Qaarsut Airport

Qaarsut Airport (JQA) is not merely a runway at the edge of the earth, but a vital artery connecting the remote settlements of northern Greenland with the rest of the world. For travelers, it serves as an aerial gateway to a world of icebergs, fjords, and the unique Inuit culture. Upon landing here, you immediately sense the scale and pristine beauty of the Arctic nature, which begins right at the aircraft steps.

The main feature of the airport is its role as a transport hub for the entire Uummannaq region. Since the town of Uummannaq itself is located on an island and does not have a runway for fixed-wing aircraft, it is Qaarsut Airport that receives flights from other parts of Greenland. From here, passengers transfer to Air Greenland helicopters for a short but breathtaking flight to Uummannaq. The airport has a gravel runway, which is characteristic of many airfields in the country. The infrastructure here is minimal and functional: a small terminal building, a check-in desk, and a waiting area. But its main advantage is the opportunity to reach one of the most picturesque and inaccessible corners of the planet, enjoying incredible views of icebergs and glaciers directly from your window.

Below is the contact information for Qaarsut Airport (JQA). Please note that, as this is a small regional airport, many services are centralized through the operating company Mittarfeqarfiit (Greenland Airports).

• Official Website: Qaarsut Airport is managed by Mittarfeqarfiit. All official information, including flight schedules, is available on their website: www.mit.gl.
• Information Desk Phone: +299 97 73 70
• Airport Address: Kaarsut Lufthavn, Postboks 24, 3961 Kaarsut, Grønland.
• Email: For general inquiries, it is recommended to use the central Mittarfeqarfiit email address: info@mit.gl.
• Social Media: There are no separate social media pages for Qaarsut Airport. We recommend following the official Mittarfeqarfiit pages for news.
• Lost Baggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged checked luggage, you must contact the airline you flew with directly. If you have left personal items in the airport terminal, please contact the information desk at the phone number listed above.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance regarding your stay at the airport, please use the information desk phone number.

Getting to the airport in Qaarsut is a fairly simple task, given the compact size of this settlement in Greenland. The airport is located in immediate proximity to the residential area, so the logistics here differ significantly from what travelers are used to in major cities. The main advice is to plan all movements in advance.

Since Qaarsut is a very small settlement, there is no public transport system in the traditional sense, such as buses, trams, or a metro. Distances are so short that the main mode of transport for locals and tourists is walking. The journey from any point in the settlement to the airport is unlikely to take much time if you are travelling light.

The most common way to get to the airport with luggage is a transfer. Typically, this is organized by the hotel, guesthouse, or tour operator with whom you have booked your accommodation or excursion. It is strongly recommended to discuss this in advance when booking. There is no standard taxi service in Qaarsut that can be called by phone or hailed on the street. The cost of the transfer is often already included in the accommodation or negotiated separately.

Car rental is not practiced in Qaarsut and makes no sense. In Greenland, there is no road network connecting settlements, and transport links are maintained primarily by air or sea. Accordingly, the issue of parking at the airport is also not a concern—there is a small area near the terminal building, but it is rarely busy due to the minimal amount of private vehicles in the settlement.

Qaarsut Airport (JQA) is a small regional airport, typical for remote areas of Greenland. It is important to understand that it differs radically from large international hubs. All its infrastructure is concentrated in one compact terminal building, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. Its main features are simplicity and functionality.

The layout of the airport is extremely simple. Since there is only one terminal, there are no complex passageways, multiple floors, or separate zones for domestic and international flights. Immediately after entering the building, you will see the check-in counters. Behind them is a small security screening area leading directly into the single waiting hall. This same hall serves as the boarding gate. The arrival area is essentially part of the main hall where baggage claim takes place. It is practically impossible to get lost here.

Check-in and security procedures at the airport in Qaarsut are very quick due to the low passenger flow. Usually, this takes no more than 15-20 minutes. However, despite this, it is strongly recommended to arrive at the airport in accordance with airline rules, typically at least one hour before departure. The airport operates strictly according to the schedule, and check-in counters may close without delay.

The main recommendation for navigation is not to worry about it. All services and zones are located in one small space and are visible immediately from the entrance. Instead of studying the terminal map, it is better to focus on the logistics of your onward journey, as the airport is often used as a transit hub for helicopter flights to Uummannaq and other settlements. The simplicity and compactness make pre-flight formalities at Qaarsut Airport maximally fast and convenient.

The history of Qaarsut Airport (JQA) is relatively short but very important for the region. It was officially opened on September 29, 1999. Construction was initiated by the Government of Greenland to ensure reliable air connections for the town of Uummannaq and its surrounding settlements. Prior to this, transport links with the rest of the world were maintained primarily by helicopters, which was less convenient and highly dependent on the weather.

Since its opening, the airport has become a key transport hub for the entire Uummannaq Fjord. Its construction in harsh Arctic conditions was a significant engineering achievement. The airport features a gravel runway, which is characteristic of many remote airports in the country, and is designed to accommodate Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, such as the Dash-8, which are the "workhorses" of Greenlandic aviation.

One of the most interesting facts about the airport in Qaarsut lies in its location. It is situated not in Uummannaq itself, but on the opposite shore of the fjord, in a small settlement of the same name. Therefore, for passengers heading to Uummannaq, the journey does not end after landing. The final leg of the journey is a short but incredibly scenic helicopter flight (about 10-15 minutes) or, in the summer, a boat trip across the fjord, which in itself becomes part of the adventure.

Although the history of Qaarsut Airport is not marked by loud records or global events, its main achievement is the stable and year-round connection of the region with the world. It has radically changed the lives of local residents by simplifying travel, cargo delivery, and medical assistance, and has also opened this amazing corner of the Arctic to tourists from all over the world wishing to see giant icebergs and experience the unique local culture.

The airport in Qaarsut (JQA) is a small regional airport in Greenland offering passengers a basic set of essential services. It is important to note that this is a compact transport hub, and its infrastructure is focused on meeting the basic needs of travelers before departure or after arrival.

The terminal lacks restaurants, cafes, and shops, including Duty Free. Passengers are advised to carry their own snacks and water. A general hall is provided for waiting for flights; there are no dedicated lounges or VIP areas here.

Opportunities for Wi-Fi connection may be limited or unavailable, and the number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is minimal. It is recommended to bring a fully charged power bank. There are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points within the airport building. Specialized medical facilities are also absent, aside from basic first aid supplies.

Passengers with reduced mobility and travelers with small children should contact the airline in advance to organize necessary assistance, as specialized facilities, such as mother and child rooms, are not provided at the airport. There are no hotels, conference rooms, or business centers on the territory of Qaarsut Airport—all accommodation options are located in the nearest settlements.

When planning a trip through the airport in Qaarsut (JQA), it is important to consider its specifics regarding catering. This is a small regional airport serving remote settlements in Greenland, so the terminal infrastructure is focused on performing the most basic functions.

There are absolutely no dining outlets within the airport territory. You will not find any restaurants, cafes, or lounges here. Vending machines for drinks or snacks are also generally not installed. In this regard, all passengers, especially those expecting a long wait for a flight, are strongly advised to bring food and drinks with them.

Since there are no establishments in the terminal, options for people with special dietary needs (Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free meals, etc.) are also unavailable. If you require a full lunch or dinner, you will have to find it in the settlement of Qaarsut itself or in the larger town of Uummannaq, which is located at some distance. Allow time for travel so as not to miss your flight. For a short wait at the airport, the only solution will be a pre-packed snack.

Travelling through the airport in Qaarsut (JQA) is your ticket to the amazing world of northern Greenland. To ensure your flight goes as smoothly as possible, use our tips. Given the small size of the airport, there is no need to arrive 3-4 hours before departure. As a rule, it is sufficient to arrive 1.5–2 hours before the flight departs. This time is enough to check in and complete all formalities without rushing.

Check-in and security control procedures in Qaarsut usually proceed quickly and in a calm atmosphere, incomparable to the hustle and bustle of large international hubs. However, do not be too relaxed. When checking in, be sure to ask for a window seat. Views of icebergs, fjords, and ice fields during flights over Greenland are a distinct attraction that should not be missed. Please note that flights are often operated on small aircraft, so be prepared for possible restrictions on baggage weight and size.

Hand luggage rules are generally standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. However, due to the use of compact aircraft, requirements for the dimensions and weight of hand luggage can be very strict. We recommend clarifying this information on your airline's website in advance to avoid the need to check your bag into luggage at the last moment.

If you have a connecting flight, for example, in Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk, always check if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Customs control for flights within Greenland is absent; it is passed only at the first airport of arrival from abroad (most often Kangerlussuaq when flying from Denmark).

The main way to save money is to book flight tickets well in advance. Prices for flights within Greenland are quite high and increase as the departure date approaches. To save time at the airport, complete online check-in if the airline provides such an option.

The main challenge for air travel in Greenland is weather conditions. Fog, strong winds, or snowfall can lead to delays or even cancellations of flights for several hours or days. What to do in such a case? First of all, remain calm and stay in touch with the airline representative. They will provide current information and instructions. Always build an extra day into your itinerary for such situations so as not to miss important connections or your international flight home.