Discover how Greenland’s new £221 million airport in Nuuk is set to transform travel, making the world’s largest island more accessible to Brit tourists with direct flights from the UK.
Greenland’s new £221 million international airport in Nuuk is poised to revolutionise travel to the island, making its capital city accessible via direct flights from the UK. This significant infrastructure upgrade is part of Greenland’s broader efforts to modernise its facilities and boost both local economic opportunities and international tourism.
The new airport in Nuuk will replace Kangerlussuaq Airport as the main gateway for international flights, featuring a 2,200-metre runway capable of accommodating larger jets like Air Greenland’s Airbus A330neo. This expansion will facilitate direct flights from major international destinations, significantly reducing travel times and making Greenland’s vast, untouched landscapes and unique cultural experiences more accessible.
The project also includes new terminal facilities designed to handle up to 800 passengers per hour, streamlining arrivals and departures and enhancing the overall travel experience. This development is expected to strengthen Nuuk’s role as Greenland’s capital and support future tourism growth.
Greenland, an area ten times the size of Britain but with a population of just 57,000, has long been characterised by its isolation. Previously, reaching Nuuk involved a complex journey with a transfer at Kangerlussuaq, a former US World War II airbase 200 miles away. The new airport will transform this, making it easier for adventurers and culture enthusiasts to explore this Arctic frontier.
In addition to the new airport in Nuuk, two more airports are set to open in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq by the end of 2026. These new airports will allow travellers to reach most parts of the country within 1.5 hours, initially operated by Air Greenland and Icelandair, with opportunities for new airlines and more flights in the future.