Local Tourism Network Calls for Urgent Action to Secure Accessibility of the Ammassalik Region

Travel Info

Local Tourism Network Calls for Urgent Action to Secure Accessibility of the Ammassalik Region

15. July 2026

Aircraft parked at Kulusuk Airport fueling up before take-off.

Photo: Anna Burdenski, Visit East Greenland

Tourism operators from the Ammassalik region in East Greenland have published a joint statement calling for urgent political action following Icelandair’s decision to further reduce its operations between Iceland and Kulusuk from 2027. The decision means that the region in East Greenland will have direct international air access for only around 3.5 months each year. Just two years ago, the region had year-round international connectivity.

According to the signatories, the consequences extend far beyond tourism. Reduced accessibility affects residents’ ability to travel for healthcare, education, work, and family matters, while undermining the foundation for local businesses, investment, employment, and regional development.

“This is not about a single airline or a single route. It is about whether East Greenland will continue to have the conditions necessary to create jobs, attract investment and contribute to Greenland’s future development,” says Anna Burdenski, Tourism Coordinator East Greenland at Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, representing the regional DMO Visit East Greenland.

The statement warns that continued reductions in international access could lead to fewer jobs, higher travel costs, weakened supply security, loss of investment, increased outmigration and growing pressure on East Greenland’s unique dog sledding culture and tourism industry. The signatories emphasise that they fully support Greenland’s ambitions for sustainable tourism, stronger communities and balanced regional development. Their concern is that East Greenland risks being left behind unless long-term access to the region is secured. Rather than asking for special treatment, the statement calls for equal opportunities to contribute to Greenland’s future development and urges Naalakkersuisut and relevant authorities to work with the industry on practical, long-term solutions.

The full joint statement outlines the expected consequences in detail and presents a number of concrete recommendations to strengthen East Greenland’s international accessibility and support sustainable regional development.

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info@eastgreenland.com

Summary

Tourism operators and businesses across East Greenland have published a joint statement calling for urgent political action following Icelandair’s decision to further reduce its operations to Kulusuk from 2027. The statement warns that the loss of year-round international access threatens not only tourism, but also jobs, regional development, mobility and the long-term sustainability of communities across East Greenland.

Key Highlights:

From 2027 East Greenland will only have direct international air access for only 3,5 months per year – June to September.
Reduced accessibility threatens year-round tourism, local businesses and employment.
Residents face reduced mobility, higher travel costs and greater barriers.
The tourism industry calls for practical political action to secure long-term accessibility to East Greenland.