In brief
The new Ilulissat airport began operations Thursday, Oct. 29, after full Danish approval. A 2,200‑metre runway will serve large aircraft and enable a direct flight to Copenhagen. Regular winter service will start November with Jettime’s Boeing 737‑800 and the operator plans full summer operations by 2027 as part of Greenland’s three‑airport expansion.
The new Ilulissat international airport opened Thursday, Oct. 29, in western Greenland after receiving final approval from Danish aviation authorities. Trondheim-based operator Greenland Airports said the 2,200‑metre runway can accommodate large passenger aircraft, effectively linking Ilulissat with Denmark and boosting regional connectivity. An Air Greenland Airbus A330‑neo from Copenhagen marked the launch of the direct route.
Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority officials confirmed that final clearance was granted overnight following months of inspections and a test flight. They praised the runway’s capacity to handle large aircraft and the potential for increased air traffic.
Operations will begin in winter with regular services starting in November. Jettime will initially operate Boeing 737‑800 aircraft on a weekly basis, predominantly on Wednesdays, with additional Monday departures during selected periods. Greenland Airports said weekly flights would gradually expand as demand grows.
This opening completes a three‑airport development program that began with Nuuk in Nov. 2024 and continued with Qaqortoq in April 2026. The operator emphasized that improved transport links would create opportunities for tourism, cargo, and regional business. Ilulissat, famed for its icebergs and the UNESCO‑listed Ilulissat Icefjord, stands to benefit from easier access by visitors and trade partners.
Greenland Airports aims to reach full operation by the summer 2027 season. While the target date reflects long‑term plans, the exact timing of full service remains subject to ongoing operational expansion and market demand.
