The world's northernmost airport has a melting runway

The world's northernmost airport has a melting runway

The frozen expanses of the Arctic are increasingly developing into one of the most sought -after travel destinations in the world. President Donald Trump's interest in the purchase of Greenland as well as the growing interest of Russia and China in the development of the sea routes along the northern coast of Siberia bring these remote regions into the spotlight.

an increase in the thirst for adventure

But the newly discovered popularity of the Arctic is not just about geopolitical questions. Travel destinations along the Arctic Circle, from Alaska to Lapland, record record visitor numbers, while adventurous travelers are looking for the thrill to explore the most extreme limits of our planet.

A Swedish startup called Oceansky Cruises even plans luxurious trips with airships to the geographical North Pole, even if an official start date has not yet been established.

Svalbard: The northernmost airport in the world

While the summit of our planet may remain unreachable for the average traveler for a long time, there are airlines that come amazingly close. Svalbard Airport, on the Norwegian archipelago Svalbard, is the northernmost airport in the world with regular commercial flights. Two airlines, SAS and Norwegian, fly all year round between the airport in Longyearbyen, the main settlement on the islands, and the Norwegian mainland, which is more than 800 kilometers south.

The airport also regularly receives charter flights and private jets, so fascinating is its unique geographical location.

an important connection in a fragile region

The Arctic is one of the most environmentally fragile regions in the world and the team at Svalbard Airport has already received a first taste of the effects of climate change. When the 2,300 meter long runway was built in the early 1970s, nobody expected the permafrost layer on which it was built to melt. But that is exactly what happens now.

permafrost is defined as a floor that remains frozen for at least two years. The heating and melting of the permafrost becomes a significant problem for Svalbard, since the resulting instability and settings impair buildings and infrastructure and increase the risk of landslides and avalanches.

"During the summer months we have to check the runway carefully every day because the soil could sack at any time. This is a challenge that we only expect to get worse over time," reports Ragnhild Kommisrud, the airport manager, on a phone call with Cnn.

The dependence on the coal

It is difficult to overestimate how important this runway is for the approximately 2,500 inhabitants of Svalbard. If the airport was closed, most of their vital supplies would have to be delivered by ship, which can mean a journey of up to two days in any direction. "We always have additional personnel and material here at the airport, because if something breaks, we have to be able to repair it ourselves, without outside help," explains Kommisrud.

The generation of electricity has long been a sensitive topic on Svalbard. The local community is very interested in preventing global warming and preserving the untouched nature of the archipelago. However, until recently, a large part of the local economy was almost completely based on coal.

Despite her remotely, Svalbard is equipped with rich coal deposits, which are right next to deep, ice -free fjords, which makes the region suitable for breakdown. Under the 1920 Svalbard contract, which was signed by countries such as the USA, Japan and many EU countries, Norway has sovereignty over the islands, but other contracting partners also have the right to develop economic activities there.

In the past ten years, the Norwegian mines have gradually hired their production. Sveagruva, one of the largest and most productive mines on Svalbard, was closed in 2020 and the area was renatured. A Russian coal -fired power plant in Barentsburg, the second largest settlement on the island, remains open, but should reduce production according to reports.

a change to renewable energies

Since coal has largely disappeared, Svalbard has made tourism into its main economic activity. "Svalbard used to be an extremely tourist goal that was aimed at the most adventurous travelers. It is still relatively special, but we are becoming increasingly mainstream," says Ronny Brunvoll, CEO from Visit Svalbard, an association that represents over 70 private tourism companies.

Summer was traditionally the main season, in which several cruise shipping companies offer expeditions to the region. However, this season is being extended because more and more people are visiting Svalbard in winter to enjoy the Northern Lights, as well as in early spring when the days are longer and still outdoor activities such as dog sled trips and snowmobile tours are possible.

However, Touring Svalbard is reserved with some important ones. Bruniert warns of the realities on site and why visitors shouldn't leave the city without a guide. "There is a very real chance to meet a polar bear. In addition, the weather can change very abruptly. It can be brutal. And if something happens, do not expect to have a mobile signal in most places. You have to be prepared and know what you do."

The dangers of mass tourism are still on everyone's lips. The number of accommodations on Svalbard was limited to 500 rooms and is expected to remain so in the foreseeable future. Turismus may be the new “coal” of Svalbard, but both the tourism industry and the authorities seem to be aware of their responsibility to protect the untouched wilderness that makes these islands a fascinating place.