Greenland opens new airport, ready to welcome adventurers from around world

Greenland, with its towering icebergs, ancient glaciers, and Arctic wonders, is no longer just a dream destination for adventure-seekers. 

In a latest article, Euronews describes that the island’s unique offerings, including whale watching, iceberg hikes, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights, are drawing travelers from around the world. However, tourism in Greenland is still in its early stages, and the country is keen to grow this emerging industry.

Tourism is a central part of Greenland’s strategy to diversify its economy. Currently, the fishing industry accounts for about 90 per cent of the island’s exports, but the heavy reliance on one sector poses economic risks. In response, the government has set an ambitious target for tourism to account for 40 per cent of its export value by 2035. While tourism itself is not technically classified as an export, it generates foreign income, and for economic purposes, it is treated as one.

To reach this goal, tourism revenue—which totaled 250 million euros in 2023—must triple over the next decade to approach 40 per cent of Greenland’s export value.

Greenland is aiming to attract more adventurous travelers in 2025 with a unique blend of seclusion and Arctic experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind. The recent opening of Nuuk’s new international airport marks a significant step in this endeavor. Although Nuuk has had an airport since 1979, its previous runway was too short for large aircraft, limiting flights to small regional jets. The newly extended runway, now 2,200 meters long, along with a new terminal, allows major airlines to fly directly to the island’s capital from destinations around the world.

"Previously, Nuuk did not have a sufficiently long runway or suitable terminal for non-stop flights to Europe or beyond," said airline route analyst James Pearson. "This meant that Air Greenland’s A330s had to fly from Kangerlussuaq, with most passengers connecting on to Nuuk. Nuuk’s enhanced facilities will be vital for tourism and economic development."

Several airlines have already planned new routes to Nuuk starting in 2025. United Airlines will offer a direct flight from Newark, New Jersey, beginning June 14. Initially operating seasonally until September 25, this route marks a new direct connection between Greenland and the US East Coast.

Scandinavian airline SAS will also begin flights from Copenhagen in June. The airline, which has served Greenland intermittently for decades, is now able to connect to Nuuk with larger aircraft. "With a special humility and pride, we now fully resume this role," SAS said in a statement. "We hope that with our new route to Nuuk, we can help support this development and increase growth and employment in Greenlandic society."

In addition, Icelandair will operate flights to Nuuk from Keflavik, while Air Greenland, the island’s flag carrier, will expand its offerings with new routes to Aalborg and Billund in summer 2025, alongside its well-established Copenhagen connection.

Although it’s still early in the process, there is optimism that more international airlines will soon follow suit. Greenland’s ambitions don’t stop at Nuuk; both Ilulissat in the north and Qaqortoq in the south are set to open international airports by 2026, with long and modern runways. Ongoing discussions are also focused on upgrading other airports across the island to further improve accessibility and support the growth of tourism.

By Naila Huseynova