Transport in Greenland

Historically the major means of transportation has been by boat around the coast in summer and by dog sled in winter, particularly in the north and east.

While Germany occupied Denmark during World War II, the United States controlled Greenland and built bases and airports.

American authorities at one time entertained the idea of building a road from Kangerlussuaq to the second-largest airport, in Narsarsuaq, several hundred kilometres to the south.

In 2024, Nuuk Airport was extensively rebuilt and expanded, leading to the transition of the international hub from Kangerlussuaq.

Other airlines operate seasonal and charter flights, Icelandair flies from Keflavík-Reykjavík to Nuuk, Kulusuk, Ilulissat and Narsarsuaq.

Air Greenland has also operated a route from Iqaluit in Canada to Nuuk during summer during some years.

[1] This process has been contentious as Chinese firms bid for the contract, with one Danish PM stating "We don't want a communist dictatorship in our backyard.

There are ports at Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq (also known by its Danish name Søndre Strømfjord), Qaqortoq, Narsaq, Nuuk (Godthåb), Aasiaat and Sisimiut.

The distance from Denmark to Nuuk by ship is 3,800 kilometres (2,400 mi/2,000 nmi/4 days at 20 knots), so more perishable foodstuff is imported by air.