Greenland, long known for its icy landscapes and remote, pristine beauty, is beginning to experience a surge in tourism. This is largely driven by political interest and recreational travelers keen to explore the Arctic island. The rapid increase in visitors, however, is placing significant strain on the country’s emerging tourist infrastructure. Greenland, though new to this scale of tourism, is adapting to accommodate the growing demand.
Greenland’s tourism has seen a major boost with the introduction of direct flights to its capital, Nuuk. Before United Airlines’ June 14 debut flight, travelers would have to stop over in Copenhagen or Reykjavik before heading back across the Atlantic to the Arctic island. Now, the island is seeing increased traffic from a range of international airlines, highlighting the growing accessibility for visitors. Historically, Greenland had only two international airports – Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq – both of which were former U.S. military bases built during World War II. These airports could only accommodate large jets, making travel to the island somewhat challenging.
In response to rising demand, Greenland opened a new international airport in Nuuk in November 2024, marking a significant step forward in the country’s connectivity. The new airport, along with two other jet-friendly airports planned for 2026, aims to make Greenland more accessible to global travelers. Ilulissat and Qaqortoq will each host new airports by 2026, further expanding Greenland’s air infrastructure. According to Tanny Por, head of international relations at Visit Greenland, Nuuk’s new role as a major gateway has been a long-awaited dream for the country, bringing Greenland closer to international connections and benefiting local communities as well.
Greenland’s airport infrastructure is expanding to support the increased demand for flights. United Airlines is not the only carrier expanding service to Greenland. Scandinavian Airlines, Icelandair, and Air Greenland are also now offering flights to Nuuk from Europe, further boosting the destination’s international presence. These large aircraft are a novel sight for the locals, many of whom park along the road overlooking the runways with binoculars in hand, eager to see these impressive planes land.
Residents are still excited by the sight of these jets, especially as Greenland continues to expand its tourism offerings. Many parts of Europe are grappling with overtourism, but Greenland is approaching its growing tourism industry with caution and care. The country’s focus remains on responsible and sustainable growth, with a vision for the future outlined in a 10-year plan released by Visit Greenland. The plan aims to extend the tourism season beyond its current peak months, spread tourism more evenly across the island, and double the number of international visitors by 2035.
In 2024, Greenland welcomed an estimated 149,000 international visitors, with 54,000 arriving by air. The rest of the visitors arrived on cruise ships, underscoring the dual nature of the country’s growing tourism appeal. United Airlines has reported strong demand for its seasonal flights to Nuuk, which are scheduled to end for the year on September 24. Despite the rising number of air services, experts like Jacob Nitter Sørensen, CEO of Air Greenland, predict that growth will be gradual rather than explosive. Sørensen emphasized that the island would avoid the scenario that Iceland faced in recent years, where the country became overwhelmed by a sudden influx of tourists.
Greenland’s strategy is to focus on building infrastructure and tourist services incrementally, ensuring that the island’s unique ecosystems and local communities are not overwhelmed by rapid tourism growth. Sørensen’s view is that while tourism numbers are expected to rise, the increase will be steady and sustainable, allowing Greenland to adapt to these changes over time.
In addition to its appeal as a travel destination, Greenland has also attracted attention for its political significance. Over the years, Greenland has been the subject of political discussions, particularly during the presidency of Donald Trump, who floated the idea of annexing the autonomous Danish territory. Vice President JD Vance also made headlines with his comments on Greenland’s political future, hinting at the possibility of the island becoming independent. These political debates have certainly piqued the interest of some travelers, adding another layer of intrigue to Greenland’s growing tourism scene.
Travelers heading to Greenland, particularly those on the new direct flights from Newark, stand out with their winter gear despite the warm East Coast weather. The excitement is palpable as these adventurers arrive at Nuuk airport, eager to explore the rugged landscapes and experience one of the world’s most remote destinations. Some visitors are seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, prepared for the island’s challenging conditions, including its short tourism season and notorious mosquitoes. However, Greenland’s rugged terrain and pristine environment have long attracted those ready for an adventure, with many visitors choosing to embark on hikes like the Arctic Circle Trail, a 100-mile trek from Kangerlussuaq to the Arctic Ocean.
For travelers like Scott Kane, the logistics of traveling to Greenland have become much easier with the new direct flights. His party, planning a 22-day journey through Greenland, used the flight to Nuuk to stock up on provisions before heading further north. With the direct flights reducing the time and effort required to reach Greenland, more and more travelers are choosing the island as a unique travel destination.
Greenland’s tourism industry is still in its early stages, but it is evolving rapidly. The expansion of air service and infrastructure, along with a strategic focus on responsible growth, ensures that the country is poised for continued development in the coming years. As the country builds its tourism industry, it is also investing in sustainable practices, striving to protect its fragile environment while welcoming more visitors.
By 2035, Greenland aims to double its international visitor numbers and extend its tourism season beyond the summer months. This ambitious goal reflects the country’s determination to balance growth with environmental preservation and local well-being. As more people discover the beauty of Greenland, both recreational and political factors will continue to shape its tourism landscape. The challenge lies in managing the growth responsibly, ensuring that Greenland remains a pristine destination for future generations.
