetty. The existing infrastructure complicates the delivery of supplies from the Royal Arctic Line and makes it challenging for cruise ships to safely disembark passengers. KNI Pilersuisoq oversees the port authority, but the vision for a new harbor remains unfulfilled.
In a recent motion to the Inatsisartut, Naleraq’s Mette Arqe-Hammeken has brought this issue to the forefront, demanding that the Naalakkersuisut present a comprehensive project plan for a real harbor by the autumn assembly of 2026. However, despite the acknowledgment of the need for improved port facilities, Ittoqqortoormiit has not yet made the list of priorities, according to the sector plan for ports covering 2017-2027.
Madsen, who served as mayor from 2005 to 2009 before the municipal amalgamation, recalls the near miss of securing an airport project in 2007. An Icelandic contractor had won the bidding, but state authorities ultimately rejected it—much to the municipal council’s dismay. Now, estimates suggest that the construction of a new asphalt runway could cost around DKK 329 million.
“We could have avoided a significant population decline had we successfully built that airport back in the late 2000s,” Madsen reflects, emphasizing the impact of transportation on community vitality.
Statistics Greenland recently reported that Ittoqqortoormiit’s population has dwindled to 334, starkly down from 539 in 2006. The exodus has been particularly acute since the amalgamation in 2009, driven largely by limited job opportunities and difficult access to the town.
“I speak with many friends who left to seek work or better educational prospects for their children. They are eager to return—if only we can establish an airport that enhances accessibility and fosters growth,” Madsen notes. “Despite the challenges, we have a resilient foundation. Many local businesses, once started by Danish craftsmen, are now proudly run by young locals. There’s untapped potential in our traditional hunting and fishing industries, as well as in tourism, provided we can improve shopping options and connectivity.”
Madsen remains hopeful that the new airport plan can be a catalyst for reversing the town’s demographic decline. “We are the gateway to Northeast Greenland. Our own residents can guide tourists, researchers, and military personnel, showcasing the natural beauty and heritage of our land. An airport would not just be a gateway; it would herald benefits for the national economy. More tourists mean more tax revenue and opportunities for local enterprises,” he adds, addressing national politicians in Nuuk.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Change
While Madsen has transitioned from municipal politics to local hunting inspector, he continues to closely monitor the evolution of the trapping industry in Ittoqqortoormiit. Though fewer trappers are working due to stricter quotas, some are supplementing their incomes by guiding tourists on sledding and hunting expeditions. However, the convoluted route from Iceland to Ittoqqortoormiit remains a significant barrier for tourism growth.
Moreover, cruise tourism is thriving in the surrounding fjord, yet local operators express a desire for tourists to stay overnight rather than merely disembark for day trips. Plans for hotel developments have emerged, but the unresolved transportation situation has stymied any concrete projects.
The Airport Project: A Future in Limbo
Madsen learned about the airport project merely through a press release issued by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and the Chairman of Naalakkersuisut, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, on September 16. “It has been weeks since that announcement, yet those of us living in Ittoqqortoormiit still await more details on a project that could be transformative for our future,” he laments.
A report from the Department of Housing and Infrastructure recommended a 799-meter-long runway connecting the city to the abandoned settlement of Uunarteq. The new agreement, financed by Denmark, also incorporates increased surveillance measures in Northeast Greenland.
As a knowledgeable local, Madsen believes a longer runway of 1,199 meters could be feasible, supporting larger military and civil aircraft. “A self-sufficient airport would eliminate the need for costly service contracts and contribute to local job creation. We have the capacity for something significant here,” he concludes, his faith in Ittoqqortoormiit’s future unwavering.