Greenland’s aviation landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. On 28 November 2024, Nuuk Airport (BGGH) officially opened its extended runway and new international terminal, allowing direct flights from North America and Europe for the first time. For travellers heading to Sisimiut, this development reshapes the classic routing via Kangerlussuaq and opens new possibilities. This article explains what has changed, how the new infrastructure works, and what you need to know to plan your journey.
What changed at Nuuk Airport
Nuuk Airport has been Greenland’s busiest domestic hub for years, but its short runway (950 metres) limited operations to turboprop aircraft such as the Dash 8. The expansion project, managed by the Greenlandic government through Kalaallit Airports, extended the main runway to 2,200 metres and built a new passenger terminal designed to handle international arrivals and departures.
The new runway is 45 metres wide and can accommodate narrow-body jets like the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. It is equipped with modern instrument landing systems (ILS) that improve reliability in Greenland’s often challenging weather. The terminal features jet bridges, expanded baggage handling, and customs facilities for international flights.
Total investment exceeded DKK 3.6 billion (approximately €480 million). The project was partly funded by the Danish government and the European Investment Bank.
Which airlines now fly to Nuuk
Two major carriers have launched direct routes to Nuuk since the runway opened:
- Air Greenland – operates seasonal flights from Copenhagen (CPH) using an Airbus A330neo, with up to three weekly frequencies in summer. The flight time is about 4 hours 30 minutes.
- United Airlines – started a seasonal service from Newark (EWR) in June 2024, initially using a Boeing 737 MAX 8. The route runs twice weekly through September.
- Icelandair – announced plans to begin flights from Reykjavík (KEF) in summer 2025, using a Boeing 737 MAX, with connections from its North American network.
In addition, domestic carrier Air Greenland continues to operate Dash 8 flights from Nuuk to other Greenlandic towns, including Sisimiut.
How to reach Sisimiut via Nuuk
Sisimiut (JHS) lies roughly 320 km north of Nuuk. The most common way to continue from Nuuk is by Air Greenland’s Dash 8-200 service. The flight takes about 55 minutes and operates year-round, though frequency varies by season. In summer (June–August), there are typically two to three flights per day; in winter, one or two.
Alternatively, you can combine air travel with the coastal ferry. The Sarfaq Ittuk operated by Disko Line sails between Nuuk and Sisimiut roughly once a week during summer (May–September). The journey takes about 24 hours, with scenic stops at smaller settlements. For details, see our article on the Sarfaq Ittuk coastal ferry to Sisimiut.
A third option is to fly into Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) and then take a connecting flight or drive to Sisimiut. Kangerlussuaq remains an important hub, especially for cargo and charter flights. More information is available in our guide to Air Greenland routes to Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk.
What this means for travellers
The new Nuuk airport primarily benefits those coming from outside Greenland. Previously, international passengers had to fly via Kangerlussuaq or Reykjavík and then change to a Dash 8. Now, they can fly directly to Nuuk, bypassing the transfer.
For residents of Sisimiut, the change is more subtle. Nuuk is now easier to reach from Europe and North America, but the onward connection to Sisimiut still requires a domestic flight or ferry. The total travel time from Copenhagen to Sisimiut via Nuuk is roughly 7–8 hours, compared to 6–7 hours via Kangerlussuaq. However, the Nuuk route offers more flexibility and avoids the sometimes unreliable weather at Kangerlussuaq.
Ticket prices for the Copenhagen–Nuuk leg start around DKK 6,000 (€800) return in low season, rising to DKK 10,000 (€1,350) in peak summer. The Nuuk–Sisimiut domestic flight costs approximately DKK 2,500 (€335) return. Check our complete guide to Sisimiut for budget planning.
Infrastructure details and limitations
While the new runway is a major upgrade, there are important limitations:
- Runway length – 2,200 metres is sufficient for most narrow-body jets, but not for large wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350. Long-haul flights from Asia or the US West Coast would require a fuel stop.
- Night operations – Nuuk Airport does not yet have full night lighting for commercial flights. Most arrivals and departures occur between 07:00 and 22:00.
- Customs and immigration – The new terminal has facilities for international arrivals, but capacity is limited. During peak hours, processing may take up to 45 minutes.
- Weather – Like all Greenlandic airports, Nuuk is subject to sudden fog and high winds. The ILS improves reliability, but delays still occur.
For comparison, Kangerlussuaq Airport has a 2,810-metre runway and 24-hour operations, making it the preferred alternative for oversize cargo and winter charters.
Practical tips for booking
If you plan to fly via Nuuk to Sisimiut, consider the following:
- Book connecting flights separately – Air Greenland and United Airlines do not have interline agreements. You will need to buy two separate tickets: international to Nuuk and domestic to Sisimiut. Leave at least 3 hours between arrival and departure to account for customs and possible delays.
- Check visa requirements – Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but not the Schengen Area. Non-EU citizens may need a separate visa. Confirm with the Royal Danish Embassy.
- Pack for both climates – Nuuk’s coastal climate is milder than Sisimiut’s, but both can be windy and wet. Layers and waterproofs are essential. See our packing list for Sisimiut for details.
- Consider the ferry – If you have time, the coastal ferry from Nuuk to Sisimiut offers a unique experience. The Sarfaq Ittuk stops at Qeqertarsuatsiaat and Maniitsoq. Cabins cost from DKK 1,500 (€200) per person.
For a step-by-step planning guide, read How to get to Sisimiut 2026: flights, ferries, routing.
Comparison with Kangerlussuaq routing
The traditional gateway to West Greenland has been Kangerlussuaq, which still handles most international traffic. Here’s how the two options compare for reaching Sisimiut:
| Factor | Via Nuuk | Via Kangerlussuaq |
|---|---|---|
| International flights | Direct from Copenhagen, Newark, soon Reykjavík | Seasonal from Copenhagen (Air Greenland), charter flights |
| Onward to Sisimiut | 55-min Dash 8 flight (multiple daily) | 50-min Dash 8 flight (2–3 daily) or 2-hour drive on gravel road |
| Total travel time from Copenhagen | 7–8 hours | 6–7 hours |
| Flexibility | More international connections | Better for cargo and winter operations |
| Cost (Copenhagen return + domestic) | DKK 8,500–12,500 | DKK 7,000–11,000 |
In practice, the choice depends on your origin and schedule. If you’re flying from the US East Coast, Nuuk is now the fastest option. From Europe, both are viable; Kangerlussuaq may be slightly cheaper but offers fewer flight times.
Future developments
Nuuk Airport’s expansion is part of a broader infrastructure plan. Ilulissat Airport is also being upgraded with a 2,200-metre runway, expected to open in 2026. Qaqortoq and Ittoqqortoormiit are next in line. These projects aim to boost tourism and reduce reliance on Kangerlussuaq.
For Sisimiut, the improvements at Nuuk and Ilulissat mean that direct international access to West Greenland will improve significantly over the next five years. However, Sisimiut’s own airport (runway 799 metres) remains limited to Dash 8 and similar aircraft. There are no current plans to extend it.
For the latest updates on routes and schedules, refer to our Air Greenland routes article.