Greenland’s Growing Tourism and Trade Potential with New International Airports

In a historic development for Greenland, a new international airport in the capital city of Nuuk is set to open, allowing larger aircraft to land directly from the U.S. and Europe. This is one of three major airport projects underway that officials hope will boost Greenland’s economy by improving accessibility to the Arctic region.

Greenland, an autonomous territory within Denmark and home to the world's largest ice cap, has a population of just 18,000 in its capital, Nuuk. Until now, anyone wanting to travel overseas had to first take a small propeller plane to Kangerlussuaq, a former U.S. military airport located 200 miles north of Nuuk. However, with the new extended runway and terminal facilities at Nuuk Airport, direct flights will begin to Copenhagen this November, followed by flights to New York next summer. These larger aircraft will facilitate direct international travel, making Nuuk a vital new hub for tourism and trade.

According to Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, this shift “will have a big impact, especially in attracting more tourism and sparking change.” With construction nearly complete, diggers have reshaped the landscape around Nuuk’s airport to accommodate the longer runway. This development marks the beginning of a significant expansion for Greenland, as Ilulissat Airport, located near the iconic Ilulissat Icefjord, and Qaqortoq Airport, Greenland’s southernmost point, are both slated to open in 2026.

Nuuk residents are optimistic, with young locals eager for new travel options. For many, the arduous journey involving a transfer at Kangerlussuaq will soon be a thing of the past. “It’s so exciting that we’ll have the opportunity to travel directly to another country,” says one Nuuk resident.

Jacob Nitter Sorensen, CEO of Air Greenland, described Nuuk’s new airport as a “game changer.” Travel time will be reduced, and costs will drop, bringing new possibilities for direct routes across Europe and North America. With Greenland strategically located just four hours from both the U.S. East Coast and major European cities, airlines are keenly interested in adding this new destination to their routes. The Danish government partly financed these airport projects with a favourable loan package, which became particularly appealing amid rising construction costs.

As tourism is anticipated to surge, local businesses are already preparing to welcome visitors. In Nuuk, Inuk Hostel has invested in glass igloo huts to attract tourists year-round, while new hotels are being developed. However, some are concerned that tourism might grow too quickly, mirroring Iceland’s rapid influx of visitors. Business Minister Naaja Nathanielsen emphasised that Greenland’s new tourism infrastructure will bring “profound” changes, adding that “this will bring many positives but will also require some adjustments.”

Greenland is working to mitigate potential downsides by spreading tourism across its towns to avoid overcrowding in certain areas. Fishing and seafood exports are also expected to benefit from the new airport facilities. Polar Seafoods, a major Greenlandic company, is exploring opportunities to export fresh seafood directly by air rather than shipping it frozen by container.

The opportunities Greenland’s new infrastructure creates for trade, tourism, and air cargo are significant, aligning with Brookfield Aviation International's mission to support aviation growth globally. Greenland’s updated airport facilities open doors for larger international collaborations and underscore the demand for skilled aviation professionals who can operate and maintain these new routes.

 We are dedicated to facilitating such growth, supporting aviation expansion in emerging markets like Greenland to bolster sustainable economic development in remote regions. As Greenland modernises its infrastructure, our expertise in aviation staffing and recruitment can play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations, bridging Greenland to the wider world.