Global Access to Greenland Expands with Opening of New Airport

By jubril Lawal
2 Min Read

Thanks to a newly opened international airport featuring a 2,200-meter (7,217-foot) runway in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, the Arctic territory is now more accessible to the world. This development enables larger aircraft to connect directly to Greenland.

Starting in June, United Airlines will launch nonstop seasonal flights from Newark, New Jersey, cutting travel time to just over four hours.

Currently, Greenland welcomes about 130,000 visitors annually, primarily via cruise ships or flights. With this new airport, that number is expected to grow, though officials aim to manage tourism sustainably.

Previously, air travel to Greenland often required flying into Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq—former U.S. military bases capable of accommodating larger planes. The Nuuk airport will now become Air Greenland’s hub, hosting an Airbus A330neo for routes to Copenhagen, Denmark. It is designed to handle up to 800 passengers per hour and will also offer flights to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, anticipates significant economic benefits, estimating each flight could contribute $200,000 to the local economy. However, he emphasizes Greenland offers a unique tourism experience, distinct from traditional destinations.

Qupanuk Olsen, Greenland’s top content creator with over 400,000 YouTube followers, expressed excitement about the new airport, planning to be aboard its inaugural flight.

Anne Nivíka Grødem, CEO of Visit Greenland, views the airport as a transformative milestone, saying, “Tourism can drive meaningful change. It’s about balancing local opportunities, market trends, and human aspirations.”

Two additional airports, in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq, are slated to open by late 2026, further improving access to a nation where only about 56 miles (90 kilometers) of paved roads exist. These new facilities will make travel within Greenland—by air or sea—much easier for locals and tourists alike.

Grødem adds, “Greenland is not just a destination; it’s an experience that changes your perspective. Visitors should arrive with an open mind and a spirit of adventure, ready to reconnect with nature and themselves.”

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