The new Nuuk International Airport, which opened on Thursday 28 November, is set to be a game changer for Greenland as it ushers in a new era of international flights to the country’s capital.
“This airport is not just about travel; it’s about building an infrastructure that will drive economic growth, reduce travel costs and open up new commercial opportunities,” said Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports.
While passengers previously had to travel via smaller cities such as Kangerlussuaq to the north or Narsarsuq further south to access Greenland’s capital. However, the new airport, which features a 2,200m arctic runway, can now take larger passenger jets.
Air Greenland marked the official opening on Thursday with the air transport hub’s first international flight. The A330-800neo, named Tuukkaq, flew from Copenhagen before touching down in Nuuk just after midday local time.
“This truly is a historic milestone that will create a world of new opportunities for the entire country, as it will for the first time enable direct flights across the Atlantic to the nation’s capital,” added Lauridsen.
In addition to Air Greenland, which will also serve Reykjavik in Iceland, United Airlines is also scheduled to start serving a link between Newark Liberty in the US and Nuuk in just over four hours as of summer 2025.
To enhance the customer experience and ensure streamlined operations, the airport is also equipped with cutting-edge security systems and streamlined passenger services. Alongside advanced screening technology to avoid passenger having to remove items from their hand baggage during security screening, the airport also feature new cargo scanning technologies to enhance the export of perishable goods.
The new airport at Nuuk is one of three airports that Greenland Airports is developing. By 2026, additional air transport hubs in Illulissat and Qaqortoq will also help boost the country’s aviation sector and the local economy. According to Lauridsen, each flight to the new facility in Nuuk will add USD 200,000 to Greenland’s economy.
Photo: Nuuk International Airport
