A new direct flight between Aalborg and Nuuk has raised concerns among local authorities in northern Denmark over a potential increase in the arrival of socially vulnerable Greenlanders. The route, operated by Airseven and launched on 12 June, offers bi-weekly round-trip flights throughout the summer.
A cheaper route with complex consequences
The municipality of Aalborg fears that the affordability and accessibility of this new connection might encourage vulnerable individuals in Greenland to travel impulsively to Denmark in search of better living conditions. According to Tina Maria Larsen, head of the Center for Social Efforts (Center for Sociale Indsatser) in Aalborg, many of those arriving are not prepared for the realities of life in Denmark.
“Some people might buy a ticket on impulse, thinking Aalborg is cheaper to reach than Copenhagen,” Larsen stated. “We often see them stay with relatives at first, but eventually they end up in shelters or drop-in centres.”
Local support services under pressure
Aalborg already has one of the highest rates of homeless Greenlanders in Denmark. The arrival of more individuals in precarious conditions could further strain local social services. To address this, the municipality has collaborated with Det Grønlandske Hus (The Greenlandic House) to provide practical guidance for incoming Greenlanders.
An advert has been placed in the in-flight magazine, informing passengers about available support for housing, administration and integration, as well as access to social activities.
Building bridges, not barriers
Jeppe Bülow Sørensen, director of Det Grønlandske Hus in Aalborg, recognises the dual nature of the new route. While it could facilitate academic exchange and cultural awareness, it also demands a careful response to the needs of at-risk migrants.
“Many of those arriving carry a heavy social burden,” Sørensen explained. “Life does not necessarily get easier in Denmark. Language barriers and unfamiliar administrative systems can create new challenges.”
Still, Sørensen considers the flight connection a positive development overall, potentially attracting more Greenlandic students and enabling Danes to better understand Greenland. His organisation aims to act as a bridge-builder, offering guidance from bilingual advisors to help newcomers navigate Danish society.
Future prospects for the route
The Aalborg-Nuuk route is scheduled to operate until 1 September, with flights on Mondays and Thursdays. Tickets are sold through Air Greenland and Ruby Rejser. If the route proves successful, Aalborg Airport hopes to extend the season in 2026.
While the initiative is welcomed by the tourism and business sectors, its social implications underscore the importance of coordinated support structures to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.
