Air Greenland sees ‘opportunity’ for hub-and-spoke model with new airport
December 11, 2024
Air Greenland is gearing up for a transformative era with the recent opening of the new Nuuk Airport.
The state-of-the-art facility, featuring a 2,200-metre runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft, positions Greenland’s capital as a potential key player in the transatlantic aviation market.
For Air Greenland, the expanded airport unlocks opportunities for a hub-and-spoke model which could drive additional traffic to the remote territory, which is conveniently located between key markets in Europe and North America.
“We see it as an opportunity. It’s a bit early to say, but we already have a hub and spoke in the domestic routes, and that’s what we’re good at and concentrating on – at least for now,” Air Greenland’s spokesperson, Aminnguaq Dahl Petrussen, told Aerospace Global News.
By leveraging Nuuk as a central hub, the airline can efficiently connect domestic routes across Greenland’s vast, remote regions to international destinations.
This model would streamline passenger and cargo transit, enhance connectivity, and support economic development across Greenland.
The launch of Nuuk’s new international airport on November 28, 2024, marks the beginning of a series of openings for three Greenlandic airports. The additional two are to open by the end of 2026, in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq in South Greenland, allowing travellers to reach most parts of the country in under two hours.
“The opening of the international airport will undoubtedly have a major impact for our country, including the capital but also for other parts of the country. We are entering a new period in and for Greenland. This new airport will act as a bridge to the future, opening up something completely new and incredibly exciting,” said Petrussen.
The new airport also signifies a broader vision for Nuuk as an international gateway. With the ability to handle long-haul flights, the facility positions Greenland as a stopover destination.
This strategic advantage could attract new airlines and boost tourism, particularly among adventure travellers seeking Greenland’s unique landscapes.
Air Greenland sees the upgraded airport as a chance to enhance its fleet and services, offering seamless travel experiences for both residents and international visitors. The airline is also exploring partnerships to expand its network, strengthening Nuuk’s position as a key aviation hub in the Arctic region.
Petrussen said: “Air Greenland has prepared for competition by preparing a schedule that provides good onward connections both to and from the domestic route network with Nuuk linking the network of international destinations with flights to and from Copenhagen and Keflavik with the rest of the Arctic.”
However there are challenges for Greenland, not least ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support an expected influx in visitors – especially at the two, smaller airports under construction.
“The upcoming new runway in Ilulissat will definitely bring more travelers to the area, including more tourists and thus increased tourism. However, as hotel capacity is still limited, Air Greenland is considering building additional hotel facilities,” she added.
The Nuuk Airport project marks a turning point for Greenland’s aviation, promising significant growth for Air Greenland and the region.
