Nuuk Airport

Nuuk Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the heart of the Arctic, situated on the picturesque coast of the Godthåb Fjord. Following a major reconstruction and the opening of an extended runway in 2024, it has transformed from a local airfield into Greenland's key international hub, capable of handling direct transatlantic flights. The breathtaking approach, where the liner manoeuvres between the snow-capped peaks of Quern and Malene, is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Thanks to its unique location, travellers find themselves in the centre of the capital's events just a few minutes after landing.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main pride of the renovated airport is the new 2,200-metre runway, which has heralded a new era in the island's history. Nuuk can now accommodate large airliners, such as the Airbus A330, allowing for direct non-stop flights to Copenhagen and planned routes to North America, bypassing the former transfer hub in Kangerlussuaq. This significantly reduces travel time for tourists and makes Greenland more accessible.

Despite the expansion, the airport terminal has retained its cosiness and compactness. Passport control and baggage claim procedures here are surprisingly fast, sparing passengers the tedious queues typical of giant hubs. The waiting lounge windows offer a panoramic view of the airfield and the rugged Arctic nature, turning the wait for a flight into part of the excursion programme.

A unique feature of Nuuk Airport is its proximity to an active recreation zone. It is located literally at the foot of a ski resort: the Sisorarfiit ski lifts are just a few hundred metres from the terminal. This is perhaps the only airport in the world where you can get on skis or a snowboard almost immediately after stepping off the plane.

For current information on airport operations, flight status, or to resolve any issues, you can use the following contact details. The airport administration is always ready to assist travellers.

• Official Website: The most complete and up-to-date information is provided by the operator of Greenland's airports, Kalaallit Airports. Visit their official website: kair.gl.
• Information Desk Phone: For general questions related to the operation of Nuuk airport, you can call: +299 38 27 00.
• Address: Nuuk Lufthavn, P.O. Box 1006, 3900, Nuuk, Greenland.
• Email: For written enquiries, use the general email address of the management company: info@kair.gl.
• Social Media: You can follow news and updates on the official Facebook page: Kalaallit Airports.
• Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must first contact your airline representative at the airport. For example, for Air Greenland passengers, the baggage tracing service contacts are: phone +299 34 34 34 or e-mail baggageservice@airgreenland.gl.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance directly in the airport building, please approach the information desk. For remote consultation, use the main information desk phone number.

Getting to Nuuk Airport (GOH) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located just 4 kilometres away. The journey usually does not take much time, but the choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences. On average, the trip by car will take about 10-15 minutes.

The most economical way to get to the airport is the city bus. The local bus network, Nuup Bussii, operates routes passing near the airport. The bus ticket costs about 15 DKK, making this an excellent choice for travellers with light luggage. Be sure to check the current schedule in advance, especially if your flight is early in the morning, late at night, or on a weekend, as intervals may be extended.

Taxi is the most convenient and fastest way to reach the terminal. A taxi ride from the city centre will cost approximately 100-150 DKK. This is an ideal choice if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. A car can be ordered by phone or found at designated stands in the city. For added peace of mind, you can pre-book a private transfer, which will meet you at a specified location and take you directly to your flight.

For those who value independence and plan to explore the surroundings of the capital of Greenland, car rental is a good solution. Several rental agencies operate in Nuuk. Upon arriving at the airport in a rented or private car, you can use the local parking facilities. Nuuk Airport has both short-term and long-term parking, which is convenient for travellers leaving their car for several days.

Nuuk Airport (GOH) is a modern and compact aviation hub consisting of one passenger terminal. The new building, opened as part of a large-scale modernisation, serves both domestic flights within Greenland and international routes, acting as the country's main aerial gateway. Thanks to the unified structure, passengers do not need to worry about complex transfers between different buildings.

The terminal layout is very simple and logical, making navigation intuitive. The building has two main levels. On the ground floor, you will find airline check-in counters, the baggage handling area, and the arrivals hall. The first floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone, which includes the security checkpoint, a comfortable waiting lounge, and boarding gates.

The Arrivals Zone is located on the ground floor. Upon the aircraft's arrival, passengers proceed into the terminal building where (if necessary for international flights) they pass through passport control, and then collect their luggage in a designated hall. The Departure Zone on the first floor begins immediately after the check-in counters — passengers go upstairs to undergo pre-flight screening. After the security check, they enter a clean and bright waiting lounge with a panoramic view of the airfield.

Check-in and screening procedures at Nuuk airport usually proceed quite quickly due to the relatively low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: approximately 2 hours before the departure of an international flight and 1–1.5 hours before a domestic one. This time is sufficient to check in luggage, obtain a boarding pass, and pass all controls without haste.

For convenient navigation through the terminal, simply follow the clear signs, which are duplicated in Greenlandic, Danish, and English. All necessary infrastructure is located in one place, eliminating the possibility of getting lost. Information boards promptly display current flight information, and staff are always ready to assist.

The history of Nuuk Airport (GOH) is a vivid illustration of the capital of Greenland's aspiration for development and overcoming geographical isolation. Its official opening took place in 1979, although it was initially designed to service Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft. The short runway, situated amidst mountains and fjords, required the highest level of skill from pilots, especially in changeable weather conditions.

For decades, the airport in Nuuk served as an important domestic hub, connecting the capital with other settlements on the island. However, for international flights, travellers had to fly to the larger Kangerlussuaq Airport and travel from there to Nuuk via a domestic flight. This created significant logistical inconveniences and hindered the development of tourism and business ties.

A turning point in the history of the air harbour was the commencement of a massive project for its complete reconstruction and expansion in the late 2010s. This ambitious plan, one of the largest in the modern history of Greenland, included the construction of a new runway approximately 2,200 metres long and a modern terminal. The main goal was to transform Nuuk Airport into a fully-fledged international gateway for the country, capable of receiving jet aircraft directly from Europe and North America.

This modernisation radically changes the transport accessibility of the capital, opening new perspectives for travellers and the region's economy. A curious fact: the airport's IATA code GOH is derived from the former Danish name of Nuuk — Godthåb.

Nuuk Airport (GOH), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait. The airport infrastructure is focused on meeting the basic needs of travellers arriving in the capital of Greenland or departing from it.

Dining and Shopping: The terminal features a café where you can have a snack, coffee, or other beverages before departure. The assortment usually includes light snacks, sandwiches, and pastries. There is also a small shop offering souvenirs, including items made by local artisans, and Duty Free goods, where you can purchase perfumes and confectionery.

Lounges and Connectivity: A general waiting hall with sufficient seating is equipped for passengers. There are typically no specialised VIP lounges or premium business lounges at the airport. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, as well as power outlets and charging stations for electronic devices, ensuring you always stay connected.

Financial Services and Medical Aid: ATMs for withdrawing cash (Danish kroner) are installed in the terminal building. A currency exchange point may also be available, but it is recommended to check its opening hours. A first aid medical point is ready to assist in emergencies; for help, please contact any airport staff member.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers: The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Ramps and accessible toilets are available, and assistance with boarding and disembarking is provided. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance if special assistance is required. For travellers with children, there are mother and child rooms with changing tables in the restrooms.

Accommodation and Business Services: There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but in Nuuk itself, which is a few minutes' drive away, a selection of accommodation options is available. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent at the airport; such services can be found in city hotels.

Nuuk Airport (GOH) is a compact and comfortably Arctic aviation hub, where dining options correspond to its size. Although there is not a wide variety of restaurants here as in major international hubs, passengers can comfortably grab a snack or have a coffee while waiting for their flight.

The main place for dining at the airport is the café located in the main terminal building, in the public zone before security control (landside). This makes it convenient not only for departing passengers but also for those meeting them. The café's opening hours are usually synchronised with the flight schedule — it opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last plane departs.

The café menu offers standard airport fare. For a quick snack, fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, and various snacks are perfect. If you have more time, you can order a more substantial hot meal, such as the soup of the day or a simple main course. Particular attention should be paid to offers with local flair: sometimes the menu features sandwiches with Greenlandic smoked fish (e.g., halibut) or reindeer meat, allowing you to experience the cuisine of Greenland right at the airport.

Prices in the café are consistent with the average level for Nuuk and Scandinavian countries in general. Regarding dietary needs, standard vegetarian options (e.g., a cheese and vegetable sandwich) are usually available. However, the choice for vegans or passengers requiring gluten-free or Halal dishes may be quite limited. It is recommended to check the availability of suitable options directly with the café staff.

Travelling through Nuuk Airport is a gateway to the amazing world of Greenland. To make your experience as comfortable as possible, use our tips that take local specifics into account.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Nuuk Airport is not very large, but weather conditions can affect the schedule. We recommend arriving 2–2.5 hours before international flights (to Denmark or Iceland) and 1.5–2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time in case of unforeseen circumstances. Whenever possible, use online check-in to save time.

Seat Selection: Flying in Greenland is a spectacular sight in itself. Be sure to book a window seat! Depending on the route, you may see incredible views of glaciers, fjords, icebergs, and endless ice fields. Either side of the aircraft will offer you unforgettable impressions.

Hand Luggage and Baggage: Standards for carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in a container) and sharp objects here are the same as in most airports worldwide. However, Air Greenland, the main carrier, may have strict rules regarding the weight and size of hand luggage. Be sure to check the current allowances on the airline's website before departure to avoid extra charges.

Transfer Passengers and Customs: Nuuk is the country's main transport hub. If you have a connection, allow enough time for it, as weather can cause flight delays throughout Greenland. When arriving from outside Greenland, you will have to pass customs control. Ensure you are familiar with the import regulations, as they may differ from Danish ones.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay: Delays and cancellations due to weather (especially fog and strong winds) are a common occurrence. Remain calm, stay in touch with airline representatives, and monitor updates on the display boards. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance covering such cases. Keep essentials in your hand luggage: medicines, chargers, a warm sweater, and snacks.

Saving Time and Money: Book flight tickets in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the high season (June to August). Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so it is worth bringing an empty water bottle (which can be filled after security) and a light snack.