A new gateway to Greenland

The opening of the Nuuk International Airport on 28 November 2024 ushers in a new era for Greenland. This landmark event promises to enhance global connectivity, boosting economic growth, integrating Greenland  further into international trade and tourism. Air Greenland’s flagship Airbus A330neo Tuukkaq, touched down in Nuuk from Copenhagen, inaugurating a new 4 hour and 50 minute route between Scandinavia’s busiest hub and Greenland’s capital city.

Onboard Tuukkaq (“harpoon” in Greenlandic) was Harald Rokke, Director, Connectivity & Consumer, at NIB, who took part in the opening of Nuuk International Airport, the new main gateway to Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

“Landing in Nuuk was incredibly exciting and touching, with a large crowd waving at us. It marked a significant event for the new airport’s impact on local activities and future of Greenland,” said Rokke.

For the first time, direct international flights will connect Greenland’s capital with the rest of the world, reducing travel time, lowering costs, and creating new opportunities. According to World Bank statistics, Greenland had approximately 57,000 inhabitants in 2021.

Airport infrastructure

Nuuk International Airport is a USD 300 million investment in Greenland’s future. It features a 2,200-meter runway and state-of-the-art facilities like the instrument landing system (ILS), ensuring precise landings even in challenging weather conditions. The construction of a new passenger terminal and control tower makes this Greenland’s largest construction project ever.

By providing direct transatlantic flights, the airport eliminates the need for domestic transfers. This represents a shift from Kangerlussuaq—located about 310 km north of Nuuk—which was built by the US during World War II and later handed over to the Greenlandic community.

Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, expects the new airport to increase connectivity for tourists, businesses, and industries that rely on efficient air travel.

“We are not just opening a new airport—we are opening Greenland to the world, creating opportunities for growth and development in every sector,” Lauridsen says.

By 2026, two additional airports in Ilulissat (about 560 km north of Nuuk) and Qaqortoq (some 480 km south) will join the main hub in Nuuk, creating a modern network and further enhancing Greenland’s global reach. These improvements are expected to shorten travel times, lower costs for passengers, and reduce CO2 emissions from domestic air traffic.

The Nuuk and Ilulissat airports are co-financed by NIB through a loan agreement of EUR 63.3 million signed in 2019. The Ilulissat Airport will get a new 2,200-meter runway, a new control tower, and a new passenger terminal, while its existing 845-meter runway will be converted into an access road.

“Expanding key infrastructure in Greenland will reduce market barriers, facilitate competition, and increase economic opportunities for fisheries, mineral production, eco-tourism, and research,” Rokke said.

Productivity impact

Surrounded by the world’s second-largest fjord system, Nuuk International Airport promises to boost key economic sectors like mining, seafood export, and logistics. Improved passenger and cargo routes position Greenland as a hub for Arctic trade and exploration, supporting broader visions of growth and integration.

“This airport marks a new era,” said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. “By enhancing our infrastructure, we are paving the way for economic activity and stronger global ties.”

Nuuk International Airport’s new cargo facilities streamline the export of Greenland’s seafood—particularly fresh fish and shellfish—to global markets. With advanced logistics and new scanners, the airport is set to strengthen Greenland’s seafood industry.

“This airport is a testament to our commitment to improving transportation links and supporting sustainable development. It will play a crucial role in connecting our communities and facilitating economic growth,” said Kim Kielsen, Greenland’s Minister for Fisheries and Hunting.

Tourism development

Nuuk International Airport is also expected to support Greenland’s tourism sector. Offering direct international flights to the capital reduces travel time, opening new possibilities. The Ilulissat Airport—located near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord—will further boost access to some of Greenland’s most iconic destinations.

Greenland remains committed to balancing tourism growth with community well-being and environmental preservation, but there are concerns about mass tourism.

“The new Nuuk International Airport marks the opening of Greenland to the world. We are focused on fostering a balance between tourism development and community well-being, and we invite travellers to discover the hidden treasures of our island,” said Anne Nivika Grødem, CEO of Visit Greenland.

In 2023, the number of flight passengers to Greenland grew 18.8% year-on-year to 39,881, with a 9% increase in the tourist segment. Greenland’s tourism influx is estimated to have contributed 1.9 billion Danish kroner to the economy in 2023, supporting around 1,075 jobs.

Local businesses are also gearing up for the changes.

“We tried starting a shuttle service before, but the passenger volume was too low. Now, with larger aircraft arriving, we can expect around 300 passengers at once,” said Jesper Øraker of Greenland Escape, a tourism reception and destination management company in Nuuk.