Until recently, Greenland could only be reached via Air Greenland from Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq Airport. With the opening of the new airport in Nuuk, this is now changing fundamentally.
Greenland previously only had one runway long enough for international flights at Kangerlussuaq Airport. This airport was built by the Americans during World War II and handed over to the Greenlandic government in 1992. Since the region around Kangerlussuaq offers few attractions, travelers have had to book domestic flights to the coastal towns to explore the country.
This year, the new Nuuk Airport was opened in the capital of southern Greenland. Located right in the economic center, this airport has already attracted several airlines and new travel routes. Shortly after the opening, Air Greenland started flights to Canada, and United Airlines announced direct flights from New York Newark to Nuuk for summer 2025.
Scandinavian airline SAS, which recently left the Star Alliance and joined the SkyTeam alliance , also announced that it will start direct flights from Copenhagen to Nuuk from summer 2025. This will be Air Greenland's first competition on this route. With the opening of the new airport, Air Greenland plans to use it for international flights in the future, while Kangerlussuaq will be excluded from scheduled international flights.
Greenland is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination because its coastal towns such as Sisimiut and Ilulissat in Disko Bay offer impressive natural experiences, including the Greenland Ice Sheet, huge icebergs and numerous activities such as Northern Lights safaris, dog sledding and much more.