Kangerlussuaq Airport
Greenland’s biggest airport is situated along the center of the territory’s west coast near the community of Kangerlussuaq. Kangerlussuaq may not be Greenland’s largest community, but it has become a major transportation hub thanks to its central inland location, fairly stable weather, lack of wind and fog, and a runway large enough to accommodate large jets. Direct Air Greenland flights are available to five other communities, as well as Copenhagen, Denmark for international connections. A New York Air National Guard Airlift Wing handles research camp excursions to Greenland’s ice sheet from the airport.
Open 24 hours in the summer, amenities include a duty free shop, information offices, and Hotel Kangerlussuaq, which includes a restaurant, nightclub and daytime self-service bar. The main public transportation at Kangerlussuaq Airport is a green Kangerlussuaq Tourism mini-bus which travels across the long gravel road to Kangerlussuaq’s nearby harbor and fjord.
Narsarsuaq Airport
The other Greenlandic airport capable of handling large aircraft is situated in the territory’s southern part near the small settlement of Narsarsuaq. In addition to Air Greenland flights to seven other domestic destinations, Narsarsuaq Airport also handles seasonal Air Iceland trips to Reykjavík and Air Greenland flights to Copenhagen. Many passengers arriving here are bound for the helicopter hubs of Nanortalik and Qaqortoq. A small tourism office, large cafeteria and duty free shop called Nanoq are the main amenities at this small facility. Narsarsuaq Airport’s main public transportation is a free shuttle bus which travels between the harbor, airports and hotels.