Nerlerit Inaat
Photo: Philipp Mitterlehner – Visit Greenland
Quick facts about Nerlerit Inaat
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Situated on the rugged terrains of Jameson Land, 70°44’35″N and 022°39’02″W to be precise, lies a small yet strategically important airport – Nerlerit Inaat. Also known as Constable Pynt Lufthavn in Danish or Mittarfik Nerlerit Inaat in Greenlandic, this modest settlement is the gateway to Northeast Greenland and serves as the crucial link to the remote town of Ittoqqortoormiit, approximately 40 km to the southeast.
The Unassuming Hub
Nerlerit Inaat might be small with its modest terminal and five additional airport buildings, but don’t let its size deceive you. Its importance far outweighs its physical footprint. It is the only stopover to reach Ittoqqortoormiit, making it a key touchpoint in the remote region’s transportation network.
International Connections
Despite its isolation, Nerlerit Inaat is not as disconnected from the outside world as one might think. Its runway, stretching 3980 feet long, welcomes international flights from Reykjavik or Akureyri, Iceland, operated by Norlandair. Passengers then connect to Air Greenland helicopters for their onward journey to Ittoqqortoormiit, making Nerlerit Inaat an integral hub in this Arctic journey.
A Hotel in the Middle of Nowhere
What sets Nerlerit Inaat apart, even more, is its accommodation facility, a hotel fondly referred to as the ‘Hilton -1 star’. Situated just at the edge of the airstrip, this establishment offers a unique experience – an overnight stay in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the immense Greenlandic landscape. Owned by Mittarfeqarfiit, the hotel caters to travelers seeking a restful night before continuing their journey to Ittoqqortoormiit.
A Settlement of a Few
The airport employs about ten individuals, adding a further layer of character to Nerlerit Inaat. These few people ensure the smooth running of operations, contributing to the important task of connecting the secluded region with the wider world.
The Unlikely Hub
Nerlerit Inaat, with its isolated location and minimal infrastructure, might not seem like a typical airport. But its very existence and operation in the harsh Arctic climate make it an icon of resilience and connectivity. Providing a lifeline to the town of Ittoqqortoormiit and linking Northeast Greenland with the outside world, Nerlerit Inaat stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration.
