Permafrost thaw will force Greenland’s Kangerlussuaq Airport to close to most commercial traffic in 2024

Permafrost under the runway at Greenland's main international hub is warming and thawing, causing the runway to subside and crack.

By Malte Humpert, High North News December 5, 2019
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Kangerlussuaq Airport is Greenland’s main hub for international and domestic flights with 250,000 annual passengers, of which between 80 and 90 percent transfer to different flights. Thawing permafrost has resulted in technical failures of the pavement requiring either costly and ongoing repairs and maintenance or a shortening of the runway, which would impact its suitability for large commercial airliners.

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