List of Airports in Greenland
As of 2024, there are 24 airports throughout the country of Greenland according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Greenland are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Greenland
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aasiaat Airport | JEG | Aasiaat | Small |
| 2 | Alluitsup Paa Airport | LLU | Alluitsup Paa | Small |
| 3 | Arsuk Airport | JRK | Arsuk | Small |
| 4 | Dundas Airport | DUN | Dundas | Small |
| 5 | Harbour Airport | XIQ | Ilimanaq | Small |
| 6 | Harbour Airport | XEO | Oqatsut | Small |
| 7 | Harbour Airport | XEQ | Tasiuasaq | Small |
| 8 | Ilulissat Airport | JAV | Ilulissat | Small |
| 9 | Ittoqqortoormiit Airport | OBY | Ittoqqortoormiit | Small |
| 10 | Kangerlussuaq Airport | SFJ | Kangerlussuaq | Small |
| 11 | Kulusuk Airport | KUS | Kulusuk | Small |
| 12 | Nanortalik Airport | JNN | Nanortalik | Small |
| 13 | Narsarsuaq Airport | UAK | Narsarsuaq | Small |
| 14 | Neerlerit Inaat Airport | CNP | Neerlerit Inaat | Small |
| 15 | Nuuk Airport | GOH | Nuuk | Small |
| 16 | Paamiut Airport | JFR | Paamiut | Small |
| 17 | Pituffik Airport | THU | Pituffik | Small |
| 18 | Qaanaaq Airport | NAQ | Qaanaaq | Small |
| 19 | Qaarsut Airport | JQA | Qaarsut | Small |
| 20 | Qasigiannguit Airport | JCH | Qasigiannguit | Small |
| 21 | Qeqertarsuaq Airport | JGO | Qeqertarsuaq | Small |
| 22 | Sisimiut Airport | JHS | Sisimiut | Small |
| 23 | Tasiilaq Airport | AGM | Tasiilaq | Small |
| 24 | Uummannaq Airport | UMD | Uummannaq | Small |
Major Airports in Greenland
Greenland, being an autonomous territory of Denmark, has a handful of airports that are crucial for connecting the island with the rest of the world. These airports handle both domestic flights within Greenland and international flights, primarily to Denmark, Iceland, and other parts of Europe. Below is a detailed overview of the major airports in Greenland.
1. Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ)
Airport Code: SFJ
Time Zone: Greenland Standard Time (GMT-3)
Address: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Nearby Cities:
- Kangerlussuaq (0 miles)
- Sisimiut (99 miles)
- Maniitsoq (139 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Greenland
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
- Icelandair
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 100,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Kangerlussuaq Airport, located in the western part of Greenland, serves as one of the island’s primary gateways. Situated about 25 miles inland from the Labrador Sea, it is strategically located to handle a variety of domestic and international flights. The airport was originally a U.S. Air Force base, built during World War II as part of the defense strategy in the Arctic. After the war, it was turned over to Denmark and became a civilian airport in the 1950s.
The location of Kangerlussuaq is ideal due to its relatively stable weather conditions and direct access to Greenland’s central regions. The airport’s long runway and robust infrastructure allow it to handle a wide range of aircraft, including transatlantic flights during the summer months. The airport is considered the main hub for international flights to Greenland, with connections to Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and other Nordic cities.
Despite being in a remote location, Kangerlussuaq has grown into an important transport hub for Greenland, connecting various smaller towns and cities through Air Greenland’s domestic network. Additionally, the airport is a popular base for tourism in Greenland due to its proximity to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord and other natural wonders.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Kangerlussuaq Airport has a single runway, which is capable of handling large aircraft.
- Runway 1: 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) – Asphalt
The runway is capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 or Airbus A330, making it suitable for long-haul flights from Europe and North America.
The terminal building is equipped with the necessary amenities for international travelers, including duty-free shops, a restaurant, and customs facilities. The airport is also home to a small cargo terminal, handling goods such as mail, supplies for research stations, and perishable goods.
Due to its size and strategic location, Kangerlussuaq serves as a hub for Air Greenland’s operations, connecting remote areas of Greenland with larger cities in Denmark and Iceland. The airport has a limited number of services compared to major international airports, but it remains the most crucial entry point for Greenland.
2. Nuuk Airport (GOH)
Airport Code: GOH
Time Zone: Greenland Standard Time (GMT-3)
Address: Nuuk, Greenland
Nearby Cities:
- Nuuk (0 miles)
- Kangerlussuaq (121 miles)
- Maniitsoq (186 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Greenland
- Air Iceland Connect
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 40,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Nuuk Airport is located near the capital city of Greenland, Nuuk, in the southwestern part of the island. The airport serves as the main point of entry for flights to Greenland’s capital and surrounding areas. It has a relatively short history, having opened in 1979, replacing an older airstrip near the city. Nuuk Airport has undergone various expansions to handle the growing demand for air travel within Greenland.
Nuuk’s strategic location makes it essential for transportation within Greenland and for connecting with Europe and North America. Air Greenland, the country’s national carrier, uses the airport for both domestic flights to other Greenlandic towns and international services to Denmark and Iceland. With a small terminal and limited services, the airport caters mostly to the needs of local residents and tourists.
Despite being relatively small, Nuuk Airport is vital for the capital, which is the economic and political hub of Greenland. The airport plays a significant role in connecting Nuuk to other parts of Greenland and to the outside world, supporting industries such as tourism, fishing, and government services.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Nuuk Airport has a single runway that measures 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) in length.
- Runway 1: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) – Asphalt
While the runway is capable of handling smaller regional aircraft such as the Bombardier Dash 8 or ATR 42, it is not long enough to accommodate wide-body aircraft, which limits the range of international flights that can operate directly from Nuuk. Most long-haul flights to and from Nuuk are routed through Kangerlussuaq.
The terminal is equipped with basic amenities such as a café, gift shop, and passenger waiting areas. There are also some cargo handling facilities, though the volume of goods transported through Nuuk is smaller compared to Kangerlussuaq. The airport is connected to the city of Nuuk via a short road, with taxis and buses providing easy access to the city center.
3. Ilulissat Airport (JAV)
Airport Code: JAV
Time Zone: Greenland Standard Time (GMT-3)
Address: Ilulissat, Greenland
Nearby Cities:
- Ilulissat (0 miles)
- Qeqertarsuaq (56 miles)
- Aasiaat (99 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Greenland
- Air Iceland Connect
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 30,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Ilulissat Airport is located near the town of Ilulissat, which is situated on the western coast of Greenland. The town is famous for the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a major tourist destination. The airport was originally constructed in the 1980s and serves as the primary entry point for tourists visiting the area.
Ilulissat Airport is one of Greenland’s smaller airports, but it plays a vital role in bringing visitors to one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. The airport primarily handles domestic flights from Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk, as well as seasonal flights from Reykjavik, Iceland. It is also an important base for Air Greenland’s domestic operations.
Despite its size, the airport has seen significant growth in passenger numbers over recent years, driven by the increasing popularity of eco-tourism and Arctic expeditions. Ilulissat is one of the most accessible parts of Greenland, thanks in part to the airport, and has become a key stop for travelers looking to explore the country’s unique Arctic environment.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Ilulissat Airport has a single runway:
- Runway 1: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) – Asphalt
The runway is capable of handling smaller regional aircraft, such as the Bombardier Dash 8 and ATR 72. It is not large enough to accommodate wide-body aircraft, which limits its capacity for long-haul flights. However, the airport efficiently handles the needs of local residents and tourists visiting the area.
The terminal building is small but well-equipped, with basic amenities such as a waiting area, a small café, and tourist information services. There are limited cargo services, as the airport mainly handles passengers. The town of Ilulissat is easily accessible by taxi or shuttle from the airport, and it serves as the primary transportation hub for those visiting the Icefjord and surrounding areas.
4. Aasiaat Airport (JEG)
Airport Code: JEG
Time Zone: Greenland Standard Time (GMT-3)
Address: Aasiaat, Greenland
Nearby Cities:
- Aasiaat (0 miles)
- Qaqortoq (255 miles)
- Nuuk (225 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Greenland
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Aasiaat Airport is located on the small island of Aasiaat in the western part of Greenland. The town of Aasiaat is situated in the heart of Greenland’s stunning fjord landscape, and the airport plays a critical role in connecting the town to other parts of the island. Established in the 1970s, the airport has served as a vital link for the local community, facilitating travel for both business and tourism.
Air Greenland is the main airline operating at Aasiaat, with regular flights connecting the town to Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq, and other parts of Greenland. Despite its small size, the airport is essential for maintaining the flow of goods and people, particularly given Aasiaat’s role as a center for Greenland’s fishing industry.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Aasiaat Airport has a single runway:
- Runway 1: 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) – Asphalt
The runway length is relatively short, which restricts the types of aircraft that can use the airport. However, it is adequate for handling smaller aircraft, such as the Dash 8 and ATR series, which are commonly used for domestic flights in Greenland.
The airport terminal is basic, with limited amenities such as a small waiting area and basic passenger services. The town of Aasiaat can be reached by taxi or a short shuttle from the airport. Despite its small size, Aasiaat Airport is crucial for the local community and supports essential air services to Greenland’s remote regions.
5. Kulusuk Airport (KUS)
Airport Code: KUS
Time Zone: Greenland Standard Time (GMT-3)
Address: Kulusuk, Greenland
Nearby Cities:
- Kulusuk (0 miles)
- Tasiilaq (30 miles)
- Nuuk (228 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Greenland
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Kulusuk Airport is located on the small island of Kulusuk, off the eastern coast of Greenland. The airport is strategically located to serve the town of Tasiilaq and other nearby settlements, which are situated in one of Greenland’s most remote and rugged regions. Kulusuk has been serving as a critical transport hub since the 1980s, mainly handling domestic flights to and from Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk.
The airport is a vital link for local residents, as well as a starting point for travelers exploring the Eastern Greenlandic wilderness. Tasiilaq, the largest town in the region, is accessible via a short flight from Kulusuk, making the airport important for both transportation and tourism.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Kulusuk Airport has a single runway:
- Runway 1: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) – Asphalt
The airport is capable of handling smaller regional aircraft like the ATR 72 and Dash 8, which provide essential air services between Kulusuk and larger airports in Greenland. Although the runway is short, it is sufficient for the needs of the local population and tourists visiting the region.
The terminal is basic, offering limited services such as a waiting area and small gift shop. There is also a small cargo terminal, although the volume of freight handled is minimal. The airport is well-connected to Kulusuk village and Tasiilaq, making it a key transport hub for this part of Greenland.
Greenland Overview
Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat), the largest American island, is an overseas territory of Denmark, with an area of 2,166,086 km², most of which is covered by perennial ice. There are 58 thousand residents (2017), the vast majority are distributed along the south coast. The capital is Nuuk (Godthäb). In 986, Eric the Ruivo organized an expedition in Iceland, which founded two colonies in Greenland, which he called “green land”. In the 18th century, Danish colonization began. In 1953, Greenland became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark and gained self-government in 1979.
