United Airlines says Greenland could become a top-trending tourist destination

As Greenland’s international profile swells, United Airlines says the country is developing significant appeal as a tourist destination. On June 14, United Airlines became the only carrier to provide direct, commercial flights between the United States and Greenland.

In a statement to Arctic Today, United Airlines says that “by providing a direct link to this destination that has been historically harder to reach via air travel, we believe Greenland has the potential to become a top-trending destination for those looking to travel off-the-beaten path”.

According to the airline, these flights, which run twice weekly from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey to Nuuk International Airport, have been well received by travelers.

Remy Zeigler, a spokesperson for United Airlines, told Arctic Today that the new route has been met with “positive demand” and “bookings are on par with our initial projections for this route”.

United Airlines is not alone in launching direct flights to Greenland. After decades, Scandinavian Airlines re-established a direct route from Copenhagen to Nuuk on June 27.

Scandinavian Airlines stated in a press release marking the beginning of these flights that “the route adds a unique Arctic destination to its network—offering customers rare access to one of the world’s more pristine and culturally rich regions”.

Greenland has invested heavily in its tourist industry. The country has begun developing new hotels and attractions, as well as opening a new airport in the country’s capital Nuuk. Flights from both United and Scandinavian Airlines operate out of the new Nuuk International Airport, which opened on November 28, 2024.

Additionally, Greenland is constructing two new airports in the cities of Ilulissat and Qaqortoq, on the country’s West and South coasts. These airports are expected to begin operation in 2026.

United Airline expects that by providing flights directly to Nuuk, the country’s tourism industry will develop faster than it otherwise could. Many in Greenland are welcoming these developments as an opportunity to diversify Greenland’s economy. The country has experienced an increase in tourism that will likely continue with more direct flights to Nuuk from major airports across the globe.