Greenland, the world's largest island, is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich indigenous culture, and unique wildlife. Traditionally seen as a remote destination, recent developments in infrastructure, particularly the construction of new airports, are set to transform the tourism landscape, making this Arctic wonder more accessible than ever.

The new international airport in Nuuk, set to open on November 28, 2025, marks a significant development in Greenland’s infrastructure. Until now, most international flights to Greenland have landed at Kangerlussuaq, a former U.S. military base, with travellers needing to take a connecting flight to Nuuk. The new airport in Nuuk, located on a peninsula on the southwest coast, will make direct access to the capital more feasible for travellers from around the world.

The airport features a runway more than double the length of the city’s previous one, along with a spacious and modern terminal building. This new facility will allow the national carrier, Air Greenland, to connect Nuuk directly with major cities like Copenhagen and potentially new destinations in Canada and beyond. The airport’s development is a critical step in Greenland’s strategy to grow its tourism sector while ensuring that the influx of visitors is managed sustainably.

Its capital Nuuk, on the southwestern coast, is a small town of 18,000 residents. Modern apartment blocks and colourful wooden cottages look out over a wide sea fjord. Sitting on a hillside above the city, small 35-seat propeller planes take off and land from a tarmac airstrip. Currently, anyone wishing to fly overseas first has to take one of these aircraft 200 miles (319km) north to a remote former military airport at Kangerlussuaq, and then change to a larger plane. Built by the Americans during World World II, Kangerlussuaq is currently one of only two runways on Greenland long enough for big jets.

To maintain a balance between attracting tourists and preserving the environment, Greenland is implementing various regulatory measures. These include limiting the number of visitors to certain areas and promoting responsible tourism practices. The opening of Nuuk’s airport will be the first major test of these measures, as the island prepares to welcome more visitors than ever before.