For the first time in nearly two decades, a direct flight from the United States to Greenland successfully landed in the capital city of Nuuk on Saturday evening. Operated by United Airlines, the Boeing 737 Max 8 departed from Newark International Airport in New Jersey at 11:31 a.m. EDT and touched down just over four hours later at 6:39 p.m. local time.
The flight marked a significant milestone, reconnecting the U.S. and Greenland with a nonstop route. A one-way ticket from Newark to Nuuk was priced around $1,200, while return fares ranged from $1,300 to $1,500.
The last direct connection was in 2007, when Air Greenland flew between Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Kangerlussuaq, a city located roughly 195 miles north of Nuuk. That service was discontinued after only a year due to high operating costs.
One enthusiastic traveler, 38-year-old Warren Rieutort-Louis from San Francisco, took the trip specifically to be part of the momentous occasion. “I’ve been to Greenland before, but only through Europe. Being able to fly straight here is incredible,” he said upon arrival.
Interestingly, the inaugural flight coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, which was marked in Washington with a military parade—part of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Trump, who has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, has faced strong opposition from Denmark and Greenland’s governments, who insist the island is not for sale.
United Airlines announced the new route in October, before Trump’s re-election. The service was planned for 2025 to take advantage of Nuuk’s new airport, which opened in late November and includes a longer runway capable of handling larger aircraft.
“This makes United the only airline connecting the U.S. directly to Nuuk, offering travelers access to Arctic landscapes, wildlife, and summer adventures under the midnight sun,” the airline stated.
Saturday’s flight launched a twice-weekly seasonal service, running from June to September, with the aircraft offering about 165 seats. Previously, travelers needed to connect through Iceland or Copenhagen to reach Greenland.
Greenland’s Minister for Business, Mineral Resources, Energy, Justice, and Gender Equality, Naaja Nathanielsen, said the new route is a game-changer for the island’s economy and residents. Not only does it make travel to the U.S. easier for Greenlanders, but it also encourages tourism, a growing industry for the island.
Tourism has been on the rise, with over 96,000 international travelers passing through Greenland’s airports in 2023—a 28% increase from 2015. Since fishing makes up around 90% of Greenland’s exports, diversifying the economy is a key focus.
Jessica Litolff, a 26-year-old traveler from Louisiana, noted the convenience of the new route. “It’s just four and a half hours—faster than flying to some parts of the U.S.,” she said, adding that she hopes the connection benefits both countries.
Greenland’s tourism agency also sees potential beyond financial gain. “Flights bring more than just money. We expect positive impacts for both society and travelers,” said Tanny Por, the agency’s head of international relations.
Washington resident Aria Varasteh, 34, said visiting Greenland had long been a dream. “I’ve wanted to come here for a very long time. The people I’ve spoken to seem excited to welcome us. We’re just grateful to be here and want to make the most of it,” she said.
