Greenland celebrates a historic aviation milestone on 29 October 2026 as Ilulissat’s new international airport opens with a direct flight from Copenhagen. The development promises easier access to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, the spectacular landscapes of Disko Bay and remote Arctic communities stretching from Uummannaq to Qaanaaq.

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A Historic Day for Greenlandic Aviation

On 29 October 2026, Greenland officially opened its new international airport in Ilulissat, marking a major transformation in the country’s aviation infrastructure. The inauguration was celebrated with a direct flight from Copenhagen, operated by Air Greenland’s Airbus A330neo, Tuukkaq. Featuring a 2,200-metre runway capable of accommodating larger passenger aircraft, the airport replaces the town’s former 845-metre runway and establishes Ilulissat as Greenland’s second major international aviation hub alongside Nuuk. For Greenland’s third-largest town and one of the Arctic’s most celebrated tourism destinations, the opening represents an important opportunity to strengthen international connections, support regional development and make North Greenland more accessible to visitors from around the world.

Direct Flights from Copenhagen: What Travellers Need to Know

The new international connection between Copenhagen and Ilulissat will begin regular operations in November 2026, initially offering one direct flight per week during the winter season. Air Greenland has arranged for Jettime to operate the service using a Boeing 737-800, primarily on Wednesdays, with additional Monday departures scheduled around Christmas, New Year and March 2027. From April 2027, Air Greenland plans to introduce its new Airbus A320neo, Unaaq, gradually increasing frequencies to as many as six weekly direct flights during the peak summer season. The published timetable lists departures from Copenhagen at 09:45 and arrivals in Ilulissat at 11:45 local time, with return flights departing at 13:15 and arriving in the Danish capital at 21:00. The direct connection removes the need for many international visitors to change aircraft in Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq, although these airports will continue to play important roles in Greenland’s domestic and international transport network.

Ilulissat: The Land of Icebergs

Situated approximately 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Ilulissat is internationally renowned for its extraordinary Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Here, enormous icebergs break away from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and slowly make their way towards Disko Bay, creating one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the northern hemisphere. The town itself offers colourful houses, a lively harbour, Greenlandic cultural experiences and walking trails with remarkable views of the ice. Visitors can explore the Ilulissat Icefjord on foot, take boat excursions among the icebergs or experience the landscape from the air. The new airport makes this exceptional Arctic destination easier to reach, particularly for travellers arriving from continental Europe through Denmark.

Beyond Ilulissat: Exploring Disko Bay and North Greenland

The significance of Ilulissat’s new airport extends far beyond the town itself. Visit Greenland has highlighted the remarkable destinations that can be explored from Ilulissat, including settlements around Disko Bay and communities farther north along Greenland’s western coastline. These places offer opportunities to discover Arctic wildlife, dramatic fjord systems, traditional Inuit culture and landscapes that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. Travelling between communities is often an adventure in its own right, involving domestic aircraft, helicopters or seasonal boat transfers. The expansion of international air connections could encourage visitors to spend more time in Greenland and discover destinations that have historically required complicated travel arrangements.

Uummannaq: The Heart-Shaped Mountain of North Greenland

Uummannaq is among Greenland’s most visually striking destinations, situated on an island beneath an enormous mountain whose distinctive twin peaks resemble the shape of a heart. The town is surrounded by icebergs, fjords and spectacular Arctic scenery, while its cultural heritage remains closely connected to fishing, hunting and dog sledding. According to a local legend, anyone who visits Uummannaq leaves a piece of their heart behind, an expression of the powerful impression created by its extraordinary setting. Travellers can explore the town and surrounding fjords, discover local traditions and experience a quieter side of Greenlandic life. From March 2027, Air Greenland’s planned timetable provides same-day Monday connections from Copenhagen via Ilulissat and Qaarsut, making this remarkable destination more accessible.

Upernavik: An Archipelago of Ice and Islands

Farther north, Upernavik occupies a spectacular position within an immense archipelago of small islands, narrow channels and iceberg-filled waters. The town and its surrounding settlements provide a fascinating introduction to the maritime traditions of northern Greenland, where fishing and hunting continue to shape everyday life. The region is also known for Arctic wildlife, including seabirds and the elusive narwhal, although sightings depend on location, season and conditions. Visitors travelling to Upernavik can discover a landscape dominated by sea, ice and remote coastal communities, far removed from conventional tourism destinations. Under Air Greenland’s new winter arrangements, passengers arriving from Copenhagen on Wednesdays will be able to continue northwards to Upernavik on the same day, while southbound journeys may require an overnight stay in Ilulissat.

Oqaatsut: A Peaceful Settlement Near Ilulissat

Oqaatsut, historically known as Rodebay, offers an intimate glimpse of life in a small Greenlandic coastal settlement. Located north of Ilulissat, the village is characterised by colourful wooden houses, rocky landscapes and spectacular views across the surrounding waters. There is no conventional road connection to Ilulissat, and the settlement’s isolation contributes to its distinctive atmosphere. During the summer, visitors can reach Oqaatsut by boat and enjoy the experience of travelling through Arctic coastal scenery, often passing icebergs along the way. The settlement is particularly appealing to travellers interested in Greenlandic culture, quiet landscapes and experiences beyond the busiest visitor attractions. Its relative proximity to Ilulissat makes it one of the more accessible opportunities to discover everyday life in a smaller community.

Aasiaat: Colourful Houses and Arctic Wildlife

Aasiaat lies on an island along the southern and outer edge of Disko Bay, surrounded by a remarkable network of smaller islands and waterways. Its colourful houses, local artistic traditions and coastal landscapes make it an appealing destination for visitors looking beyond Ilulissat’s famous icefjord. The surrounding waters provide opportunities for boat excursions, kayaking and seasonal whale watching, while winter transforms the area into a landscape shaped by snow, sea ice and Arctic light. Aasiaat also serves as an important regional centre for surrounding communities. With the new flight arrangements, travellers arriving from Copenhagen on Wednesdays will have the possibility of continuing to Aasiaat on the same day, creating new opportunities to include the town in a wider North Greenland itinerary.

Qaanaaq: Life in Greenland’s Far North

Qaanaaq, Greenland’s northernmost town, offers one of the most extraordinary travel experiences in the Arctic. Located in the high north, it experiences prolonged periods of polar darkness during winter and continuous daylight during the summer midnight sun. Sea ice remains a defining feature of the landscape and local culture, while traditional activities such as dog sledding, hunting and kayaking continue to hold significance within the community. Travelling to Qaanaaq requires careful preparation, as distances are enormous and flight connections are limited. Air Greenland’s winter timetable includes a Tuesday service connecting Ilulissat, Upernavik and Qaanaaq, meaning that travellers arriving from Copenhagen must plan an overnight stay in Ilulissat. The journey offers an exceptional opportunity to encounter the landscapes and living traditions of one of the world’s northernmost inhabited regions.

Exploring North Greenland by Boat

Although aviation provides essential connections across Greenland, boats remain an important means of travelling between coastal settlements, particularly during the summer months. From Ilulissat, local boat services and excursions allow visitors to discover parts of Disko Bay and nearby communities while enjoying extraordinary views of icebergs, glaciers and dramatic coastlines. Travelling by water can also provide opportunities to observe whales, seabirds and other Arctic wildlife, depending on the season and local conditions. Some destinations are accessible by scheduled transfers, while others require organised excursions or private arrangements. Travellers should remember that sea ice, weather and changing conditions can influence departures and journey times, making flexibility an important part of any Arctic itinerary.

Helicopters and Domestic Flights: Essential Arctic Connections

Greenland’s geography makes aviation indispensable for residents and visitors alike. With no comprehensive road network connecting its towns and settlements, regional aircraft and helicopters provide vital links across immense distances. From Ilulissat, travellers can continue towards destinations such as Aasiaat, Upernavik and Qaanaaq using Air Greenland’s domestic network, while helicopter services connect smaller settlements and locations without suitable runways. These journeys can offer remarkable views of glaciers, mountains, fjords and the Greenland ice sheet, transforming essential transport into an unforgettable travel experience. However, flights remain subject to Arctic weather conditions, and visitors planning journeys involving several connections should allow sufficient time for potential delays.

A New Era for Tourism in Greenland

The opening of Ilulissat International Airport completes an important phase of Greenland’s airport modernisation programme, following the inauguration of Nuuk’s new international airport in November 2024 and Qaqortoq’s airport in April 2026. Together, the three developments are intended to improve connectivity, reduce unnecessary transfers and create new opportunities for tourism, business and regional mobility. For North Greenland, the possibility of travelling directly from Copenhagen to Ilulissat could help distribute tourism beyond the capital and encourage visitors to explore communities throughout Disko Bay and the wider northern region. At the same time, increased accessibility raises important questions about accommodation capacity, environmental protection and the ability of small communities to manage visitor growth sustainably. Ensuring that tourism benefits local residents and businesses will be essential to the long-term success of the new infrastructure.

Planning Your North Greenland Adventure

Travellers considering a journey to Ilulissat and the surrounding regions should plan well in advance, particularly when combining international flights with domestic connections or visits to remote settlements. Summer offers extended daylight, opportunities for boat excursions and access to many coastal destinations, while winter brings the possibility of northern lights, dog sledding and spectacular snow-covered landscapes. Accommodation and transport can be limited outside the main towns, and weather-related disruptions are an unavoidable consideration throughout the year. Those planning a broader Nordic journey can combine Greenland with time in Denmark or Iceland, using Copenhagen or Keflavík as international travel gateways where suitable connections are available. Travellers can also consider exploring Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, before continuing north towards Ilulissat. Whatever the season, travelling in North Greenland requires preparation, flexibility and respect for the natural environment and local communities.

Ilulissat: The Beginning of a Greater Arctic Journey

The inauguration of Ilulissat’s new international airport is more than the opening of another aviation facility. It represents a significant change in how North Greenland connects with the rest of the world and how travellers can experience one of the Arctic’s most extraordinary regions. From the immense icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord to the heart-shaped mountain of Uummannaq, the island landscapes of Aasiaat, the remote archipelago of Upernavik and the high Arctic environment of Qaanaaq, the region offers a remarkable diversity of destinations. As international connections develop and regional transport networks adapt, Ilulissat is poised to become an increasingly important starting point for discovering Greenland beyond its most familiar landmarks.

Sources and Further Reading