Sisimiut Airport

Sisimiut Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the world of Arctic adventures, located north of the Arctic Circle. This cosy regional air terminal welcomes travellers with stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks and an atmosphere impossible to find in massive international hubs. It is here, amidst the rugged beauty of Greenland, that the journey to the famous Arctic Circle Trail and the introduction to Inuit culture begins. The compactness of the terminal and the friendliness of the staff make arriving here feel like visiting old friends.

Sisimiut Airport boasts a unique set of characteristics that make it an important part of travelling through Greenland:

• Scenic Location: The airfield is situated in a narrow valley between high mountains and the Kangerluarsunnguaq Bay. The landing approach here is considered one of the most beautiful in the country, allowing passengers to enjoy a bird's-eye panorama of fjords and cliffs.
• Specialisation in STOL Aviation: Due to the complex terrain and relatively short runway (about 800 metres), the airport primarily accepts Short Take-Off and Landing aircraft, such as the reliable Dash-8. Flying on such a vessel is a distinct attraction for aviation enthusiasts.
• Speed and Comfort: Thanks to the terminal's compact size, all procedures — from check-in to baggage claim — take mere minutes. There are no long queues here, allowing travellers to head to the city or on an excursion as quickly as possible.
• Strategic Importance: The airport serves as a key link for Greenland's second-largest city, ensuring regular connections with the hub in Kangerlussuaq and the capital Nuuk, which is vital for local tourism and the economy.

• Official Website: www.mit.gl (website of the Greenland airport operator Mittarfeqarfiit, which manages Sisimiut Airport).
• Help Desk Phone: +299 86 42 22.
• Address: Sisimiut Airport, 3911, Sisimiut, Greenland.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the operator's email: info@mit.gl.
• Social Media: Official news and updates are published on Mittarfeqarfiit's social media pages (e.g., Facebook). Sisimiut Airport may not have a direct page.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should first contact the representative of the airline you flew with. Additional information can be obtained by calling the airport help desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance, contact the main airport phone number or staff at the information desks directly in the terminal.

Sisimiut Airport (JHS) is located just 4.5 km northwest of the city centre of Sisimiut, making it easily accessible for travellers. However, the transport system in Greenland has its own peculiarities: there are no roads connecting cities, so familiar travel options may be limited. When planning a trip, it is important to consider the local specifics.

Taxis and Transfers are the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. The journey from the city centre will take just 10-15 minutes. Several taxi services operate in Sisimiut, but their availability is limited. It is strongly recommended to book a car in advance, especially if your flight is early in the morning or late in the evening. The cost of the trip is fixed or metered, but it is the most expensive option. However, it guarantees comfort and timely arrival.

Public Transport in the city is represented by local bus routes. However, it is worth noting that there may not be direct and regular bus service to the airport. The schedule can be irregular and changes depending on the season. This option is suitable for budget-conscious tourists ready to clarify the route and schedule on the spot. There are no trains or metro in Sisimiut.

Car Rental is possible in Sisimiut, but this option is more suitable for exploring the city's surroundings than for a simple transfer to the airport. The road network is limited to the city itself and its immediate suburbs. If you have rented a car for the duration of your stay, you will easily reach the airport. There is a car park at the terminal building where you can leave the vehicle. Given the small size of the airport, problems with free spaces usually do not arise.

For outdoor enthusiasts and those travelling light, there is another option — walking. The distance of 4.5 km can be covered in about an hour. In good weather, this will be an excellent opportunity to enjoy the rugged and picturesque landscapes of Greenland. The main thing is to ensure that weather conditions allow it and that you have enough time before departure.

Sisimiut Airport (JHS) is a small regional airport, so its structure is extremely simple and intuitive for any traveller. You will not find huge complexes and confusing passageways here, making it very convenient for passengers.

The airport has one passenger terminal that handles all flights — both departures and arrivals. It is a compact building where all necessary zones are within walking distance of each other. There is no complex layout here: upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the main hall, where the check-in counters, waiting area, and boarding gate are located. The departure and arrival zones are effectively parts of the same space, eliminating the need for long walks.

Flight check-in and security screening procedures usually proceed very quickly due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, in accordance with your airline's rules — usually 1-1.5 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time will be more than enough to check in luggage and go through all formalities without rushing.

The main advice for navigation at Sisimiut Airport is not to worry. It is virtually impossible to get lost here. All signs and zones are clearly visible, and staff are always ready to help. Since there is only one terminal and it is small, you will easily find everything you need, even if you are here for the first time.

The history of Sisimiut Airport (JHS) is inextricably linked to the modernisation of the transport system in Greenland. The air harbour was opened in 1998, becoming a crucial step in the development of the country's second-largest city. Until that moment, communication with the rest of the world and other settlements on the island was carried out mainly by sea or by helicopter, which depended heavily on harsh weather conditions. The construction of the airport was a real breakthrough, providing residents and visitors to the city with a more reliable and faster connection to the outside world.

Since its founding, the airport in Sisimiut has functioned as a key hub for domestic flights. Due to the relatively short runway (about 799 metres), it is adapted to receive Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, such as the Dash-8, which form the backbone of the Air Greenland fleet for regional flights. The airport has played a significant role in the development of tourism, simplifying access to the unique Arctic nature and culture of this region.

In recent years, plans for significant modernisation and expansion of the airport have been actively discussed. Within the framework of a national project to develop infrastructure in Greenland, the possibility of extending the runway is being considered. This reconstruction would allow for the reception of larger aircraft, which could open direct international routes and give new impetus to the economy and tourism industry of Sisimiut. Such changes would turn the airport into an even more important gateway to Western Greenland.

Among interesting facts, one can note the picturesque yet challenging location of the airport — it is situated a few kilometres from the city, in a valley surrounded by mountains. This makes landing and taking off a real spectacle for passengers but requires high skill from pilots. Today, Sisimiut Airport is not just a transport facility, but a vital artery that supports the economic and social life of the entire region, especially in the winter months when sea navigation is difficult due to ice.

Sisimiut Airport (JHS) is a small regional aviation hub serving domestic flights in Greenland. Given its size and purpose, the range of services here is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before departure. The terminal is a compact and functional building where you can wait for your flight in comfort.

A general waiting hall is equipped for passengers. There are no specialised VIP lounges here. regarding dining, the choice is limited: typically, there is a small café or vending machines in the airport where you can buy light snacks and drinks. There are no large restaurants or shops within the terminal territory.

Internet connectivity options may be limited, so do not count on widespread free Wi-Fi. Points for charging mobile devices are also infrequent; it is recommended to carry a portable power bank. There may be an ATM in the airport building, but for currency exchange, it is better to visit bank branches in the city of Sisimiut itself.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped toilets. To receive assistance with boarding and disembarking from the aircraft, you should notify your airline in advance. For passengers with small children, changing tables may be provided in the restrooms. Special medical points are absent, but airport staff can provide basic first aid.

There are no hotels, conference rooms, or business centres on the territory of Sisimiut Airport. All hotels, as well as business infrastructure, are located in the city, which can be reached by taxi or special transfer. When planning a trip, it is worth booking accommodation in Sisimiut in advance.

When planning a departure from Sisimiut Airport (JHS), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport serving mainly local flights within Greenland. In this regard, the choice of dining establishments here is extremely limited and not comparable to the facilities of major international hubs.

In the single and very compact terminal of the airport, you will not find full-service restaurants. However, for the convenience of passengers, a small café-kiosk operates here. This is the only place where you can have a snack while waiting for a flight. The café is located in the general hall, so it is accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off (in the area before security control).

The assortment is generally standard for such a format:

• Hot beverages, such as coffee and tea.
• Soft drinks and bottled water.
• Ready-made snacks: sandwiches, pastries, chocolate bars, and crisps.

This place is ideal for a quick snack, but not for a full lunch or dinner. The café's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule. Specialised local cuisine dishes, as well as vegetarian, gluten-free, or other special dietary options (including certified Halal meals), are generally not represented here. If you have specific dietary preferences, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.

Our advice: if you want a substantial and tasty meal, it is best to do so in advance at one of the establishments in the city of Sisimiut itself. There you can find restaurants offering dishes including Greenlandic cuisine, which will be a wonderful gastronomic conclusion to your journey through this amazing region.

Flying in Greenland is a special experience, and knowing a few nuances will make your journey through Sisimiut Airport more comfortable. Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for departure.

Arrival Time and Check-in. The airport in Sisimiut is small, so there are no long queues like in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to quietly check in luggage, complete registration, and pass security without rushing. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. If possible, choose a window seat. The views during the flight over Greenland are an attraction in themselves: endless ice fields, fjords, and icebergs. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. It is always useful to check the baggage and hand luggage allowances on your airline's website, as they may differ slightly.

Transfers and Customs. Most flights from Sisimiut are domestic. If you have a connecting flight at another Greenlandic airport (for example, in Kangerlussuaq), clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically. Customs control is usually passed at the first airport of arrival in the country, so it is absent on domestic flights.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay? The main reason for delays in Greenland is unpredictable weather. Fog, strong winds, or snowstorms can make adjustments to the schedule. Be prepared for this: have a book, a charged power bank, and a small supply of snacks and water with you. Keep in touch with airline representatives for up-to-date information and maintain a positive attitude — the weather here changes just as quickly as it deteriorates.

Economy and Comfort. To save money, book tickets in advance. The infrastructure at Sisimiut Airport is minimal, so do not count on a large selection of shops and cafés. Take everything you need with you. The most valuable advice is to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Arctic travel, where nature always makes its own adjustments.