Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a remote yet breathtaking destination known for its vast ice sheets, rugged landscapes, and indigenous Inuit culture. Given its isolation and extreme climate, flying is the most practical way to reach Greenland and travel within the island. The alternative is a cruise. Whether you’re a tourist seeking adventure or a business traveler, understanding flying to Greenland options, routes, and aviation challenges is essential. Greenland is experiencing a sharp rise in international visitors, fuelled by a mix of geopolitical attention from the US and significant infrastructure upgrades.

The opening of a new airport in the capital Nuuk in November 2024 has coincided with a 14% year-on-year increase in passengers on international flights to the island this January, according to Statistics Greenland.

At the same time, heightened global interest in the Arctic’s rare earth resources and new direct flight routes are accelerating the island’s transition from a fishing-dependent economy to a broader tourism and mining-led growth model.

Flying to Greenland from Denmark

Denmark, as Greenland’s former colonial power, maintains the most extensive air links to the island. Air Greenland, the national carrier, operates regular flights from Copenhagen (CPH) to Kangerlussuaq (SFJ), the main international airport in Greenland. This route serves as the primary gateway for most international visitors. The flight duration is approximately 4.5 hours.

During peak travel seasons, Air Greenland also offers seasonal flights from Copenhagen to Nuuk (GOH), Greenland’s capital. These flights provide more direct access for travelers visiting Nuuk for business or leisure.

Flying to Greenland from Iceland

Iceland serves as the second major gateway to Greenland. Icelandair and Air Greenland operate flights from Reykjavik (KEF and RKV) to several destinations in Greenland, including Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Kulusuk.

Flights from Reykjavik to Greenland are shorter (1.5 to 3 hours) compared to those from Denmark, making Iceland a convenient stopover for travelers from North America and Europe. Reykjavik’s Keflavik International Airport (KEF) handles international traffic, while the smaller Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) caters to flights within Iceland and to Greenland.

Nuuk airport opens direct US route

Nuuk’s new international airport is now Greenland’s central gateway, cutting travel times and removing the need for stopovers in Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq.

United Airlines is scheduled to begin direct flights from New York to Nuuk in June 2025, replacing the previously indirect travel route that involved transit via the former US military base.

The changes are already making an impact. Visit Greenland reported that three-quarters of local tourism operators saw higher bookings in the three months following the Nuuk airport launch.

Further expansion is planned. Ilulissat, Greenland’s leading tourist destination, will open a new international airport in 2026.

Another airport is currently under construction in Qaqortoq in the island’s south.

US spotlight lifts Greenland’s global profile

Greenland’s geopolitical visibility rose sharply after US President Donald Trump’s public interest in the island.

The arrival of Donald Trump Jr. at Nuuk’s new airport in January 2025 drew further media coverage.

Since then, the president has reiterated his aim to bring Greenland under US control, citing its rare earth mineral potential as key to national strategic interests.

This renewed focus has had commercial effects. Greenland Cruises, a company offering boat tours around the island’s icebergs and fjords, has reported higher-than-average bookings for the season.

Though local operators are expanding cautiously, financial institutions are urging them to increase capacity in preparation for a potential boom in Arctic tourism.

Tourism and mining are seen as growth pillars

Greenland is aiming to reduce its economic dependence on fishing, which currently accounts for 95% of its exports.

The government is banking on tourism and mining to drive future growth.

Attractions include the island’s UNESCO-listed ice fjords, expansive glaciers, and marine life such as whales, which draw international travelers.

Alongside natural beauty, the country is also seeing a rise in pride and interest in Inuit culture.

This combination of ecological and cultural appeal is positioning Greenland as a key Arctic destination.

The tourism infrastructure expansion is being led by Greenland Airports, whose CEO Jens Lauridsen said the island expects “significant growth” in visitors this summer.

However, some tour operators remain cautious, choosing to wait until 2025 data becomes available before committing to large-scale investments.

EU, Singapore models shape Arctic strategy

While much of the recent growth is attributed to physical infrastructure and geopolitical focus, Greenland’s long-term economic strategy also draws inspiration from regulatory frameworks in the European Union and Singapore.

The island is looking to develop a digital asset economy alongside physical tourism and resource sectors.

This whole-of-government approach to economic development reflects broader efforts in the Arctic to secure sustainable growth while navigating increasing international attention.

Greenland’s rare earth reserves, vital for high-tech manufacturing, have placed it at the intersection of environmental stewardship and global economic competition.

As the 2025 summer season approaches, Greenland’s evolving profile as both a strategic and tourist destination is expected to attract continued interest from governments, investors, and travelers alike.