Greenland Opens First International Airport in Nuuk

Greenland has officially opened Nuuk International Airport, its first international airport, on November 28, 2024, marking a transformative moment for tourism and economic growth. The airport features a 7,217-foot runway and can handle up to 800 passengers per hour, facilitating direct flights to Copenhagen and Reykjavik, with United Airlines set to launch seasonal flights from Newark, New Jersey in June 2025. This enhanced connectivity is expected to significantly boost tourism, which currently sees around 130,000 visitors annually, by offering a direct route to the capital previously requiring stopovers. However, the rapid expansion raises concerns about infrastructure adequacy and environmental impacts as Greenland grapples with the challenges of mass tourism. Additional airports are planned to open by 2026, aimed at further improving transport options within the country. The new airport is anticipated to generate approximately $200,000 to the local economy per flight, reflecting the potential economic benefits of this development.