Air Greenland
Greenland's flag carrier, connecting communities across Greenland with fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and international passenger services.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Air Greenland A/S is the flag carrier of Greenland and the territory's principal air-transport operator. Headquartered in Nuuk, the airline links Greenland's widely scattered settlements with regional airports, heliports and international gateways. Its role is unusually significant because Greenland has no road network connecting its major communities: aviation is therefore an essential part of everyday mobility, public administration, tourism, freight logistics and emergency response rather than merely a discretionary travel service. The company began on 7 November 1960 as Grønlandsfly A/S, established by Scandinavian Airlines System and the Danish mining company Kryolitselskabet Øresund to support transport and logistics for American radar installations in Greenland. Greenlandic and Danish public interests acquired stakes in 1962. Early operations used Canadian-chartered DHC-3 Otter aircraft and Sikorsky S-55 helicopters, later supplemented by Catalina flying boats, Twin Otters and larger aircraft. Over time, the airline expanded from military-base and industrial support into a broad public transport network serving towns, villages and remote communities. Air Greenland's operating model has been shaped by geography and infrastructure. Fixed-wing aircraft serve airports and short-runway facilities, while helicopters feed passengers into the airport network and provide contracted services to smaller settlements. The airline also operates charter flights for tourists, research stations and mineral-resource projects, as well as medevac and search-and-rescue missions. Government contracts support service to remote heliports where purely commercial demand would not sustain year-round operations. The airline expanded its network during the 1970s and 1980s, using Sikorsky S-61 helicopters and de Havilland Canada DHC-7 aircraft suited to difficult weather and short or isolated runways. It introduced its first international route, between Nuuk and Iqaluit, in 1981 and opened services to Iceland during the same decade. A Boeing 757-200 entered service in 1998, enabling direct Copenhagen operations from Kangerlussuaq. In 2002, after financial and strategic pressure surrounding public-service obligations, subsidies, fares and tourism development, Grønlandsfly adopted the Air Greenland name, a new identity and a more commercially oriented strategy. The company acquired an Airbus A330-200 after SAS withdrew from regular Greenland services in 2003, and later acquired Air Alpha Greenland in 2006. During the 2010s it renewed its domestic fixed-wing fleet, replacing Dash 7 aircraft with Dash 8-200s, while retaining helicopters for communities beyond the airport network. It sold its Boeing 757 in 2010 and its final Twin Otter in 2011. In December 2022, Air Greenland received an Airbus A330-800, named Tuukkaq, to replace its older A330-200 for long-haul operations. Airport modernization has recently altered the airline's network structure. The expanded Nuuk Airport opened in November 2024 with a longer runway and new facilities, allowing the A330-800 to operate directly between Nuuk and Copenhagen. Nuuk consequently became the airline's principal domestic and international hub, while Kangerlussuaq shifted toward a domestic and seasonal role. Air Greenland has also maintained links with Iceland and resumed a seasonal Nuuk–Iqaluit service in 2024. A comprehensive codeshare arrangement with Icelandair was announced for summer 2025. The airline's broader group has included tourism-related businesses such as hotels, tour operations and a travel agency, reinforcing its position as both a transport provider and a gateway to Greenlandic tourism.
History
Air Greenland was founded on 7 November 1960 as Grønlandsfly A/S by Scandinavian Airlines System and Kryolitselskabet Øresund. Its original purpose was to provide transport and logistical support to American radar bases in Greenland. The company initially relied on light aircraft and helicopters, including DHC-3 Otters and Sikorsky S-55s chartered from Canada. Accidents involving early aircraft led to changes in equipment, including the use of Catalina flying boats and DHC-6 Twin Otters for domestic work. A Douglas DC-4 became the company's first larger airliner in 1965. Public ownership expanded in 1962 when the Greenland Provincial Council and the Royal Greenland Trade Department acquired interests. During the 1970s, the airline developed both commercial and government-supported operations. It replaced the DC-4 with DC-6 aircraft, expanded its S-61 helicopter fleet, opened service to eastern Greenland and created Greenlandair Charter. Mining activity at Maamorilik generated additional helicopter demand, while the Danish government contracted the airline for sea-ice reconnaissance. By the end of the decade, annual passenger numbers had exceeded 60,000. The 1980s brought the development of Greenland's short-takeoff-and-landing airport network. Facilities in Nuuk and Ilulissat, together with the repurposing of Kulusuk, enabled more fixed-wing service, although limited winter infrastructure caused operational difficulties. De Havilland Canada DHC-7 aircraft became central to the network because of their ability to operate from challenging runways. The airline trained and employed its first Kalaallit pilots during this period. International development included a Nuuk–Iqaluit route opened in 1981 and Iceland services linking Reykjavík, Kulusuk and Kangerlussuaq. In 1986, access to Keflavík helped Air Greenland compete with SAS on Greenland–Denmark travel. By 1989, the airline employed more than 400 Greenlanders and carried over 100,000 passengers annually. The closure of the Ivittuut and Maamorilik mines reduced economic activity in the 1990s. At the same time, Greenland expanded its network of STOLports, including facilities at Sisimiut, Maniitsoq, Aasiaat, Qaarsut and Upernavik. A fifth Dash 7 allowed the airline to reach all major Greenlandic towns. The arrival of a Boeing 757-200 in 1998 enabled direct Kangerlussuaq–Copenhagen service, and passenger volumes rose sharply by the end of the decade. Around 2000, the company began renewing its helicopter fleet with Bell 212 and Eurocopter AS350 aircraft. The airline faced tension between public-service requirements and commercial goals, including unprofitable contracted routes, high airport costs, fare pressure, labor disruption and the loss of a mail contract. Under Finn Øelund, it pursued a stronger commercial position and on 18 April 2002 adopted the Air Greenland name, logo and livery. After SAS withdrew from regular Greenland services in 2003, Air Greenland acquired an Airbus A330-200 and assumed additional international and U.S. Air Force-related flying. It acquired Air Alpha Greenland in 2006, adding operations in eastern Greenland and Disko Bay. The 2010s combined network rationalization with fleet modernization. Air Greenland sold its Boeing 757 in 2010, suspended some services, opened a Nuuk–Keflavík route and moved its domestic fixed-wing fleet from Dash 7s to Dash 8-200s. Its final Twin Otter was sold in 2011. A revived Nuuk–Iqaluit route operated from 2012 until 2015 because of weak commercial demand. The company sold its interest in Arctic Umiaq Line to Royal Arctic Line in 2016. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced schedules, although the airline remained comparatively important because Greenland's settlements are separated by great distances and lack overland alternatives. Air Greenland received its Airbus A330-800 in December 2022. Airport expansion in Nuuk and Ilulissat, supported by Greenlandic and Danish public funding, then changed the structure of Greenlandic aviation. The expanded Nuuk Airport opened in November 2024, after which the A330-800 began operating Nuuk–Copenhagen flights and Nuuk became the airline's principal hub. Kangerlussuaq retained a domestic and seasonal role. Air Greenland resumed seasonal Nuuk–Iqaluit service in 2024 and announced a codeshare with Icelandair for summer 2025. In addition to scheduled passenger services, the airline continues to provide helicopter links, government-contracted flights, charters, medevac, search-and-rescue and specialist transport.
- 2024
Nuuk becomes the main hub
[1]The expanded Nuuk Airport opens, allowing the airline to move its main international operations from Kangerlussuaq.
- 2022
A330-800 delivered
[1]Air Greenland takes delivery of the Airbus A330-800 Tuukkaq.
- 2016
Arctic Umiaq Line stake sold
[1]Air Greenland sells its 50% interest in the subsidized ferry operator to Royal Arctic Line.
- 2010
Domestic fleet renewal begins
[1]The airline acquires its first Dash 8-200 as it begins replacing Dash 7 aircraft.
- 2006
Air Alpha Greenland acquired
[1]Air Greenland completes its first airline acquisition, adding helicopter operations in eastern Greenland and Disko Bay.
- 2003
A330 enters the fleet
[1]Following SAS's withdrawal from Greenland service, Air Greenland acquires an Airbus A330-200.
- 2002
Rebrand to Air Greenland
[1]Grønlandsfly changes its name, visual identity and livery to Air Greenland.
- 1998
First jet enters service
[1]A Boeing 757-200 begins operation, enabling direct Kangerlussuaq–Copenhagen service.
- 1981
First international route
[1]The airline opens a Nuuk–Iqaluit service and also begins its first Iceland connection.
- 1962
Greenlandic public interests acquire stakes
[1]The Greenland Provincial Council and Royal Greenland Trade Department acquire interests in the company.
Products and positioning
A geographically essential Arctic carrier combining public-service connectivity, helicopter access to remote settlements and selected international links from Greenland.
Scheduled airline services
Domestic passenger services
Air Greenland's core scheduled network links Greenlandic airports and communities. The service is adapted to limited infrastructure, severe weather and the absence of roads between most settlements. Fixed-wing aircraft connect larger population centers, while smaller communities may be reached through helicopter feeder services or government-supported operations.
Helicopter transport
Helicopter services
Helicopters connect remote settlements and heliports to Greenland's airport network. Many of these flights are operated under contracts with the Greenlandic government because their public-service value exceeds the revenue available from local demand. Helicopters also support specialist, charter and emergency missions.
International airline services
International passenger services
International operations include transatlantic services between Greenland and Denmark, as well as connections with Iceland and seasonal service to Canada. The A330-800 is the principal long-haul aircraft, with Nuuk becoming the main international hub after the 2024 airport expansion.
Charter and contract aviation
Charter and specialist aviation
Beyond scheduled passenger travel, Air Greenland provides charters for tourists, research stations and mineral-resource operations. Its specialist work also includes medevac and search-and-rescue flights, making the airline an operational resource for communities and institutions in remote Arctic areas.
Brand decisions
2024
Transfer of the primary hub to NuukStrategyBackground
The expanded Nuuk Airport opened with a runway capable of handling the airline's long-haul aircraft, changing Greenland's route geography.
Action taken
Air Greenland shifted its principal domestic and international hub from Kangerlussuaq to Nuuk and began A330-800 service to Copenhagen from Nuuk.
Aftermath
Kangerlussuaq assumed a more limited domestic and seasonal role, while future seasonal services were planned around Nuuk.
2010
Transition from Dash 7 to Dash 8-200 aircraftGeneration changeBackground
The airline needed to renew its aging domestic fixed-wing fleet.
Action taken
Air Greenland acquired its first Dash 8-200 in 2010 and completed the phase-out of Dash 7 aircraft by 2015.
Aftermath
The newer turboprops became the foundation of domestic fixed-wing operations.
2002
Commercial reorientation and Air Greenland rebrandStrategyBackground
The company faced pressure from public-service obligations, low fares, high charges, subsidy expectations, labor disruption and the need to develop tourism and profitability.
Action taken
Grønlandsfly adopted the Air Greenland name, a new logo and a new livery while pursuing greater commercial self-sufficiency.
Aftermath
The rebrand established the current corporate identity and preceded further fleet, route and acquisition changes.
Sources2 sources
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