Greenland Opens New International Airport, Poised for Tourism Boom
Greenland has officially opened its first international airport in the capital city of Nuuk, marking a significant milestone for the Arctic nation’s tourism industry, Bloomberg reports.
The 2.2-kilometer runway, approved following successful test flights, welcomed its first international arrivals on Thursday.
The new airport is expected to be a game-changer, allowing larger aircraft to land directly in Nuuk, significantly increasing accessibility. Previously, international flights were routed through the more remote town of Kangerlussuaq, limiting passenger numbers and travel options.
The increased capacity is projected to dramatically boost tourism. Greenland Airport CEO Jens Lauridsen told Danish media Finans that passenger traffic is expected to double within the first year, surpassing 100,000 annual arrivals compared to the current figure of just over 50,000. In 2023, Visit Greenland reported just under 65,000 air tourists, with only around 5,000 arriving via Nuuk’s existing small domestic airport.
This surge in tourism is already supported by confirmed flight routes. Starting June 2025, United Airlines will offer a direct flight from Newark, New Jersey to Nuuk. SAS AB and Icelandair Group hf have also announced flights from Copenhagen and Keflavik International Airport, respectively, among other destinations.
The new Nuuk airport is just the beginning of ambitious infrastructure developments. Two additional airports are slated to open in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq in 2026, further expanding Greenland’s tourism potential and accessibility.
