
Greenland, known for its snow, cold, and remoteness, is set to become more accessible. On November 28, a new international airport opened in Nuuk, the capital, featuring a 2,200-meter (7,217-foot) runway capable of accommodating larger planes and facilitating direct connections to the Arctic territory.
Starting in June, United Airlines will offer nonstop seasonal flights from Newark, New Jersey, reducing travel time to just over four hours. The airport will also serve as a hub for Air Greenland, which will operate Airbus A330neo flights to Copenhagen, Denmark, and connect Nuuk with Reykjavik, Iceland.
Currently, Greenland attracts 130,000 visitors annually, many arriving via cruise ships or flights to smaller cities like Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq, both former military bases. With the new airport, officials anticipate a rise in tourism while aiming to maintain sustainable growth.
Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, highlighted the economic potential, estimating each flight could add $200,000 to Greenland’s economy. Lauridsen also emphasized Greenland’s unique appeal, stating, “Visitors should prepare for an Arctic adventure unlike any standard tourism experience.”
The airport’s capacity to handle up to 800 passengers per hour marks a significant step in improving Greenland’s global connectivity and fostering its tourism industry.