Nuuk International Airport Opens, Connecting Greenland
Greenland Airports has officially launched the new Nuuk International Airport (GOH), marking a pivotal moment in Greenland’s connectivity. The opening was approved by the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority (Trafikstyrelsen) just hours before Air Greenland’s Airbus A330neo landed on the new 2,200-meter (6,560-foot) runway on November 28, 2024. This historic achievement allows for direct flights across the Atlantic to Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, for the first time.
The modernized airport offers expanded facilities, including a newly completed terminal and a larger runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft. These upgrades position Nuuk as a key hub for Air Greenland, transitioning to a hub-and-spoke model to improve both regional and international connectivity.
Air Greenland’s New Route Network
As the main operator, Air Greenland will offer a wide range of flights from Nuuk. Initial plans include domestic routes to eight destinations using De Havilland Canada Dash-8 aircraft. International flights will include 2X-weekly services to Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF) and 5X-weekly flights to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) using its A330-800 aircraft. The airline plans to expand its network with new routes to Billund, Denmark, scheduled for March 2025, and Aalborg, Denmark, launching in June.
A Game-Changer for Greenland’s Economy
Jacob Nitter Sørensen, CEO of Air Greenland, praised the new airport as a “game-changer,” citing its potential to increase tourism, exports, and economic growth. “Imagine leaving London in the morning and experiencing the northern lights in Nuuk by evening,” Sørensen said. “Or enjoying French cuisine in Paris by night after leaving Nuuk in the morning. This marks the start of a new era for Greenland.”
Historically, most international flights to Greenland have arrived in Kangerlussuaq, requiring passengers to take connecting flights to Nuuk. However, with Nuuk’s upgraded infrastructure, international access is now direct, making it easier for travelers to reach the country’s capital.
Attracting More International Airlines
Greenland Airports is optimistic that the opening of Nuuk International Airport will attract more international airlines. Icelandair plans to operate twice-weekly flights between Keflavik (KEF) and Nuuk (GOH) during the winter 2024-25 season, with plans to increase to 3X-weekly flights in summer 2025, transitioning to Boeing 737-8 aircraft in June.
United Airlines will also introduce nonstop service between New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport and Nuuk, starting June 15, 2025, operating 2X-weekly with 737-8 aircraft. This will be the sole nonstop flight between the U.S. and Greenland.
Additionally, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will return to Greenland after more than two decades, launching seasonal flights from Copenhagen (CPH) to Nuuk beginning June 25, 2025. The service will operate 3X-weekly using A320neos until late August. Airseven, a charter operator, will also fly to Nuuk from Aalborg between June 12 and September 1, 2025 using 737-800 aircraft.
With these exciting new services and a modernized infrastructure, Nuuk International Airport is poised to become a critical hub for Greenland, enhancing its global connectivity and opening new doors for travelers worldwide.
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