About flights to Greenland
Greenland doesn't get casual visitors. The people flying in — across 11 non-stop international routes — have made a deliberate choice, and that intentionality shapes everything about who you'll meet on arrival. Denmark sends the most flights, which tells you something: this is still, in many ways, a destination that moves through Copenhagen before it opens up to the wider world. Iceland contributes four routes of its own. Canada and the United States each claim one. It's a small, purposeful network serving a genuinely extraordinary place.
Why visit Greenland?
The reasons people come here tend to fall into one of two camps: the ice, or the silence. Sometimes both. Ilulissat's Jacobshavn airport (JAV) pulls in travelers fixated on the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO site where glaciers calve into the sea with a force you feel in your chest. Nuuk, the capital, draws a more varied crowd — researchers, government contractors, adventure operators, and increasingly, travelers who've exhausted the easier Arctic options and want something rawer. Qaqortoq in the south offers Norse ruins and a warmer microclimate that surprises almost everyone who arrives expecting nothing but white. Summer brings the midnight sun and the bulk of tourist traffic. Winter arrivals are fewer, harder, and for some people, far more rewarding.
Where flights to Greenland land
- GOH Nuuk — 15 non-stop destinations (Nuuk)
- JAV Ilulissat — 15 non-stop destinations (Jacobshavn)
- JEG Aasiaat — 10 non-stop destinations (Aasiaat)
- JJU Qaqortoq — 9 non-stop destinations (Qaqortoq)
- JUV Upernavik — 9 non-stop destinations (Upernavik Airport)
Top origin countries flying to Greenland
Where most of Greenland's incoming traffic comes from:
- Denmark — 5 non-stop routes into Greenland
- Iceland — 4 non-stop routes into Greenland
- Canada — 1 non-stop routes into Greenland
- USA — 1 non-stop routes into Greenland
Tips for travelers heading to Greenland
Most international flights land at Nuuk's Godthaab airport (GOH), which connects to 15 non-stop destinations and serves as the country's main hub — it's your best bet if Nuuk itself is your base or if you're continuing by domestic connection. For the Ilulissat icefjord region, look for routes into JAV directly, particularly from Iceland or Denmark, and you'll save yourself a transfer. The Danish krone is the currency here. Citizens of EU countries, the US, and Canada don't need a visa. Book accommodation early for July and August — supply is genuinely limited, and this isn't a place where showing up and figuring it out tends to go well.
Frequently asked questions about flying to Greenland
What's the busiest international airport in Greenland?
Nuuk Airport (GOH) is Greenland's top arrival hub for international flights. It serves as the main hub for visitors flying into the country from abroad.
Which country sends the most flights to Greenland?
Denmark is the top origin country for international flights to Greenland, followed by Iceland and Canada. These three countries account for the majority of Greenland's 11 inbound international routes.
What's the best month to visit Greenland?
July and August offer the warmest weather and midnight sun, making them ideal for outdoor activities, though flights may be pricier. For budget-conscious travelers, shoulder seasons like June or September provide better fares with still-reasonable weather conditions.
Do I need a visa to visit Greenland?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality; citizens of EU/EEA countries and several other nations can enter visa-free for tourism. It's recommended to check with Greenlandic immigration authorities or your nearest embassy for specific requirements based on your country of citizenship.
What's the cheapest way to find flights to Greenland?
Use flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to compare prices across multiple airlines, and consider flying during shoulder seasons (June or September) for lower fares. Setting up price alerts and booking in advance typically yields the best deals for flights to Greenland.