Find Major Airports in Greenland
Greenland, despite being the world’s largest island, has a limited number of airports with scheduled commercial flights due to its remote location and sparse population. However, some airports form the backbone of the country’s air transportation network, facilitating travel and cargo transport in this remote Arctic territory.
Here is a guide to the major airports of Greenland:
Nuuk Airport (GOH)
Nuuk Airport is Greenland’s main international airport, serving the capital city of Nuuk. It’s currently undergoing expansion to accommodate larger jetliners, expected to finish in late 2024. While it’s Greenland’s busiest airport, its flights are limited to destinations within Greenland and Iceland due to space constraints. Air Greenland and Icelandair are the only airlines operating there. Amenities may be limited during construction, so travelers should double-check services before their trip.
Ilulissat Airport (JAV)
Ilulissat Airport is a key transportation hub for Ilulissat, Greenland, located about 4 kilometers east of the town center. It connects Ilulissat to domestic and international destinations, including seasonal flights to Reykjavik, Iceland. Currently undergoing expansion to accommodate larger aircraft, the project is expected to finish by late 2024. Some amenities may be limited during construction, so travelers should check before their trip. Once completed, the airport will offer improved accessibility for exploring the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord and surrounding area.
Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFG)
Kangerlussuaq Airport, previously Greenland’s busiest airport, is located in Kangerlussuaq. It served as a major hub for transatlantic flights but is now phasing out major commercial traffic due to runway pavement failures and climate change concerns. As of April 2024, it no longer serves scheduled commercial flights from major airlines. Travelers are advised to use Nuuk Airport (GOH) and Ilulissat Airport (JAV) as primary gateways for Greenland. While Kangerlussuaq may still be accessible through chartered flights, its future role in passenger travel is uncertain.
Flights to Greenland Snapshot
Economy Class
TOTAL NUMBER OF ECONOMY CLASS DEALS TO GREENLAND IN THE LAST MONTH
22
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY ROUNDTRIP DEAL TO GREENLAND
$858
Business Class
TOTAL NUMBER OF BUSINESS CLASS DEALS TO GREENLAND IN THE LAST MONTH
14
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS ROUNDTRIP DEAL TO GREENLAND
$2945
The Cheapest Time to Fly to Greenland
The cheapest time to fly from the United States to Greenland is typically from September through March, with lower fares due to lower demand. Midweek flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are usually cheaper.
Conversely, the most expensive time to fly is during Greenland’s summer months of June, July, and August, when demand is high and airlines charge premium prices. Flights departing on Fridays and Sundays are also pricier compared to midweek flights.
Use airfare comparison websites or apps like OneAir to monitor flight prices and set price alerts for your desired route. In addition, consider booking your flight well in advance, ideally several months before your planned travel dates, to maximize savings.
Cheapest months to fly
September to March
Most Expensive Months to Fly
June-August
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight to Greenland?
The flight time from the U.S. to Greenland varies depending on your origin city and the specific airport you fly into. Flights from the U.S. to Greenland typically range from 7 to 10 hours.
When is the best time to visit Greenland?
The shoulder season (September to March) generally offers the cheapest fares. Tourist crowds are smaller during these times compared to peak summer (June to August) and holidays.
Which airlines fly from the United States to Greenland?
Icelandair and Air Greenland are the primary airlines offering flights from the United States to Greenland. Icelandair provides connections to Greenland via Iceland from multiple US airports. Meanwhile, Air Greenland, as the national airline of Greenland, operates flights to Greenland from Copenhagen, Denmark.
Are there direct flights to Greenland from the U.S.A.?
No, there are currently no direct flights to Greenland from the U.S.A. All travel will require at least one layover, likely in Iceland or Denmark.
Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in Greenland?
The cheapest airport in Greenland is Ilulissat Airport (JAV). It is served by Air Greenland, which has frequent flights from Copenhagen and Reykjavik. Compared to other Greenland airports, Ilulissat Airport provides more options and competition on those routes.
Note that costs can fluctuate, so it’s best to compare prices and book in advance for the best deals using OneAir.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Greenland?
No, U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for short tourist stays in Greenland. It’s part of the Schengen Area allowing visa-free travel for U.S. citizens up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, a valid passport is required for entry.
What is the flight distance between major U.S. cities and Greenland?
The flight distance between major U.S. cities and Greenland can vary depending on the specific city you are departing from. Travelers on the East Coast (New York City, Miami, Atlanta) will encounter flights ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 miles (4,828 to 6,437 kilometers) to reach southwestern Greenland. West Coast cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle) have slightly longer distances, typically between 3,500 and 5,000 miles (5,633 to 8,047 kilometers) to southwestern Greenland. Remember, these are estimates and can vary depending on the route.
How far in advance should I book my flight to get the best deals?
The ideal booking window for flights depends on your destination. International flights are cheaper if booked 2 to 4 months in advance, though there can be some variation.
What are some tips for finding the cheapest flights to Greenland?
Be flexible with travel dates and destinations. Book flights in advance to secure better prices. Use flight search engines like OneAir to compare prices from different airlines. Consider budget airlines, but factor in additional fees for checked bags, seat selection, and other services.
What is the time difference between major U.S. cities and Greenland?
New York and Washington, D.C., which follow Eastern Time (ET), are typically 2 hours behind Western Greenland and 4 hours behind Eastern Greenland. Cities on the West Coast, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, which follow Pacific Time (PT), are generally 5 hours behind Western Greenland and 7 hours behind Eastern Greenland.
Discover Greenland
Looking for cheap flights to Greenland? OneAir makes it easy to discover incredible flight deals to destinations around the world. Follow these simple steps to start saving on your next trip.
- Set your departure airports on OneAir. Choose your preferred departure airports, and we’ll search for the cheapest flights from those cities to Greenland. OneAir offers deals from over 50 major US airports, so you can find the most convenient and affordable options.
- Be flexible with your travel dates. If your schedule allows, use our “Explore” or “Add Destinations” feature to find the most affordable days to fly to Greenland. Shifting your dates by just a day or two can often result in significant savings.
- Turn on your notifications. We’ll notify you via email or push notification whenever the price for your selected route is at its lowest. This way, you’ll never miss a deal.
- Compare flight options from multiple providers. Choose the cheapest, fastest, or most convenient flights to Greenlandbased on your priorities.
- Filter for direct flights. If you prefer nonstop service to Greenland, simply tick the “Nonstop” box when searching. We’ll show you all available nonstop routes, so you can avoid lengthy layovers.
- Get the best unpublished deals. Dreaming of a luxurious journey to Greenland? We also find the best deals on Premium Economy, Business, and First Class fares. Compare prices across all cabin classes – you might be surprised by an affordable premium seat.
- Expand your search to nearby airports. Unlock even more deals by searching for flights to Greenland from nearby airports. This will show you flight prices from alternative departure airports close to your origin city.
Book a complete travel package. Once you’ve found your perfect flight to Greenland, why not add a hotel room? OneAir also offers exclusive hotel deals, so you can save even more on your entire trip.
Discover New Destinations with the “Explore” Tab. Not set on Greenland? Use our “Explore” search to find the cheapest flights from your city to anywhere in the world. You might just discover your next dream vacation spot!