Longyearbyen Airport, built on the permafrost layer, is melting

Svalbard Airport in Norway, the northernmost location for scheduled commercial flights, was constructed on a permafrost layer in the 1970s. As climate change causes this permafrost to melt, the airport faces challenges related to subsidence and instability. Two airlines, SAS and Norwegian, operate year-round flights to and from Longyearbyen, along with various charter services. The airport's location is strategically appealing, yet the ongoing effects of climate change are palpable, necessitating daily inspections of the runway during warmer months to ensure safety.

From a transportation perspective, the issues faced by Svalbard Airport highlight the critical need for infrastructure to adapt to climate change. As permafrost thaw becomes more common in Arctic regions, airports and other facilities must integrate advanced engineering solutions that account for changing soil conditions. There is a pressing need for investments in adaptive infrastructure and technology that can monitor subsidence and ensure the continued operation of essential transportation links in these vulnerable areas.