A new airport has opened in Qaqortoq, providing international travellers with direct access to South Greenland for the first time and marking a significant milestone in the region’s tourism development.
Previously accessible only by helicopter or boat, Qaqortoq now serves as the primary gateway to southern Greenland, replacing Narsarsuaq and significantly reducing travel time. The airport features a 1,500-metre runway capable of accommodating Dash-8 Q200 and Q400 turboprop aircraft. Year-round flights from Nuuk and seasonal connections from Iceland are now operational.
The enhanced connectivity opens up one of the Arctic’s most diverse and lesser-visited regions. South Greenland is known for its fjords, fertile valleys and cultural heritage shaped by Inuit communities and Norse settlers dating back over 1,000 years.
Anne Nivika Grødem, Director, Visit Greenland, said, “South Greenland offers a rare combination of powerful nature and a living culture shaped over generations. Improved access allows us to welcome visitors with greater intention, encouraging travel with curiosity, while creating lasting value for local communities and more meaningful experiences for our guests.”
The opening is part of a broader expansion of Greenland’s aviation network, following Nuuk’s airport and ahead of Ilulissat’s new airport.
Air Greenland is expected to operate around two daily flights between Nuuk and Qaqortoq, increasing to up to 17 weekly rotations during summer, while Icelandair plans four weekly summer flights between Keflavík and Qaqortoq.
Miki Jensen, CEO of Innovation South Greenland, added, “This is a big day for the community. The airport connects South Greenland more closely to both the rest of the country via Nuuk and the world via Keflavik. It creates new opportunities for tourism and business, while strengthening everyday life in the area.”
South Greenland, home to the UNESCO-listed Kujataa region, is expected to benefit from increased year-round visitation and improved infrastructure connectivity.
Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, said, “With the opening of Qaqortoq Airport, we are taking an important step in the development of South Greenland. We are proud to contribute to the development of Greenland’s infrastructure and look forward to seeing how these new opportunities translate into tangible growth.”
