Transport in Greenland: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
imported>Nurg
→top: c/e
 
imported>Monkbot
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is a legitimate description when the title is already adequate; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is a legitimate description when the title is already adequate; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Refimprove|date=December 2009}}


[[File:Nuuk Airport 2024.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Nuuk Airport]]]]
[[Transport]] in [[Greenland]] is very unusual in that there are virtually no roads between towns, no [[railway]]s, and no [[inland waterway]]s. Historically most transport has been by boat around the coast in summer and, particularly in the north and east, by [[dog sled]] in winter. Today, transport by fixed wing aircraft or helicopter is the primary mode of transport, along with sea freight.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Christensen |first=Linda |last2=Nielsen |first2=Otto Anker |last3=Rich |first3=Jeppe |last4=Knudsen |first4=Mette |date=2020-03-01 |title=Optimizing airport infrastructure for a country: The case of Greenland |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0739885919302859 |journal=Research in Transportation Economics |series=Air Transport Markets, Strategies and Policies |volume=79 |article-number=100773 |doi=10.1016/j.retrec.2019.100773 |issn=0739-8859|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
[[File:Uummannaq-Salliaruseq.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The port of [[Uummannaq]]]]
[[File:Nuuk bus.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Bus of [[Nuup Bussii|Nuup Bussii A/S]] in downtown [[Nuuk]]]]
[[File:Kangerlussuaq overview.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Kangerlussuaq Airport]]]]
[[Transport]] in [[Greenland]] is very unusual in that there are virtually no roads between towns, no [[railway]]s, and no [[inland waterway]]s. Historically most transport has been by boat around the coast in summer and, particularly in the north and east, by [[dog sled]] in winter. Now, air travel by helicopter or other aircraft is the main mode.


==Air transport==
==Air transport==
{{main article|List of airports in Greenland}}
{{main article|List of airports in Greenland}}
While [[Germany]] occupied [[Denmark]] during [[World War&nbsp;II]], the [[United States]] controlled Greenland and built bases and [[airport]]s. The airports were codenamed as [[Bluie West One]] through to [[Bluie West Eight]] on the west of the island and [[Bluie]] East One to Blue East Four on the eastern side (some had only sea plane access, some no air access). The largest of those airports, [[Bluie West Eight]], now renamed [[Kangerlussuaq Airport]], became the international hub for travel to Greenland for decades, as it was the only airport that had a long enough runway to service [[Wide-body aircraft|large jets]] (not counting Thule Airbase). American authorities at one time entertained the idea of building a road from Kangerlussuaq to the second-largest airport, in Narsarsuaq, several hundred kilometres to the south. The idea was abandoned after feasibility studies failed to prove it was possible. These airbases are generally not located near settlements, so travellers needed an air transfer by helicopter (small plane from Kangerlussuaq) to reach settlements. All civil aviation matters are handled by the [[Civil Aviation Administration Denmark]] or the [[Greenland Airport Authority]]. In 2024, [[Nuuk Airport]] was extensively rebuilt and expanded, leading to the transition of the international hub from Kangerlussuaq.
[[File:Nuuk Airport 2024.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Nuuk Airport]]]]
Air transport is the most important method of year-round transport in Greenland. Greenland has 25 airports, 14 of which are paved, supplemented by 47 heliports mostly serving small settlements. 14 airports and 8 heliports have scheduled air services.<ref>{{cite web |title=AIM Naviair |url=https://aim.naviair.dk/en/ |access-date=1 June 2025 |website=Naviair |publisher=Naviair}}</ref> All domestic flights are operated by [[Air Greenland]], with their hub located in the capital at [[Nuuk Airport]].
 
All civilian airports are operated by [[Greenland Airports]] and are regulated by the [[Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Greenland |date=2025-08-06 |work=The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/greenland/ |access-date=2025-08-11 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |language=en}}</ref>
 
Year-round scheduled International flights are to [[Copenhagen Airport|Copenhagen]] and [[Keflavík International Airport|Keflavík-Reykjavík Airport]], Iceland. Other airlines operate seasonal and charter flights. [[Icelandair]] flies from Keflavík-Reykjavík to [[Nuuk Airport|Nuuk]], [[Kulusuk Airport|Kulusuk]], [[Ilulissat Airport|Ilulissat]] and [[Narsarsuaq Airport|Narsarsuaq]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nuuk Airport Opens Ahead Of Air Greenland, United, SAS Route Launches |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/nuuk-airport-opens-ahead-air-greenland-united-sas-route-launches |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Aviation Week Network}}</ref> Air Greenland has also operated a route from [[Iqaluit]] in [[Canada]] to Nuuk during summer during some years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=News |first=Nunatsiaq |date=2025-01-23 |title=Air Greenland sets longer season for Iqaluit-Nuuk flights |url=https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/air-greenland-sets-longer-season-for-iqaluit-nuuk-flights/ |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=Nunatsiaq News |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== History ===
[[File:Kangerlussuaq Airport in summer 2024.jpg|thumb|249x249px|[[Kangerlussuaq Airport]]]]
Aviation in Greenland was historically primarily reliant on airports built for military purposes during [[World War II]] by the [[United States]]. These air bases were built away from major settlements, as they were intended only to serve military purposes, located in stable weather and in part to downplay [[Greenland in World War II|U.S. military presence in Greenland]]. After the war, some remained active for military purposes but as they were the only aviation infrastructure in Greenland, began to serve civilian purposes too, despite their ill-suited locations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-03-28 |title=The forgotten history of the U.S.'s Cold War presence in Greenland |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/03/28/greenland-us-bases-history-vance/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250328105642/https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/03/28/greenland-us-bases-history-vance/ |archive-date=2025-03-28 |access-date=2025-08-11 |work=The Washington Post |language=en}}</ref>
 
[[Kangerlussuaq Airport]], built as [[Sondrestrom Air Base|Sondrestrom Air Base (Bluie West Eight)]], served as Greenland's international and domestic hub from the 1950s as it was the only airport large enough to support larger jet aircraft. As a result, travel to larger towns in Greenland usually required a transfer at Kangerlussuaq. It was handed over to Greenlandic Authorities in 1992 after the closure of the U.S. base, but remains in limited military use by the [[Joint Arctic Command]] in addition to its civilian use.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ingeman-Nielsen |first=Thomas |last2=Foged |first2=Niels Nielsen |date=2016 |title=The construction of Kangerlussuaq Airport - A case story from West Greenland: XI. International Conference on Permafrost |url=https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/publications/the-construction-of-kangerlussuaq-airport-a-case-story-from-west- |journal=Proceedings of the XI. International Conference on Permafrost |pages=1131–1133}}</ref> Kangerlussuaq remained Greenland's aviation hub until the opening of the rebuilt [[Nuuk Airport]] in 2024. It still has the longest runway in Greenland, and is considered to have more stable weather than its coastal airports.
 
[[Narsarsuaq Airport]], built as [[Bluie West One]], serves as a regional hub in South Greenland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Narsarsuaq – Trap Greenland |url=https://trap.gl/en/kommunerne-og-byerne/kommune-kujalleq/narsarsuaq/ |access-date=2025-08-11 |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Kulusuk Airport]], built to serve [[DYE Stations|DYE-4]] is also a regional hub for the area and one of only two civilian airports in East Greenland.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Elixhauser |first=Sophie |date=2023 |title=Making and Unmaking Airports in Tunu (East Greenland): The Socio-Material Dynamics of Hope and Connectivity |url=https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/etudinuit/2023-v47-n1-2-etudinuit09544/1113393ar/ |journal=Études Inuit Studies |language=en |volume=47 |issue=1-2 |pages=275–309 |doi=10.7202/1113393ar |issn=0701-1008|doi-access=free }}</ref> 


Greenland has 18 airstrips, 14 of which are paved. Some are based on US airbases, but most are built by the Greenlandic government. All domestic flights are operated by [[Air Greenland]]. The name was [[anglicisation|anglicized]] in 2002 from the [[Danish language|Danish]] Grønlandsfly (Air Greenland in English). Year-round scheduled International flights are to  [[Copenhagen Airport|Copenhagen]] and [[Keflavík International Airport|Keflavík-Reykjavík Airport]], Iceland. Other airlines operate seasonal and charter flights.
[[Pituffik Space Base|Pituffik Space Base (Thule)]] was built in 1953 and remains a U.S. military base to this day.
[[Icelandair]] flies from Keflavík-Reykjavík to [[Nuuk Airport|Nuuk]], [[Kulusuk Airport|Kulusuk]], [[Ilulissat Airport|Ilulissat]] and [[Narsarsuaq Airport|Narsarsuaq]]. Air Greenland has also operated a route from [[Iqaluit]] in Canada to Nuuk during summer during some years.


Air cargo is very important for Greenland. Most perishable foodstuff is imported from Denmark by air. It uses the Air Greenland Copenhagen–Nuuk passenger aircraft, and this is a reason why such a large aircraft is used.{{clarify|date=October 2020}} The air containers are then transported to the other airports by small planes that can use the small runways. Previously, when Kangerlussuaq was the hub, some air cargo was transported by boat from Kangerlussuaq, but not in the winter when the [[Kangerlussuaq Fjord]] freezes (one of the reasons to build the Sisimiut–Kangerlussuaq road).
=== New airports ===
In 1979, a [[STOLport|STOL airport]] was constructed in [[Nuuk Airport|Nuuk]] followed by [[Ilulissat Airport|Ilulissat]] in 1984.<ref name="anni802">Air Greenland. "50 Års: [http://50.airgreenland.dk/80'erne/ Grønlandsfly 1980–89] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528050957/http://50.airgreenland.dk/80'erne/|date=28 May 2010}}". Retrieved 17 May 2010. {{in lang|da}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=http://airgreenland.com/om_air_greenland/vores_historie/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523062201/http://airgreenland.com/om_air_greenland/vores_historie |archive-date=23 May 2010 |access-date=15 July 2010 |publisher=Air Greenland}}</ref> Fixed-wing flights using smaller aircraft were now possible, reducing transport costs and increasing service. As a result of its success, in 1998-2007, the Greenlandic Government began building a network of [[STOLport|STOL airports]] in 8 major towns in western Greenland to improve transport by moving away from the dependence on helicopters between towns. The airports built by the Greenlandic government were at [[Ilulissat Airport|Ilulissat]], [[Sisimiut Airport|Sisimiut]], [[Aasiaat Airport|Aasiaat]], [[Maniitsoq Airport|Maniitsoq]], [[Qaarsut Airport|Qaarsut]], [[Qaanaaq Airport|Qaanaaq]], [[Upernavik Airport|Upernavik]] and [[Paamiut Airport|Paamiut]].<ref name="anni80">{{Cite web |title=CGreenlandair 1980–89 |url=http://50.airgreenland.dk/80'erne/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528050957/http://50.airgreenland.dk/80'erne/ |archive-date=28 May 2010 |access-date=14 July 2010 |publisher=Air Greenland}}</ref><ref name=":2" />


A state-owned firm called Kalaallit Airports is since 2017 tasked with operating and updating the airports in Nuuk and Ilulissat.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-silkroad-greenland-idUSKCN1LQ2BX|title=Greenland picks Denmark as airport project partner over Beijing|date=2018-09-10|work=Reuters|access-date=2018-12-19|language=en}}</ref> This process has been contentious as Chinese firms bid for the contract, with one Danish PM stating "We don't want a communist dictatorship in our backyard."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46386867|title=Could Greenland become China's Arctic base?|last=Simpson|first=John|date=2018-12-18|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-12-19|language=en-GB}}</ref>
A major development in Greenlandic aviation occurred in 2016, when it was decided that three new or rebuilt airports would be built in [[Nuuk Airport|Nuuk]], [[Ilulissat Airport|Ilulissat]] and [[Qaqortoq Airport|Qaqortoq]]. These airports will accommodate larger jet aircraft which can serve international destinations, at a cost of 3.6 billion DKK (approximately $560 million), primarily financed by the Danish state.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-03-08 |title=Regning for grønlandske lufthavne er endt i Danmark efter et besøg i Beijing - TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/business/2025-03-05-regning-for-groenlandske-lufthavne-er-endt-i-danmark-efter-et-besoeg-i-beijing |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=nyheder.tv2.dk |language=da-DK}}</ref> This will majorly improve access to Greenland's largest towns and end the use of ill-placed prior military bases as aviation hubs. [[Kangerlussuaq Airport]] will lose hub status to [[Nuuk Airport]] and [[Ilulissat Airport]], while [[Narsarsuaq Airport]] will be replaced by [[Qaqortoq Airport]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-10 |title=Greenland to become more accessible – with new airport and flight routes |url=https://www.c-mw.net/greenland-to-become-more-accessible-with-new-airport-and-flight-routes/ |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=CMW |language=en-CA}}</ref>
 
The first of the new airports, [[Nuuk Airport]], was opened in 2024 and subsequently most international traffic transitioned there. The other two airports, [[Ilulissat Airport|Ilulissat]] and [[Qaqortoq Airport|Qaqortoq]] are due to open in 2026.<ref name=":0" />


==Roads==
==Roads==
There are no roads between settlements, only within them and around them.
[[File:Nuuk Bus Ligne 1 08-23.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Bus of [[Nuup Bussii|Nuup Bussii A/S]] in [[Nuuk]]]]
There are 150&nbsp;km (90&nbsp;mi) of roads in the whole country; 60&nbsp;km (40&nbsp;mi) of the roads are paved. The roads are primary or local roads, there are no highways in Greenland.
Generally, there are no roads between settlements in Greenland, only within them and around them. As of 2017, there are 383&nbsp;kilometres (238&nbsp;mi) of [[Street|local roads]] within towns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grønlands Statistik |url=https://stat.gl/dialog/main.asp?lang=da&version=201608&sc=SA&subthemecode=t2&colcode=T |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=stat.gl}}</ref> Most roads are [[Road surface|paved]] within towns but some sections are unpaved. There are three [[Traffic light|traffic lights]], 12 [[Roundabout|roundabouts]] in Greenland and one [[Tunnel|road tunnel]], all located in the capital, [[Nuuk]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swanson |first=David |date=2025-02-17 |title=What's Arctic Greenland Really Like? Ask a Local Gen Z-er |url=https://discover.silversea.com/destinations/arctic/whats-arctic-greenland-really-like-a-gen-z-er-shares-the-cool-and-the-quirky/ |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=Discover by Silversea |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
The national speed limit is 40 km/h (25&nbsp;mph) in the whole of Greenland, except where otherwise signposted up to a maximum 60 km/h (37&nbsp;mph).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kristensen |first=Kassaaluk |date=2023-12-19 |title=Fartgrænser ensrettes i hele landet fra nytår |url=https://www.sermitsiaq.ag/samfund/fartgraenser-ensrettes-i-hele-landet-fra-nytar/132391 |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=www.sermitsiaq.ag |language=da-DK}}</ref>
 
[[Bus]] systems operate within the towns of [[Nuup Bussii|Nuuk]], [[Sisimiut]], [[Ilulissat]], [[Maniitsoq]], [[Qaqortoq]] and [[Kangerlussuaq]].
 
=== Interurban roads ===
There are no roads between settlements that are capable of handling normal traffic. Some rudimentary tracks traversable by all-terrain vehicles are present in some areas, mostly [[Greenlandic sheep|sheep farms in the south]] and in [[Qeqqata|Qeqqata municipality]]. These roads or tracks are of low quality and not included in the length of the road network, but total approximately 290 km (not included in the above figures).<ref name="roadex">{{cite web |title=Road Construction in Greenland – the Greenlandic Case |url=http://www.roadex.org/uploads/publications/docs-RIII-EN/The%20Greenlandic%20Case%20-%20RIII.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318050753/http://www.roadex.org/uploads/publications/docs-RIII-EN/The%20Greenlandic%20Case%20-%20RIII.pdf |archive-date=March 18, 2012 |access-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref>
 
There are some other short simple gravel roads, such as that leading from the shore to remote [[Nukissiorfiit|hydropower plants]] and communication sites, but are self-contained.<ref name="roadex" /> There is a 4.5 km long asphalt road between the abandoned towns of [[Ivittuut]] and [[Kangilinnguit]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ivittuut-Kangilinnguit Road, the only paved road in Greenland |url=https://www.dangerousroads.org/europe/denmark/5246-ivittuut-kangilinnguit-road.html |access-date=2022-12-26 |website=www.dangerousroads.org |language=en-gb}}</ref>[[File:Kangerlussuaq 0165.jpg|thumb|Kangerlussuaq-Sisimiut track ]]


There is a 4.5 km long asphalt road between the towns of [[Ivittuut]] and [[Kangilinnguit]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ivittuut-Kangilinnguit Road, the only paved road in Greenland |url=https://www.dangerousroads.org/europe/denmark/5246-ivittuut-kangilinnguit-road.html |access-date=2022-12-26 |website=www.dangerousroads.org |language=en-gb}}</ref>
==== Kangerlussuaq road network and ATV track to Sisimiut ====
An existing road network in [[Kangerlussuaq]] was built by the U.S. military when it was [[Sondrestrom Air Base]], linking communication sites, the port and the [[Sondrestrom Upper Atmospheric Research Facility]]. Additionally, in 1999, Nausta A/S built a 35 km-long road on behalf of [[Volkswagen]] to the edge of the [[Greenland ice sheet]], where they conducted [[Proving ground|winter car testing]]. Volkswagen left the site in 2005 and the road was returned to the municipality and is now used for tourism and research purposes. These roads in and around Kangerlussuaq total approximately 70 km (43&nbsp;mi), thereof 15 km (10&nbsp;mi) paved with asphalt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=d.menezes |date=2020-11-30 |title=The Arctic Circle Road: The Road to Freedom? |url=https://polarconnection.org/arctic-circle-road/ |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=The Polar Connection |language=en-GB}}</ref>


Speed limit ranges from {{convert|50|kph|mph}} for local roads to {{convert|80|kph|mph}} on primary roads.
A 130 kilometre-long (80&nbsp;mi) track between the towns of [[Sisimiut]] and [[Kangerlussuaq]], traversable by [[All-terrain vehicle|all-terrain vehicles]], [[Side-by-side (vehicle)|UTVs]] and [[Off-road vehicle|off-road vehicles]] ([[Unimog]]-type vehicles) was opened in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reimer-Johansen |first=Tôrtia |date=2025-07-18 |title=Arctic Circle Track åbnes officielt |url=https://www.sermitsiaq.ag/samfund/arctic-circle-track-abnes-officielt/2259438 |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=www.sermitsiaq.ag |language=da-DK}}</ref> It is dubbed the 'Arctic Circle Track', and follows a similar route to the [[Arctic Circle Trail]]. It is the first land based connection between two towns in Greenland, outside of [[snowmobile]] and [[Dog sled|dog-sled]] transport in winter. The track is very rudimentary in construction and was built in 2021-2025, at a cost of 25 million [[Danish krone|DKK]] (€3{{abbr|M|million}}).<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-05-11 |title=Historisk vejprojekt mellem Sisimiut og Kangerlussuaq undervejs |trans-title=Historic road project between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq ongoing |url=https://bygge-anlaegsavisen.dk/historisk-vejprojekt-mellem-sisimiut-og-kangerlussuaq-undervejs |access-date=2022-04-10 |publisher=Bygge- & Anlægsavisen |language=Danish |quote=}}</ref><ref>[https://sermitsiaq.ag/node/232296 ATV-sporet mellem Kangerlussuaq og Sisimiut er færdig]</ref>  It is envisioned that this track will be upgraded in the future to a proper gravel road, at an estimated cost of 500 million [[Danish krone]] (€67M), no timeline is in place.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGwin |first=Kevin |date=2021-09-27 |title=The benefits of a proposed new Greenland road justify its costs — and then some — an outside review finds |url=https://www.arctictoday.com/construction-of-greenland-road-justifies-costs-and-then-some-review-finds/ |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=ArcticToday |language=en-US}}</ref>


Some farms in the south have fairly extensive very simple roads for [[all-terrain vehicle]]s (not included in the above figures), used for sheep farming and hay collection. There are some other short simple gravel roads, such as that leading from the shore to [[Nukissiorfiit|hydropower plants]].
==== South Greenland road network ====
[[File:Tunulliarfik-qassiarsuk.jpg|thumb|ATV tracks around Qassiarsuk]]
In the area around [[Qassiarsuk]], a very simple road network suitable for [[All-terrain vehicle|all-terrain vehicles]], totalling around 80 km (50&nbsp;mi) exists connecting a handful of sheep farms with the town. This network reaches a glacial river by [[Narsarsuaq Airport]], which is unbridged and can only be crossed by larger vehicles.<ref name="roadex" />


A {{convert|170|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} road between [[Sisimiut]] and [[Kangerlussuaq]] was discussed for several years. In 2015 the cost of it (500 million [[Danish krone]]) caused it to be replanned as a much less costly one-lane road for [[off-road vehicle]]s. It was built in 2021 and 2022, at a cost of 25 million [[Danish krone|DKK]] (€3{{abbr|M|million}}).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bygge-anlaegsavisen.dk/historisk-vejprojekt-mellem-sisimiut-og-kangerlussuaq-undervejs |title=Historisk vejprojekt mellem Sisimiut og Kangerlussuaq undervejs |date=2021-05-11 |publisher=Bygge- & Anlægsavisen |access-date=2022-04-10 |quote= |language=Danish |trans-title=Historic road project between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq ongoing}}</ref><ref>[https://sermitsiaq.ag/node/232296 ATV-sporet mellem Kangerlussuaq og Sisimiut er færdig]</ref> This road or wheel-track is of low quality and not included in the length of the road network.
A bridge over the river at [[Narsarsuaq]] has been proposed,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duus |first=Søren Duran |date=2012-08-07 |title=Borgere vil have vej i Sydgrønland |url=https://www.sermitsiaq.ag/samfund/borgere-vil-have-vej-i-sydgronland/412970 |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=www.sermitsiaq.ag |language=da-DK}}</ref> as well as a 40 km extension of the road network to [[Narsaq]] and a general improvement of the currently simple road network.<ref name="roadex2">{{cite web |title=Road Construction in Greenland – the Greenlandic Case |url=http://www.roadex.org/uploads/publications/docs-RIII-EN/The%20Greenlandic%20Case%20-%20RIII.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318050753/http://www.roadex.org/uploads/publications/docs-RIII-EN/The%20Greenlandic%20Case%20-%20RIII.pdf |archive-date=March 18, 2012 |access-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Øvrige udgivelser |url=https://kanat.gl/emner/udgivelser/oevrige-udgivelser?sc_lang=da |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=Transportkommissionen}}</ref> Separately, a road and [[ferry]] connection from [[Narsaq]] to [[Qaqortoq]] has been proposed, with a tunnel being another option.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hansen |first=Nukappiaaluk |date=2018-04-18 |title=S-forslag: Etabler vej mellem Narsaq og Qaqortoq |url=https://www.sermitsiaq.ag/samfund/s-forslag-etabler-vej-mellem-narsaq-og-qaqortoq/626121 |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=www.sermitsiaq.ag |language=da-DK}}</ref> If all these proposals are implemented, this would create a continuous 'South Greenland road network' linking [[Narsarsuaq]], [[Narsaq]] and [[Qaqortoq]], although is highly unlikely due to the extreme cost.<ref name="roadex2" /><ref name=":1" />


==Water transport==
==Water transport==
There are ports at [[Ilulissat]], [[Kangerlussuaq]] (also known by its Danish name Søndre Strømfjord), [[Qaqortoq]], [[Narsaq]], [[Nuuk]] (Godthåb), [[Aasiaat]] and [[Sisimiut]]. Several other towns have also small ports. The main users of the harbors are [[Royal Arctic Line]] and [[Arctic Umiaq Line]]. Royal Arctic Line organises freight ships, for example container ships, with regular sailings from Denmark. Arctic Umiaq Line runs a passenger ship which also carries freight. The distance from Denmark to Nuuk by ship is 3,800 kilometres (2,400&nbsp;mi/2,000 nmi/4 days at 20 knots), so more perishable foodstuff is imported by air.
[[File:Port of Nuuk (SIKUKI - Nuuk Harbour AS).jpg|thumb|Nuuk Port]]
There are ports at [[Ilulissat]], [[Kangerlussuaq]], [[Qaqortoq]], [[Narsaq]], [[Nuuk]], [[Aasiaat]] and [[Sisimiut]]. Several other towns have also small ports. The main users of the harbours are [[Royal Arctic Line]], [[Arctic Umiaq Line]] and [[Eimskip]]. Royal Arctic Line, in cooperation with Eimskip, organises container shipping with regular sailings from Denmark and Iceland. Arctic Umiaq Line runs a passenger ship which also carries freight. The distance from Denmark to Nuuk by ship is 3,800 kilometres (2,400&nbsp;mi/2,000 nmi/4 days at 20 knots), so more perishable foodstuff is imported by air.


There are no [[Roll-on/roll-off|car ferries]] in or to Greenland. It is possible to transport cars as container freight with [[Royal Arctic Line]] (both domestic and from Denmark). Passengers must travel by another method. This is done mostly when moving or buying a car, not normally when travelling, as there is no large road network anywhere.
There are no [[Roll-on/roll-off|car ferries]] in or to Greenland. It is possible to transport cars as container freight with [[Royal Arctic Line]] (both domestic and from Denmark). Passengers must travel by another method. This is done mostly when moving or buying a car, not normally when travelling, as there is no large road network anywhere.
Line 39: Line 62:


==Railways==
==Railways==
[[File:Mine Qaarsut.jpg|thumb|223x223px|Mine in Qaarsut]]
Historically, special-purpose [[Narrow gauge|narrow gauge railways]] have operated, for purposes such as fish and mining.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://okj.malmborg.info/travelreports/Qoornoq_X-press/Qoornoq_X-press.htm|title = Narrow gauge railway on Greenland}}</ref>
Historically, special-purpose [[Narrow gauge|narrow gauge railways]] have operated, for purposes such as fish and mining.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://okj.malmborg.info/travelreports/Qoornoq_X-press/Qoornoq_X-press.htm|title = Narrow gauge railway on Greenland}}</ref>
[[File:KRABBE(09) Greenland. The coal mine at Qaarsuarsuk (11288976563).jpg|thumb|223x223px|The coal mine at Qaarsuarsuk]]
* The {{RailGauge|600mm|lk=on}} "Qoornoq X-press" railway in the village of [[Qoornoq]] in the [[Nuuk]] fjord was used for transporting fish from the harbour to scaffolds for drying. The railway cars were only flatbed wagon cars with no locomotives to move them. Built in 1955, the railway was abandoned shortly before the village around 1971.<ref name="NQ">{{cite web|url=http://okj.malmborg.info/travelreports/Qoornoq_X-press/Qoornoq_X-press.htm|title=Narrow gauge railway on Greenland|access-date=June 17, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Industribaner på Grønland. Indledning og Qornoq {{!}} Bents bane |url=https://bentsbane.dk/industribaner-paa-groenland-indledning-og-qornoq/ |access-date=2025-09-08 |language=da-DK}}</ref>


* The [[Qoornoq X-press]] in the village of [[Qoornoq]] in the [[Nuuk]] [[fjord]], . The {{RailGauge|600mm|lk=on}} Qoornoq X-press was used for transporting fish from the harbour to scaffolds for drying.<ref name="NQ">{{cite web|url=http://okj.malmborg.info/travelreports/Qoornoq_X-press/Qoornoq_X-press.htm|title=Narrow gauge railway on Greenland|access-date=June 17, 2011}}</ref> The railway cars were only flatbed wagon cars with no locomotives to move them.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://okj.malmborg.info/travelreports/Qoornoq_X-press/Qoornoq_X-press.htm|title = Narrow gauge railway on Greenland}}</ref> Built in 1955, the railway was abandoned shortly before the village around 1971.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://okj.malmborg.info/travelreports/Qoornoq_X-press/Qoornoq_X-press.htm|title = Narrow gauge railway on Greenland}}</ref>
* Malmbjerg{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}}
* [[Mestersvig]] – From 1956 to 1963, Mestersvig was a [[zinc]] and [[lead]] [[mining|mine]], where a railway was likely in use.{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}}
* [[Qaqortoq]]{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}}


* [[Malmbjerg]]
* [[Ivigtut]] – Cryolite quarry that once operated in the community, had locomotives.<ref>[https://www.jernbanen.dk/materiel.php?bid=19952 Kryolit lok]</ref><ref>https://www.jernbanen.dk/materiel.php?bid=19952</ref><ref>https://www.jernbanen.dk/materiel.php?bid=19212</ref><ref>https://www.jernbanen.dk/materiel.php?bid=19213</ref>
* [[Mestersvig]] – likely for the local mines that existed in the 1950s and 1960s
* [[Disko Island]] near [[Qullissat]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minebyen der ikke ville dø |url=https://arkiv.arbejderen.dk/anmeldelse/minebyen-der-ikke-ville-d%C3%B8 |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=Arbejderen |language=da}}</ref>
* [[Julianehaab]]
* [[Maamorilik]] Ivigtut{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}}
* [[Ivigtut]] – likely for the local mine that once operated in the community
* [[Disko Island]] near [[Qutdligssat]]
* [[Maamorilik]]
* Cryolite quarry Ivigtut.<ref>https://www.jernbanen.dk/materiel.php?bid=19952</ref><ref>https://www.jernbanen.dk/materiel.php?bid=19212</ref><ref>https://www.jernbanen.dk/materiel.php?bid=19213</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 23:22, 4 October 2025

Template:Short description

Transport in Greenland is very unusual in that there are virtually no roads between towns, no railways, and no inland waterways. Historically most transport has been by boat around the coast in summer and, particularly in the north and east, by dog sled in winter. Today, transport by fixed wing aircraft or helicopter is the primary mode of transport, along with sea freight.[1]

Air transport

Template:Main article

File:Nuuk Airport 2024.jpg
Nuuk Airport

Air transport is the most important method of year-round transport in Greenland. Greenland has 25 airports, 14 of which are paved, supplemented by 47 heliports mostly serving small settlements. 14 airports and 8 heliports have scheduled air services.[2] All domestic flights are operated by Air Greenland, with their hub located in the capital at Nuuk Airport.

All civilian airports are operated by Greenland Airports and are regulated by the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority.[3]

Year-round scheduled International flights are to Copenhagen and Keflavík-Reykjavík Airport, Iceland. Other airlines operate seasonal and charter flights. Icelandair flies from Keflavík-Reykjavík to Nuuk, Kulusuk, Ilulissat and Narsarsuaq.[4] Air Greenland has also operated a route from Iqaluit in Canada to Nuuk during summer during some years.[5]

History

File:Kangerlussuaq Airport in summer 2024.jpg
Kangerlussuaq Airport

Aviation in Greenland was historically primarily reliant on airports built for military purposes during World War II by the United States. These air bases were built away from major settlements, as they were intended only to serve military purposes, located in stable weather and in part to downplay U.S. military presence in Greenland. After the war, some remained active for military purposes but as they were the only aviation infrastructure in Greenland, began to serve civilian purposes too, despite their ill-suited locations.[6]

Kangerlussuaq Airport, built as Sondrestrom Air Base (Bluie West Eight), served as Greenland's international and domestic hub from the 1950s as it was the only airport large enough to support larger jet aircraft. As a result, travel to larger towns in Greenland usually required a transfer at Kangerlussuaq. It was handed over to Greenlandic Authorities in 1992 after the closure of the U.S. base, but remains in limited military use by the Joint Arctic Command in addition to its civilian use.[7] Kangerlussuaq remained Greenland's aviation hub until the opening of the rebuilt Nuuk Airport in 2024. It still has the longest runway in Greenland, and is considered to have more stable weather than its coastal airports.

Narsarsuaq Airport, built as Bluie West One, serves as a regional hub in South Greenland.[8] Kulusuk Airport, built to serve DYE-4 is also a regional hub for the area and one of only two civilian airports in East Greenland.[9]

Pituffik Space Base (Thule) was built in 1953 and remains a U.S. military base to this day.

New airports

In 1979, a STOL airport was constructed in Nuuk followed by Ilulissat in 1984.[10][11] Fixed-wing flights using smaller aircraft were now possible, reducing transport costs and increasing service. As a result of its success, in 1998-2007, the Greenlandic Government began building a network of STOL airports in 8 major towns in western Greenland to improve transport by moving away from the dependence on helicopters between towns. The airports built by the Greenlandic government were at Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Aasiaat, Maniitsoq, Qaarsut, Qaanaaq, Upernavik and Paamiut.[12][1]

A major development in Greenlandic aviation occurred in 2016, when it was decided that three new or rebuilt airports would be built in Nuuk, Ilulissat and Qaqortoq. These airports will accommodate larger jet aircraft which can serve international destinations, at a cost of 3.6 billion DKK (approximately $560 million), primarily financed by the Danish state.[13] This will majorly improve access to Greenland's largest towns and end the use of ill-placed prior military bases as aviation hubs. Kangerlussuaq Airport will lose hub status to Nuuk Airport and Ilulissat Airport, while Narsarsuaq Airport will be replaced by Qaqortoq Airport.[14]

The first of the new airports, Nuuk Airport, was opened in 2024 and subsequently most international traffic transitioned there. The other two airports, Ilulissat and Qaqortoq are due to open in 2026.[13]

Roads

File:Nuuk Bus Ligne 1 08-23.jpg
Bus of Nuup Bussii A/S in Nuuk

Generally, there are no roads between settlements in Greenland, only within them and around them. As of 2017, there are 383 kilometres (238 mi) of local roads within towns.[15] Most roads are paved within towns but some sections are unpaved. There are three traffic lights, 12 roundabouts in Greenland and one road tunnel, all located in the capital, Nuuk.[16]

The national speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph) in the whole of Greenland, except where otherwise signposted up to a maximum 60 km/h (37 mph).[17]

Bus systems operate within the towns of Nuuk, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Maniitsoq, Qaqortoq and Kangerlussuaq.

Interurban roads

There are no roads between settlements that are capable of handling normal traffic. Some rudimentary tracks traversable by all-terrain vehicles are present in some areas, mostly sheep farms in the south and in Qeqqata municipality. These roads or tracks are of low quality and not included in the length of the road network, but total approximately 290 km (not included in the above figures).[18]

There are some other short simple gravel roads, such as that leading from the shore to remote hydropower plants and communication sites, but are self-contained.[18] There is a 4.5 km long asphalt road between the abandoned towns of Ivittuut and Kangilinnguit.[19]

File:Kangerlussuaq 0165.jpg
Kangerlussuaq-Sisimiut track

Kangerlussuaq road network and ATV track to Sisimiut

An existing road network in Kangerlussuaq was built by the U.S. military when it was Sondrestrom Air Base, linking communication sites, the port and the Sondrestrom Upper Atmospheric Research Facility. Additionally, in 1999, Nausta A/S built a 35 km-long road on behalf of Volkswagen to the edge of the Greenland ice sheet, where they conducted winter car testing. Volkswagen left the site in 2005 and the road was returned to the municipality and is now used for tourism and research purposes. These roads in and around Kangerlussuaq total approximately 70 km (43 mi), thereof 15 km (10 mi) paved with asphalt.[20]

A 130 kilometre-long (80 mi) track between the towns of Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq, traversable by all-terrain vehicles, UTVs and off-road vehicles (Unimog-type vehicles) was opened in 2025.[21] It is dubbed the 'Arctic Circle Track', and follows a similar route to the Arctic Circle Trail. It is the first land based connection between two towns in Greenland, outside of snowmobile and dog-sled transport in winter. The track is very rudimentary in construction and was built in 2021-2025, at a cost of 25 million DKK (€3M).[22][23] It is envisioned that this track will be upgraded in the future to a proper gravel road, at an estimated cost of 500 million Danish krone (€67M), no timeline is in place.[24]

South Greenland road network

File:Tunulliarfik-qassiarsuk.jpg
ATV tracks around Qassiarsuk

In the area around Qassiarsuk, a very simple road network suitable for all-terrain vehicles, totalling around 80 km (50 mi) exists connecting a handful of sheep farms with the town. This network reaches a glacial river by Narsarsuaq Airport, which is unbridged and can only be crossed by larger vehicles.[18]

A bridge over the river at Narsarsuaq has been proposed,[25] as well as a 40 km extension of the road network to Narsaq and a general improvement of the currently simple road network.[26][27] Separately, a road and ferry connection from Narsaq to Qaqortoq has been proposed, with a tunnel being another option.[28] If all these proposals are implemented, this would create a continuous 'South Greenland road network' linking Narsarsuaq, Narsaq and Qaqortoq, although is highly unlikely due to the extreme cost.[26][27]

Water transport

File:Port of Nuuk (SIKUKI - Nuuk Harbour AS).jpg
Nuuk Port

There are ports at Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq, Qaqortoq, Narsaq, Nuuk, Aasiaat and Sisimiut. Several other towns have also small ports. The main users of the harbours are Royal Arctic Line, Arctic Umiaq Line and Eimskip. Royal Arctic Line, in cooperation with Eimskip, organises container shipping with regular sailings from Denmark and Iceland. Arctic Umiaq Line runs a passenger ship which also carries freight. The distance from Denmark to Nuuk by ship is 3,800 kilometres (2,400 mi/2,000 nmi/4 days at 20 knots), so more perishable foodstuff is imported by air.

There are no car ferries in or to Greenland. It is possible to transport cars as container freight with Royal Arctic Line (both domestic and from Denmark). Passengers must travel by another method. This is done mostly when moving or buying a car, not normally when travelling, as there is no large road network anywhere.

Many of the tourists to Greenland arrive by cruise ship.

Railways

File:Mine Qaarsut.jpg
Mine in Qaarsut

Historically, special-purpose narrow gauge railways have operated, for purposes such as fish and mining.[29]

File:KRABBE(09) Greenland. The coal mine at Qaarsuarsuk (11288976563).jpg
The coal mine at Qaarsuarsuk
  • The Template:RailGauge "Qoornoq X-press" railway in the village of Qoornoq in the Nuuk fjord was used for transporting fish from the harbour to scaffolds for drying. The railway cars were only flatbed wagon cars with no locomotives to move them. Built in 1955, the railway was abandoned shortly before the village around 1971.[30][31]
  • MalmbjergScript error: No such module "Unsubst".
  • Mestersvig – From 1956 to 1963, Mestersvig was a zinc and lead mine, where a railway was likely in use.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
  • QaqortoqScript error: No such module "Unsubst".

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:Commonscat-inline

Template:Wikivoyage-inline

Template:Greenland topics Template:Americas topic

  1. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Air Greenland. "50 Års: Grønlandsfly 1980–89 Template:Webarchive". Retrieved 17 May 2010. Template:In lang
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ ATV-sporet mellem Kangerlussuaq og Sisimiut er færdig
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Kryolit lok
  33. ↑ https://www.jernbanen.dk/materiel.php?bid=19952
  34. ↑ https://www.jernbanen.dk/materiel.php?bid=19212
  35. ↑ https://www.jernbanen.dk/materiel.php?bid=19213
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Retrieved from "http://debianws.lexgopc.com/wiki143/index.php?title=Transport_in_Greenland&oldid=3115774"