Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Greenland has officially launched its new international airport in Nuuk, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation history. Operating for direct international flight to the Arctic capital, establishing Nuuk as a major hub for air transport in the region.
Greenland, synonymous with freezing temperatures and isolation, has long been a challenging destination for travelers. Previously, visitors could only access the world’s largest island—situated between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans—via ship or by flying into small, remote towns like Kangerlussuaq in the north or Narsarsuaq in the south, both former U.S. military bases built during World War II.
However, the new international airport in Nuuk, which officially opened on November 28, 2024, is set to transform travel to Greenland. With a 2,200-meter runway, the facility accommodates larger aircraft, enabling direct flights from major cities worldwide to the Arctic region.
According to Aerospace Global News, the airport’s launch allows for the first-ever jet plane connections between Nuuk and Copenhagen, Denmark. Beyond domestic routes and flights to Denmark, the aiports will also begin service to Reykjavik, Iceland.
In June 2025, United Airlines will introduce a summer route between Newark Liberty International Airport and Nuuk, providing North American travelers with direct access to Greenland in just over four hours.
A Historic Milestone
Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports said “This is truly a historic milestone that will create a world of new opportunities for the entire country, as it will for the first time enable direct flights across the Atlantic to the nation’s capital.”
Designed to handle up to 800 passengers per hour, Nuuk International Airport is expected to stimulate Greenland’s economy significantly. Each international flight is projected to contribute around $200,000 or approximately Rp3.2 billion to the local economy.
Transforming Tourism
Business Traveler reported that Greenland currently welcomes about 130,000 visitors annually, most of whom arrive via cruise ships or flights to smaller towns. The new airport promises to streamline access and attract more tourists eager to explore the unique Arctic landscape.
“The airport’s opening marks a turning point in the country’s tourism, offering visitors not just a destination, but a unique Arctic experience shaped by nature and culture,” said Anne Nivíka Grødem, CEO of Visit Greenland.
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Greenland’s extreme climate makes it a compelling destination. During summer, the region enjoys 24-hour sunlight, although temperatures only reach about 39°F (4°C). Winter, by contrast, brings no sunlight and temperatures plummeting to as low as -29°F (-34°C).
The Arctic environment supports the Greenland Ice Sheet, the second largest in the world after Antarctica, stretching over 2,400 kilometers from north to south and reaching a thickness of nearly 1,524 meters.
Future Development
Nuuk’s international airport is one of three major aviation projects in Greenland. By 2026, the country plans to open two additional airports in Qaqortoq in the south and Ilulissat in the north. These developments are expected to further enhance air and sea transportation across Greenland, positioning the nation as a more accessible and attractive destination for global travelers.
The inauguration of Nuuk International Airport represents not just an infrastructural achievement but a gateway to new economic and cultural opportunities for Greenland.
(Raidi/Agung)
