Climate Threat at Svalbard Airport
Climate Threat at Svalbard Airport – Runway Is Sinking
Svalbard Airport, located on Norway’s Svalbard Archipelago and known as the world’s northernmost airport with scheduled flights, is under threat due to climate change. Built on permafrost in the 1970s, the 2,300-meter runway is losing its stability as the region warms.
Airport Director Ragnhild Kommisrud stated that during summer, the runway is inspected daily, warning that the ground could suddenly collapse. If the runway becomes unusable, locals could face a four-day sea journey for basic needs, and tourism decline would severely impact the regional economy.
To protect the fragile ecosystem, accommodation capacity is limited and tourists are advised not to venture outside the city alone. The future of Svalbard Airport and its implications for the area remain uncertain.
