Greenland to Open Two New Airports in 2026

Greenland is undergoing a significant transformation in its aviation infrastructure, aiming to enhance connectivity and boost tourism. Following the inauguration of Nuuk's international airport in November 2024, two additional airports are slated to commence operations by the end of 2026 in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq.

Ilulissat Airport: A Gateway to the Arctic

Located approximately 1.5 hours north of Nuuk by air, Ilulissat is constructing a new airport featuring a 2,200-meter runway and a 6,000-square-meter terminal. This facility is designed to accommodate international flights, significantly improving access to Greenland's renowned Disko Bay area. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport is on track to open in late 2026.

Qaqortoq Airport: Enhancing Southern Greenland's Accessibility

In southern Greenland, Qaqortoq is developing a regional airport with a 1,500-meter runway. This project aims to replace the existing heliport, facilitating better domestic connectivity and potential international links. Construction faced setbacks, including budget overruns and procurement challenges, but resumed in April 2025. The airport is expected to be operational by late 2026.

Strategic Investments for Economic Growth

The Greenlandic government, in collaboration with Denmark, has allocated approximately 5 billion Danish Kroner (around 670 million euros) for these airport projects. The primary goal is to diversify Greenland's economy by promoting tourism and reducing reliance on fishing industries. These infrastructure developments are anticipated to handle about 80% of Greenland's passenger traffic once all airports are operational.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the Nuuk airport has been operational since November 2024, it has encountered issues such as the need for international passengers to recheck baggage during transfers and temporary suspension of cargo licenses due to security concerns. Efforts are underway to resolve these challenges by summer 2025. The successful completion of the Ilulissat and Qaqortoq airports is expected to further enhance Greenland's accessibility, fostering economic growth and offering new opportunities for both residents and visitors.