They say the best things in life don’t come easy, but one Arctic destination just got a serious upgrade that will change how travellers experience its lesser-visited landscapes.
The destination? Greenland. The upgrade? A brand-new airport located in one of the largest towns in its southern edges, Qaqortoq.
Until now, getting to this icy region involved some complex commuting. The only way to get Qaqortoq was by boat or helicopter, and the journeys involved multiple days and connections. Now, direct flights from Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and seasonal routes from Iceland are slashing travel times and making the region more accessible year-round.
RECOMMENDED: I visited the Central American region on every 2026 ‘where to travel’ list – it’s wild, remote and worth the journey
So, why visit South Greenland? For starters, despite the arctic chills, it’s one of the island’s lushest regions. The new airport hub gives nature and adventure-seekers access to some stunning spots like Tasermiut Fjord, known as the ‘Patagonia of Greenland’ for its stunning, snow-capped peaks and green valleys. Then there’s the region’s outstanding culture: South Greenland is known for its Viking history, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kujataa, holds thousands of years of farming tradition and storytelling.
The new travel hub is part of a wider push to make Greenland easier to reach. Its capital city, Nuuk, already opened a new airport in 2024. And with more new and upgraded airports launching across the country, one of the world’s most isolated destinations is slowly becoming one of the most intriguing (and now, attainable) travel endeavours.
Air Greenland expects to launch around two daily flights between Nuuk and Qaqortoq year-round, with around 17 weekly rotations in summer, while Icelandair prepares for four weekly flights between Keflavík and Qaqortoq.
‘We are proud to contribute to the development of Greenland’s infrastructure’, said chief executive of Greenland Airports, Jens Lauridsen, ‘and [we] look forward to seeing how these new opportunities translate into tangible growth.’
In short, if Greenland has long been on your bucket list, this is your green light to book.
ICYMI: This underrated adventure travel destination is expanding its national parks and green spaces.
Plus: These are the 51 most beautiful places in the world.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.
