Air Greenland now anticipates a 30 million kroner loss for 2025 due to operational challenges at the newly opened international airport in Nuuk. This revision is a significant shift from the previously projected profit of 60 to 75 million kroner before tax.

The difficulties encountered at the new airport include adverse weather conditions, icy runways, and delays in security checks and fuel delivery. These issues have led to the cancellation of 59 long-haul jet flights in the first six months of the year. In comparison, only three cancellations occurred during the same period last year when flights operated from Kangerlussuaq.

According to Check-in, Air Greenland CEO Jacob Nitter Sørensen stated, “We are marked by the challenges that are beyond Air Greenland’s direct control, but we are also part of the equation. Therefore, we also take responsibility and contribute with measures to stabilize operations where we can.”

The Nuuk airport recently underwent a major renovation, featuring a new and longer runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft. However, Nuuk’s weather conditions are more unpredictable than those in Kangerlussuaq, which is more sheltered from adverse weather.

Air Greenland is owned by the Greenlandic Self-Government. Previously, SAS and the Danish state held shares in the company, but these were sold to the Greenlanders in 2019. The new airport has recently hosted notable figures, including American Vice President JD Vance and French President Emmanuel Macron.