United Airlines Launches Direct US-Greenland Flights After 17-Year Absence

United Airlines has launched the first direct commercial flight from the US to Greenland in nearly two decades. The Newark-to-Nuuk route is United's first direct flight to Greenland and the first such connection by any US carrier since 2007. The seasonal route will operate twice weekly from June to September and tickets are priced between $1,200 and $1,500. Officials in Greenland see the route as vital for tourism and economic diversification.

United Airlines has made a significant stride in Arctic aviation by launching the first direct commercial flight from the United States to Greenland in nearly two decades. The Newark-to-Nuuk route, which began operations on June 14, 2025, is United's first direct flight to Greenland and the first such connection by any U.S. carrier since 2007 [1].

The new seasonal service operates twice weekly from June to September, coinciding with the opening of Nuuk's new international airport. The route is expected to boost tourism and economic ties with Greenland's capital city. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes, with one-way tickets priced between USD 1,200 and USD 1,500 [1].

The aircraft used for this route is a Boeing 737 MAX 8, which accommodates 166 passengers across three classes. The new route is seen as a game-changer for Arctic travel, eliminating the need for travelers to route through Europe or lay over in Iceland or Denmark [1].

Greenland officials view the direct flight as crucial for tourism and economic diversification. The remote Arctic island has long been a destination for adventure travelers and scientists, but the new route is expected to make it more accessible to a broader range of tourists. The flight also opens up opportunities for business travel and trade between Greenland and the United States [2].

United Airlines' move to Greenland is part of a broader trend in the airline industry, with several carriers expanding their routes and enhancing their fleets. For instance, Alaska Airlines has introduced new seasonal flights between Sacramento and Anchorage, and Breeze Airways has gained approval for international flights [2].

The new route is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating new job opportunities and stimulating growth. However, the high cost of operating in the Arctic region could pose challenges for the airline. The previous Air Greenland service between Baltimore and Kangerlussuaq was discontinued in 2018 due to cost concerns [1].

In conclusion, United Airlines' direct flight to Greenland is a significant development in Arctic aviation. The new route is expected to boost tourism and economic ties between the United States and Greenland, while also opening up new opportunities for business travel and trade.

References:

[1] https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/news/united-airlines-announces-nonstop-flights-to-greenland/
[2] https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/united-airlines-announces-nonstop-service-to-greenland-offering-the-only-direct-flight-from-the-us-to-nuuk-from-newark-hub/