Direct flight from US to Greenland, the first since 2008, lands in Nuuk
Share this @internewscast.com

Saturday’s flight marks the first direct passage between the U.S. and the Arctic island in nearly 20 years.

NUUK, Greenland — An American airline has successfully completed its inaugural direct flight from the United States to Greenland, with the aircraft touching down in Nuuk, the capital, on Saturday evening. The return journey is scheduled for Sunday morning.

Operated by United Airlines, the Boeing 737 Max 8 departed from Newark International Airport in New Jersey on Saturday at 11:31 a.m. EDT (1531 GMT) and reached its destination slightly over four hours later, at 6:39 p.m. local time (1939 GMT), according to data from the flight-tracking site FlightAware.

A one-way ticket from Newark to Nuuk cost roughly $1,200. The return flight had a $1,300 to $1,500 price tag.

This flight represents the first direct connection between the U.S. and the Arctic region in almost two decades. Back in 2007, Air Greenland established a route connecting Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport with Kangerlussuaq Airport, located about 315 kilometers (195 miles) north of Nuuk, but it was discontinued the following year due to high expenses.

Warren Rieutort-Louis, a 38-year-old passenger from San Francisco, decided to visit Nuuk for just one night to be a part of the historic flight.

“I’ve been to Greenland before, but never this way around. I came the other way through Europe, so to be able to come straight is really amazing,” Rieutort-Louis said after the plane landed.

The United Airlines flight took place on U.S. President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, which was celebrated in Washington with a controversial military parade that was part of the Army’s long-planned 250th anniversary celebration.

Trump has repeatedly said he seeks control of Greenland, a strategic Arctic island that’s a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, and has not ruled out military force.

The governments of Denmark, a NATO ally, and Greenland have said it is not for sale and condemned reports of the U.S. stepping up intelligence gathering on the mineral-rich island.

United announced the flight and its date in October, before Trump was re-elected. It was scheduled for 2025 to take advantage of the new Nuuk airport, which opened in late November and features a larger runway for bigger jets.

“United will be the only carrier to connect the U.S. directly to Nuuk — the northernmost capital in the world, providing a gateway to world-class hiking and fascinating wildlife under the summer’s midnight sun,” the company said in a statement at the time.

Saturday’s flight kicked off the airline’s twice weekly seasonal service, from June to September, between Newark and Nuuk. The plane has around 165 seats.

Previously, travelers had to take a layover in Iceland or Copenhagen, Denmark, before flying to Greenland.

The new flight is beneficial for the island’s business and residents, according to Greenland government minister Naaja Nathanielsen.

Tourists will spend money at local businesses, and Greenlanders themselves will now be able to travel to the U.S. more easily, Nathanielsen, the minister for business, mineral resources, energy, justice and gender equality, told Danish broadcaster DR. The route is also an important part of diversifying the island’s economy, she said. Fishing produces about 90% of Greenland’s exports.

Tourism is increasingly important. More than 96,000 international passengers traveled through the country’s airports in 2023, up 28% from 2015.

Jessica Litolff, a 26-year-old passenger from Louisiana, said she also hopes the new route will benefit the U.S. and Greenland.

“Distance-wise it’s only like four and a half hours, so by flying you can get to Greenland faster than you can to some parts of the United States,” she said.

Visit Greenland echoed Nathanielsen’s comments. The government’s tourism agency did not have projections on how much money the new flights would bring to the island.

“We do know that flights can bring in much more than just dollars, and we expect it to have a positive impact — both for the society and travellers,” Tanny Por, Visit Greenland’s head of international relations, told The Associated Press in an email.

Aria Varasteh, a 34-year-old traveler from Washington, had wanted to travel to Greenland “for a very long time.”

“I do hope that we receive a warm reception from the locals. From those I’ve talked to already, it seems that they’re excited to have us here,” Varasteh said. “And so we’re excited to be here and just be the best versions of ourselves.”

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Legoland opens resort in Shanghai, the first in China

Legoland launches its inaugural resort in Shanghai, China

It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built…
How to prepare your pets for when a hurricane makes it rain cats and dogs

Preparing Your Pets for a Hurricane: Essential Tips for Stormy Weather

HOUSTON (AP) — Preparing for a hurricane involves ensuring that your entire…
Israel sends negotiating team to Qatar for ceasefire talks

Israel Dispatches Team to Qatar for Ceasefire Discussions

U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for an agreement and will host…
Trump says US will begin talks with China on possible TikTok deal as early as Monday

Trump Announces Potential TikTok Negotiations with China to Start Monday

President Trump said he will begin talks with China in coming days…
Justin Verlander's brutal losing streak continues with loss

Justin Verlander Suffers Another Defeat as Losing Streak Grows

Justin Verlander didn’t try to hide from the results. The latest loss,…
The putrid Bryan Kohberger plea deal and more: Letters

Controversial Bryan Kohberger Plea Deal and More: Reader Letters

A putrid plea deal I’m both disgusted and mystified by the plea…
Chicago NASCAR race:3rd NASCAR Chicago Street Race takes off in Grant Park for 2nd day with Cup Series race

NASCAR Chicago: Day 2 of the Third Annual Race Kicks Off in Grant Park with Cup Series Action

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s third annual NASCAR Street Race will hit the…
What Movie Should I Watch Tonight? ‘Dances with Wolves’ Extended Cut on HBO Max

Looking for a Movie to Watch Tonight? Check Out the Extended Version of ‘Dances with Wolves’ on HBO Max

This Fourth of July, take a moment to remember the Kevin Costner…
Man in a black jacket holding a red chainsaw.

Elon Musk Unveils New Political Party to Restore American ‘Freedom’ Following Fallout with Trump and Departure from White House

ELON Musk has launched a new political following his explosive row with…
Julian McMahon's 'Charmed' co-stars remembers the late actor: 'One of a kind'

Julian McMahon’s Former ‘Charmed’ Cast Members Pay Tribute: ‘Truly Unique’

The women of “Charmed” are remembering their late co-star. Julian McMahon, who…
Kerrville, Texas flooding: Camp girls missing after Guadalupe River flood waters hit Camp Mystic; at least 27 dead

Tragic Flood in Kerrville, Texas: Girls Missing from Camp Mystic After Guadalupe River Overflow; Death Toll Rises to 27

In KERRVILLE, Texas, search efforts continued Saturday as rescuers worked to locate…
Camp Mystic director died while trying to save campers from Texas floods

Camp Mystic Director Loses Life in Attempt to Rescue Campers During Texas Floods

Dick Eastland, known for his long tenure as owner and director of…