Ilulissat Unveils Its State-of-the-Art International Airport
On October 29, the town of Ilulissat on Greenland’s west coast inaugurated a brand-new international airport. This modern facility boasts a 2,200-meter runway, significantly longer than the previous 845-meter strip, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft and direct international flights. The airport’s terminal spans approximately 5,000 square meters, designed to handle increased passenger traffic and expanded flight operations.
Air Greenland operated the inaugural international flight from Copenhagen to Ilulissat using an Airbus A330neo. Departing Copenhagen at 10:00 AM on October 29, the flight landed in Ilulissat at 11:40 AM local time. The return journey to Copenhagen was scheduled for 1:40 PM the same day. Previously, travelers flying from Copenhagen to Greenland had to connect through Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq, making this a significant improvement in travel convenience.
Expanded Flight Routes and Boost to Greenland’s Tourism
Starting November 2026, Danish charter airline Jettime will service the Copenhagen-Ilulissat route with a Boeing 737-800. Initially, there will be one direct weekly flight, with plans to increase frequency during peak seasons. By April 2027, Air Greenland will introduce an Airbus A320neo to this route, and by summer 2027, weekly direct flights between Copenhagen and Ilulissat could rise to six.
Additionally, during the summer months, Icelandair will connect Ilulissat with Keflavík Airport in Iceland. In 2027, three weekly flights are planned from June 3 to October 16. The opening of this new airport is poised to open fresh avenues for tourism development across Greenland.
“Together with the new airports in Nuuk and Qaqortoq, this facility unlocks new tourism opportunities across various Greenlandic regions,” said Linda Kleist, CEO of Visit Greenland.
Ilulissat is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord and the nearby Disko Bay, famous for its massive floating icebergs and whale watching prospects. The new airport significantly improves access to these remote areas, potentially accelerating the growth of Greenland’s tourism industry.
The airport’s inauguration marks a pivotal advancement in Greenland’s infrastructure, expected to have a positive economic impact on the region. Enhanced air connectivity with Copenhagen and other cities will make Greenland more accessible to travelers, fostering increased tourism and attracting investment. This development also creates new opportunities for local businesses and cultural initiatives, supporting the preservation of Greenland’s unique heritage.