Despite it’s small population, Greenland’s new £221 million airport will transform travel to the island as it makes its capital city, Nuuk, accessible to direct flights from the UK
A historic moment for Greenland was celebrated in late November as the first direct flight from Copenhagen in Denmark, landed at Nuuk’s brand-new £221 million airport.
This state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionise travel to the world’s largest island, making its rugged beauty more accessible to Brits and international tourists alike.
Covering an area ten times the size of Britain but with a population of just 57,000 — fewer than Guernsey — Greenland has long been characterised by its isolation. Until now, getting to the capital, Nuuk, involved a complicated journey with a transfer at Kangerlussuaq, a former US World War II airbase 200 miles away.
The old airport’s short runway couldn’t handle transatlantic jets, forcing travellers to put up with lengthy waits and multiple connections. The new airport is set to change all that.
With its upgraded runway capable of receiving direct international flights, Nuuk is now a gateway to Greenland’s vast, untouched landscapes and unique cultural experiences, according to The Times. The inaugural flight, operated by Air Greenland’s striking red Airbus A330neo, was met with much celebration.
Crowds of locals gathered on rooftops and rocky outcrops to watch the aircraft descend over the city’s stunning mountainous backdrop. Greenland, famed for its dramatic fjords, immense ice sheet, and remote settlements reachable only by boat or plane, remains one of the planet’s most mysterious destinations, reports the Express.
Greenland’s remoteness has long been both its charm and its challenge. But with the new airport in Nuuk, travel times will be significantly cut down, making it easier for adventurers and culture enthusiasts to explore this Arctic frontier.
The project is a bold move for Greenland, with hopes of boosting tourism and economic development. However, it also presents challenges as the island tries to balance its unique cultural identity and untouched environment with the inevitable surge in global interest.
For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, Greenland’s pristine beauty has never been more accessible.
Two more airports will also open in the country by the end of 2026. The airports in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq in South Greenland, will allow travellers to reach most parts of the country within 1.5 hours. The new airports initially will be operated by existing air carriers Air Greenland and Icelandair, but in the future will also allow opportunities for new airlines and more flights to Greenland.
In the future, it is hoped that these airports will help to connect the west better with Canada. In addition, United Airlines is set to introduce a flight route between Newark, New York and Nuuk, which is due to start in June 2025, and will entail a twice-weekly service during peak season.
In the same way, connections to the East will be strengthened with two weekly departures from Nuuk to Keflavik, in Iceland.
