A new airport has opened in Qaqortoq, giving international travellers direct access to the main town of South Greenland for the first time. This marks the opening up of one of the Arctic’s most diverse and lesser-visited areas.
Previously accessible only by helicopter or boat, Qaqortoq now becomes the main gateway to the south, with year-round flights from Nuuk and seasonal connections from Iceland. The airport replaces Narsarsuaq as the primary access point, significantly reducing travel time to the southern hub of Greenland. The 1,500-metre runway can accommodate Dash-8 Q200 and Q400 turboprop aircraft.
South Greenland is often associated with green pastures, sheep farming and wild nature. The area offers fjords, fertile valleys and a rich cultural landscape shaped by Inuit communities and Norse settlers since the time of Erik the Red more than 1,000 years ago. Improved access also opens routes to areas such as Tasermiut Fjord, known for its dramatic peaks and often referred to as “the Patagonia of Greenland”.
Visit Greenland Director Anne Nivika Grødem 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 forms part of a wider expansion of Greenland’s airport network, following Nuuk’s airport and ahead of Ilulissat’s new airport later this year—making Greenland increasingly accessible as a multi-destination destination.
Air Greenland expects around two daily flights between Nuuk and Qaqortoq year-round, with up to 17 weekly rotations during the summer period. 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 stands out for its relatively “mild” climate, green landscapes and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kujataa, where over 1,000 years of farming traditions continue today.
Improved air access is expected to support year-round tourism, a key priority for strengthening local businesses, reducing travel times and contributing to more balanced development across Greenland.
“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,” says Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports.
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