Greenland, long known for its vast icy landscapes and remote location, is about to become much more accessible with the opening of its new international airport in the capital city of Nuuk on November 28. This new airport features a 2,200-meter (7,217-foot) runway that will allow larger planes to connect the Arctic region with the rest of the world, reducing its isolation.
Starting in June, United Airlines will offer seasonal nonstop flights from Newark, New Jersey, to Nuuk, with the flight taking just over four hours. This marks a significant step forward in Greenland’s tourism potential, already drawing around 130,000 visitors each year via cruise ships and smaller flights. Officials are optimistic about growing visitor numbers while aiming to manage the influx carefully to avoid overwhelming the region.
Before the new airport’s opening, travelers could only fly into smaller airports like Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq, both former U.S. military bases from World War II that could accommodate larger planes. The new Nuuk airport will serve as a hub for Air Greenland, which will operate Airbus A330neo flights to Copenhagen and other destinations, including Reykjavik, Iceland. The facility is designed to handle up to 800 passengers an hour.
Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, believes the new airport will significantly boost tourism and the local economy. He estimates each flight could contribute $200,000 to Greenland’s economy. Lauridsen reminds potential visitors that Greenland offers a unique and adventurous tourism experience, as it is located in the Arctic.
Qupanuk Olsen, Greenland’s most prominent content creator with over 400,000 YouTube followers, is particularly excited about the new airport and plans to be on the first flight arriving at Nuuk. “It’s going to be amazing,” she says.
Anne Nivíka Grødem, CEO of Visit Greenland, sees the new airport as a milestone for the country’s tourism sector. “Tourism can drive meaningful change,” she notes, emphasizing the need to balance local opportunities with sustainable growth.
In addition to the Nuuk airport, Greenland is set to open two more airports by the end of 2026, in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq. Despite having only about 56 miles (90 kilometers) of paved roads, Greenland’s new airports will make travel within the country more accessible, helping to open up the region and offer a transformative experience for both locals and tourists.
“We want visitors to come with an open mind and a spirit of adventure,” says Grødem. “Greenland offers a chance to reconnect with nature and yourself.”