Nuuk International Airport opened on 28 November 2024, when Air Greenland shifted its hub from Kangerlussuaq to Nuuk, bringing direct transatlantic connections to Greenland’s capital for the first time. The runway was extended from 950 metres to 2,200 metres during a construction project that ran from 2019 to 2024, enabling larger jet aircraft to serve the city directly.

Why This Matters

The new terminal handles up to 800 passengers per hour, with separate Schengen and non-Schengen areas and passport control facilities. Before the opening, all international passengers travelling to Nuuk had to connect through Kangerlussuaq, adding time and cost to every journey. Nuuk is now directly reachable from Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Newark, Aalborg, and Billund, with the airport serving as the primary gateway for both international and domestic travel across Greenland. The opening is also part of a broader national aviation expansion — Qaqortoq Airport opened on 16 April 2026, and Ilulissat’s new airport is expected later in 2026, making it possible to reach most parts of Greenland with a single connecting flight from Nuuk.

Air Greenland — Copenhagen ↔ Nuuk (Year-round)

Air Greenland operates the Copenhagen–Nuuk route using its Airbus A330-800, having transitioned its hub from Kangerlussuaq following the airport’s opening. Multiple weekly departures year-round, increasing to up to eight weekly flights during summer. Air Greenland also operates seasonal routes to Aalborg (summer) and Billund via Keflavík (April – October), as well as a seasonal weekly connection to Iqaluit, Canada (May–September).

Icelandair — Reykjavik–Keflavík ↔ Nuuk (Year-round)

Icelandair continues year-round service between Reykjavik–Keflavík and Nuuk, operating with Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft during summthe er. Icelandair connections also provide onward access to North America via Keflavík for travellers who cannot fly United directly.

SAS — Copenhagen ↔ Nuuk (Seasonal)

Icelandair continues year-round service between Reykjavik–Keflavík and Nuuk, operating with Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft during summer. Icelandair connections also provide onward access to North America via Keflavík for travellers who cannot fly United directly.

United Airlines — Newark ↔ Nuuk (Seasonal)

United Airlines confirmed the route will resume on 13 June 2026, with the same twice-weekly schedule as in summer 2025, using Boeing 737 MAX 8s. This is the only direct service between the United States and Greenland. Seasonal, June – September.