Air Greenland will launch new Copenhagen-Ilulissat flights on Oct 29, 2026, improving access to North Greenland and supporting tourism and business growth.
Summary: Air Greenland will start direct Copenhagen-Ilulissat flights on October 29, 2026, with an inaugural A330-800. Weekly service begins on Wednesdays, rising to twice-weekly during peak periods; Jettime will operate with a B737-800NG until Air Greenland receives an A320neo in spring 2027. The route coincides with the opening of a new terminal at Ilulissat Airport and is intended to boost tourism and business links to North Greenland.
Air Greenland has unveiled a new direct route connecting Copenhagen and Ilulissat, with the first flight scheduled for October 29, 2026. The Copenhagen-Ilulissat flights will create a direct line between Denmark’s capital and one of Greenland’s most visited Arctic towns, simplifying travel to North Greenland for international visitors.
Route and aircraft plan
The inaugural service on October 29 will be flown by Air Greenland’s Airbus A330-800. After that flight, Jettime is slated to operate the route using a Boeing 737-800NG until Air Greenland takes delivery of an A320neo in spring 2027. Initial frequency is weekly on Wednesdays, with the schedule expanding to twice-weekly during busy periods such as Christmas, New Year, and March 2027.
- Launch date: October 29, 2026
- Inaugural aircraft: Airbus A330-800 (Air Greenland)
- Interim operator: Jettime using Boeing 737-800NG
- Permanent fleet: Air Greenland A320neo expected spring 2027
- Frequency: Weekly (Wednesdays), increasing to twice-weekly at peak times
How the route strengthens North Greenland tourism
Direct flights to Ilulissat are expected to make North Greenland far more accessible to international travellers. By linking Ilulissat with Copenhagen — a major European hub — the new service reduces transit time and the need for multiple connecting flights, making visits to the Ilulissat Icefjord and other Arctic attractions easier to plan.
- Ilulissat Icefjord: a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for active glaciers
- Disko Bay iceberg boat tours and wildlife viewing
- Arctic experiences: dog sledding, ice fishing and snow excursions
- Seasonal phenomena: Northern Lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer
- Local culture: Ilulissat Museum and community heritage
Economic and business benefits
Beyond tourism, the new connection is positioned to support business travel and trade. Easier access from Copenhagen will facilitate meetings, conferences and industry visits in sectors important to Greenland such as shipping, energy and natural resources, and could help attract investment and collaborative projects.
Airport upgrades and future connectivity
The timing of the new service coincides with the opening of Greenland Airports’ new terminal at Ilulissat Airport. The upgraded facility is intended to handle more international traffic and improve passenger experience, supporting continued growth in arrivals and enabling more direct routes to Greenland in the future.
What travellers should know
Travellers planning to visit Ilulissat should note the official launch date and the initial weekly schedule. Peak-season increases in frequency will provide additional options around major travel windows. Visitors should also consider seasonal conditions and book activities like boat tours or sledding in advance, as capacity can be limited.
So what? For travellers and the regional industry, the direct Copenhagen-Ilulissat flights mean simpler journeys, more predictable schedules and increased exposure for North Greenland’s natural and cultural attractions. For businesses, improved connectivity should lower the barrier to engagement and investment, while the new airport terminal provides the infrastructure needed to support both tourism and economic activity.
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