Kangerlussuaq Airport

Kangerlussuaq Airport (formerly known as Søndre Strømfjord) is not merely a transport hub, but the true beating heart of aviation in Greenland. Located deep within a long fjord, far from the capricious coastal fogs, it serves as the island's only air harbour capable of receiving large civilian liners year-round. It is here, against the backdrop of rugged Arctic landscapes, that large transatlantic flights meet the agile local aviation network that transports travellers to the remote corners of the country.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Exceptional Weather Reliability. Thanks to its location deep inland, approximately 170 km from the open sea, the airport is protected from the frequent storms and fogs typical of the coast. Over 300 clear days are recorded here annually, making it the most stable airport in Greenland with a minimal percentage of flight cancellations.

Unique Logistical Role. For a long time, Kangerlussuaq remained the only civil airport in the country with a runway long enough to accommodate wide-body aircraft (such as the Airbus A330). For most tourists, this is an essential transfer point: here they swap a large international liner for smaller Dash-8 aircraft capable of landing on the short runways of other towns.

Gateway to the Ice Sheet. This is the only airport in Greenland (and one of the few in the world) from which a road leads directly to the edge of the giant ice sheet. Just a half-hour drive from the terminal, travellers can reach the Russell Glacier and see the boundless icy desert of the Arctic with their own eyes, making even a short layover here an unforgettable adventure.

• Official Website: Kangerlussuaq Airport is managed by Mittarfeqarfiit (Greenland Airports). Up-to-date information can be found on their official website: www.mit.gl
• Help Desk Phone: For information regarding flights, services, and general enquiries, you may call: +299 84 13 00.
• Airport Address: Mittarfik Kangerlussuaq, P.O. Box 1004, 3910 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the contact form on the Mittarfeqarfiit website or the general addresses listed there.
• Social Media: Official pages for Greenland airports can be found on popular platforms such as Facebook, where news and updates are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact your airline's representative. Airport staff can provide contact details for the specific carrier's baggage tracing service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main channel for support is the airport help desk phone and the information counters within the terminal.

Getting to the airport in Kangerlussuaq is a simple task, as the settlement itself has grown around it. The airport and key infrastructure facilities are within walking distance of each other. Nevertheless, there are several modes of transport to consider when planning your trip around Greenland.

Public Transport and Walking Distance
The settlement is so compact that you can walk from the terminal to major hotels, such as Hotel Kangerlussuaq (located in the same building) or Polar Lodge, in just 5-10 minutes. This is the simplest and complimentary way. Additionally, a local bus operates in Kangerlussuaq, with a schedule often linked to the arrival and departure of Air Greenland flights. It follows a route connecting the airport, hotels, supermarket, and other important points. This is an affordable and convenient option for moving around the settlement.

Taxis and Tourist Transfers
If you have a lot of luggage or value comfort, you can book a taxi. Several operators work in the settlement, but it is recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during the tourist season. An even more reliable method is a pre-arranged transfer. Most tour companies and hotels offer a meet-and-greet service at the airport and transport to your accommodation or the start of an excursion. The cost will be higher than the bus, but it guarantees convenience.

Car Rental and Parking
For independent travellers wishing to explore the unique surroundings, such as taking a trip to the ice sheet, car rental is available. Rental company offices are located directly in the airport building. It is important to remember that the road network in Kangerlussuaq is limited and does not connect to other settlements. There is parking provided near the terminal where you can leave your rented vehicle.

Kangerlussuaq Airport serves as the main hub for domestic flights across the country. It is from here that tourists depart for other popular destinations such as Nuuk, Ilulissat, or Sisimiut, as they can only be reached by air.

Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ), serving as the main aerial gateway to Greenland, is distinguished by its compactness and simple structure. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles both international flights (mainly from Denmark) and domestic flights across the country. Due to its history as a former American airbase, the terminal building features a utilitarian and functional design.

The airport layout is extremely simple. All key zones — check-in counters, security screening, the departure lounge, boarding gates, and the baggage claim area — are located in a single building on one level. This makes navigation intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time. It is practically impossible to get lost, as all processes take place in one large hall. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between terminals.

The departure and arrival zones are located in close proximity to each other. After checking in for a flight, passengers pass through pre-flight security and enter a small waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival zone is also very compact: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers immediately enter the hall where the baggage carousel is located.

Despite its small size, the terminal has everything necessary for a comfortable wait: a café for refreshments, a Polar Souvenirs shop, restrooms, and a tourist information desk. The atmosphere in the airport is calm, without the hustle and bustle typical of large international hubs.

Check-in and security procedures usually proceed very quickly thanks to the low passenger flow. However, it is worth noting that before the departure of large international flights, for example to Copenhagen, the terminal can become quite crowded. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before the departure of an international flight to complete all formalities without haste.

The history of Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) is unique and closely intertwined with the military history of the 20th century. Its story began not as a civilian facility, but as a strategic military base. The airport was founded by the United States of America in 1941 during World War II under the code name Bluie West-8. Its primary task was to serve as a transit point for ferrying American aircraft to Europe.

With the onset of the Cold War, the significance of the base, named Sondrestrom Air Base, only increased. It became an important link in the early warning system against missile attacks and played a key role in ensuring the security of North America. For decades, it was a closed military facility, around which a small settlement gradually grew for the service personnel and their families.

A key turning point in the airport's history occurred in 1992. After the end of the Cold War, the military significance of the base diminished, and it was transferred to the government of Greenland. From this moment, its transformation into the country's main civilian airport began. Thanks to its long runway, inherited from the military, Kangerlussuaq became the only airport in Greenland capable of receiving large long-haul aircraft from Europe and North America, securing its status as the island's main air gateway.

An interesting fact: the airport's location deep within a long fjord, rather than on the coast, was chosen by the American military due to unique climatic conditions. There are far more clear days and less fog here compared to coastal areas, ensuring high flight stability. Today, the airport is not only a key transport hub but also a starting point for scientific expeditions and tourist routes to the Greenland ice sheet.

Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) is a compact yet key transport hub for Greenland. Despite its modest size, it offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait or transit. It is important to remember that this is a gateway to the rugged Arctic nature, so the infrastructure here is more functional than luxurious.

In the terminal building, you will find a small café where you can snack on sandwiches, pastries, and enjoy hot drinks. There is also a Duty Free shop with a basic assortment of international goods, perfumes, and other travel essentials, as well as the Polar Ringen souvenir shop, where you can buy memorable gifts, items made by local artisans, and warm clothing. The selection of establishments and goods is limited but sufficient to meet basic needs.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal; however, the service is generally paid. There are charging stands for mobile devices, but their number is limited, so it is best to carry a portable power bank. There are no separate VIP lounges or business lounges in the airport; all passengers wait for departure in the general hall.

For financial transactions, the airport has an ATM and a currency exchange point where you can exchange major world currencies for Danish Krone (DKK) — the official currency of Greenland. Basic medical assistance can be provided by airport staff, who will call specialists if necessary.

For passengers with children, a mother and child room equipped with a changing table is available. Passengers with reduced mobility are recommended to notify their airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance to organize accompaniment and comfortable movement through the terminal, which is generally accessible.

Located directly within the airport terminal building is Hotel Kangerlussuaq — the only hotel in immediate proximity, which is very convenient for those with an early departure or a long layover. There are no specialized conference halls or business centres for holding meetings provided at the airport.

Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ), being the main air gateway to Greenland, offers passengers a compact but functional set of dining services concentrated in one terminal. It is important to understand that this is a small Arctic airport, so the choice here is not comparable to large international hubs.

The main and, essentially, the only place for a full meal is the restaurant and cafeteria, located in the main airport building in the public zone (landside), before security control. This establishment serves both departing and arriving passengers, as well as airport staff. Its opening hours are usually linked to the schedule of international flights, so it is open when aircraft are expected.

The restaurant menu offers both simple, familiar dishes and the opportunity to experience local cuisine. Here you can find:

• Quick snacks: Sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. An ideal option if you are short on time.
• Full meals: Hot dishes of the day, soups, salads, and burgers. Dishes made from local produce deserve special attention. It is highly recommended to try the muskox burger or a dish made from Greenlandic halibut if they are on the menu. This is a unique opportunity to taste the Arctic. Please note that Halal options may be limited for local meat dishes.
• Beverages: The restaurant also features a counter where various beverages are available.

Regarding special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes, their availability is extremely limited. You may be able to find a simple salad or French fries, but do not count on a wide selection. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are advised to carry their own snacks. The price range at the airport, as in all of Greenland, is quite high due to logistics and food import challenges.

Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) is the main air gateway to Greenland and your first step towards icy wonders. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, use these tips, keeping in mind the uniqueness of this Arctic hub.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in. Despite its modest size, Kangerlussuaq is a key transit hub. It is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This will give you a buffer of time in case of queues, which can occur when several flights depart simultaneously. The check-in and security control procedure is standard but takes place in a compact zone, so it is better not to leave it until the last moment.

Seat Selection on the Plane. Invaluable advice for flying to or from Greenland: be sure to choose a window seat. The views of the ice sheet, fjords, icebergs, and glaciers that open up from above will be one of the most vivid impressions of your trip. This is a spectacle you will not want to miss.

Hand Luggage. Rules for carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in containers, with a total volume of up to 1 litre), sharp objects, and electronics comply with international standards. Given Greenland's changeable weather, it is wise to pack a warm fleece sweater or light jacket in your hand luggage, even if you are flying in summer. The import of unprocessed food products of animal origin may be restricted, so it is better to check the rules in advance.

Passengers with Transfers. Kangerlussuaq is the main hub for Air Greenland domestic flights across the country. Transfers here are common. The airport is very small, so navigation will not cause difficulties, and connections are usually quick. However, always allow extra time between flights due to the high probability of weather delays.

Customs Control. Upon arrival from countries outside the customs zone (for example, from North America), you will have to undergo standard customs control. Be prepared to present your passport and possibly answer questions about the purpose of your visit. There are restrictions on the import of certain goods, which are best reviewed on official websites.

Saving Time and Money. To save time, check in for your flight online if possible. Prices for food and souvenirs at the airport can be high, so bring a water bottle (it can be filled after security) and light snacks. Book flight tickets and accommodation well in advance, as options in Greenland are limited and become expensive quickly.

Flight Delays. Flight delays and cancellations due to weather are a common occurrence in Greenland. Approach this philosophically. Have a book and a charged power bank with you, and be mentally prepared for waiting. If the delay is long, do not despair: the surroundings of Kangerlussuaq offer unique opportunities for short excursions, for example, to the ice cap or on a safari to observe muskoxen. Always have travel insurance that covers such cases.