Greenland’s new Ilulissat airport opens, boosting Arctic tourism
Greenland’s new international airport in Ilulissat opened on 29 October 2026, enabling direct flights from Copenhagen and larger commercial aircraft. The change takes effect immediately and affects tourists planning to visit the Arctic island, especially those targeting the Ilulissat Icefjord.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- A 2 200 m runway at Ilulissat now accepts larger commercial planes
- Timing
- The airport opened on 29 October 2026
- Who is affected
- International tourists travelling to Greenland’s west coast
The details
- Takes effect
- October 29 2026
- Previous rule
- Before the new runway, the old 845 m strip required small planes, helicopters or boats, and most visitors flew to Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq before connecting to Ilulissat.
- New rule
- The new 2 200 m runway permits direct flights from Copenhagen with larger commercial aircraft, removing the need for intermediate stops.
Airport opening and capacity
The Ilulissat airport, situated in the town of about 5 000 residents on Greenland’s west coast, officially opened on 29 October 2026. Its 2 200 m runway replaces the former 845 m strip, allowing jet‑liners to land directly.
- Runway length increased from 845 m to 2 200 m
- Designed for larger commercial aircraft
- No intermediate stops required for most international flights
Impact on travel routes
Air Greenland announced that flights can now be taken directly from Copenhagen, eliminating the previous need to travel via Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq. This shortens travel time and simplifies itineraries for visitors heading to the UNESCO‑listed Ilulissat Icefjord.
- Direct Copenhagen‑Ilulissat service introduced
- Connections through Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq no longer mandatory
Future flight schedule
Air Greenland plans to increase the number of weekly services gradually, aiming for up to six flights per week during the busy summer of 2027. The schedule will be adjusted as demand grows.
The airport is the third major Greenlandic facility opened after Nuuk in 2024 and Qaqortoq in April 2026, signalling a broader strategy to grow Arctic tourism.
- Target of six weekly flights in summer 2027
- Gradual increase in service frequency planned
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing bookings to Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq can now consider re‑routing directly to Ilulissat.
- New direct flights from Copenhagen shorten overall travel time to the Icefjord.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are mentioned for the airport change.
- Standard passport and visa requirements for Greenland remain unchanged.
What you need to do
- Check airline schedules for direct Copenhagen‑Ilulissat options before finalising itineraries.
- Travel agents should update package itineraries to reflect the removal of intermediate stops.
Who this affects
-
International tourists flying from Europe
Direct flights from Copenhagen now land at Ilulissat, removing previous connections.
-
Travel agencies offering Arctic tours
The new airport simplifies itinerary planning for trips to the Icefjord.
-
Local businesses in Ilulissat
Increased visitor numbers are expected due to easier access.
Frequently asked questions
When did the new Ilulissat airport open?
The new international airport in Ilulissat opened on 29 October 2026, providing a longer runway for larger aircraft.
Can I fly directly from Copenhagen to Ilulissat now?
Yes, direct flights from Copenhagen to Ilulissat are now possible thanks to the new 2 200 m runway.
Do I need a new visa for the new airport?
No, visa and passport requirements for entering Greenland have not changed with the airport opening.
How many flights per week are planned for summer 2027?
Air Greenland aims to operate up to six flights per week to Ilulissat during the busy summer of 2027.
Will the new airport affect travel costs?
The source does not mention any change in fees, so travel costs are expected to remain the same.
