Nuuk Airport Certification Issues: What Travelers Need to Know About Greenland’s Tourism Setback

Greenland’s Nuuk Airport (GOH), recently hailed as the country’s new international gateway, has hit a significant roadblock that’s sending ripples through its burgeoning tourism industry.

On August 26, 2025, the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority temporarily suspended Nuuk Airport’s certification for international flights due to inadequate security screening procedures, disrupting travel plans and casting a shadow over Greenland’s ambitions to become a premier Arctic tourism destination. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, its causes, impacts on tourism, and practical advice for travelers.

The Cause of the Suspension

The suspension stems from deficiencies in the training of security staff responsible for screening international passengers. The Danish Transport Authority identified that the supplementary training provided to Nuuk Airport’s security personnel did not meet the stringent international aviation standards required for processing international arrivals and departures. While domestic flight operations remain unaffected, the lack of compliance with these standards has led to a complete halt of international flights at Nuuk until the issue is resolved.

This isn’t the first time Nuuk Airport has faced such challenges. A similar suspension occurred nearly a year ago, suggesting recurring issues with maintaining compliance since the airport’s expansion in November 2024. That expansion, which included a new 2,200-meter runway and a modern terminal, transformed Nuuk into Greenland’s primary international hub, replacing Kangerlussuaq. However, the rapid shift to handling larger aircraft and increased passenger volumes appears to have exposed gaps in staffing, training, and operational readiness.

The Danish authorities have emphasized that the issue is procedural, not an immediate safety threat, but the lack of adequately trained personnel has forced a pause in international operations. Greenland Airports is working closely with regulators to address these shortcomings, with certified security staff from two Danish airports flown in to resume international screening on August 28, 2025. However, Nuuk’s own staff are still undergoing retraining, and a full resolution may take days or even weeks.

Impact on Tourism

Greenland’s tourism sector, which contributes 4.9% to the nation’s GDP (approximately DKK 1.245 billion) and supports over 1,800 jobs, is facing significant disruption. The suspension has grounded international flights, affecting major carriers like United Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Icelandair, and Air Greenland. For instance, United Airlines’ Flight 80 from Newark to Nuuk was forced to return mid-flight on August 25, and SAS canceled its Copenhagen-Nuuk service on August 27. These disruptions have stranded passengers and complicated travel plans, particularly for those relying on Nuuk as the gateway to Greenland’s stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism opportunities.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Nuuk Airport’s expansion was a milestone in Greenland’s push to attract more international visitors, with new routes like United’s Newark-Nuuk flight (launched in June 2025) and SAS’s seasonal Copenhagen service boosting accessibility. The airport’s ability to handle larger aircraft, including Air Greenland’s Airbus A330-800, had positioned Nuuk as a more convenient entry point compared to Kangerlussuaq, which previously required cumbersome domestic connections. However, the suspension has forced travelers to reroute through alternative airports like Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq for international security screenings, adding time, cost, and complexity to their journeys.

The economic fallout is notable. The August 2025 disruptions have already cost airlines an estimated DKK 50 million in cancellations and rebookings, with local hotels also facing revenue losses from stranded tourists. Negative media coverage risks damaging Greenland’s reputation as a reliable destination, potentially deterring future visitors. This is particularly concerning as Greenland aims to double tourist arrivals by 2035. The reliance on foreign labor for security operations and the lack of infrastructure redundancy further highlight the fragility of Greenland’s aviation network, especially in a remote region with limited transportation alternatives.

Nuuk Airport’s struggles reflect broader challenges in scaling up Greenland’s infrastructure to meet growing tourism demand. With a population of just 20,000 in Nuuk and fewer than 60,000 across the entire island, Greenland faces a chronic shortage of skilled labor. Anecdotal reports, such as security staff absences due to reindeer hunting, have fueled online speculation and negative stereotypes, though these incidents are not directly linked to the current suspension. Instead, the core issue lies in the airport’s rapid transition to international operations without sufficient training and contingency planning.

Geopolitical factors and environmental challenges, like thawing permafrost affecting runway maintenance, add further complexity. Greenland’s $300 million investment in Nuuk Airport, supported by loans like the DKK 450 million from the Nordic Investment Bank, underscores its commitment to tourism growth, but the reliance on Danish personnel for critical functions raises questions about long-term sustainability.What This Means for TravelersFor those planning to visit Greenland, the suspension introduces significant uncertainty. Here’s what you need to know and how to navigate the situation:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly: Airlines like United, SAS, Icelandair, and Air Greenland are providing updates on cancellations and rerouting options. Monitor their websites or contact customer service for real-time information. United has confirmed its Newark-Nuuk route will resume for the 2026 summer season, signaling long-term confidence, but short-term disruptions persist.
2. Expect Rerouting: International travelers may need to fly through Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq for security screenings before continuing their journeys. This could involve additional domestic flights on Air Greenland’s Dash 8 fleet, increasing travel time and costs. Plan for flexibility in your itinerary.
3. Review Travel Insurance: Ensure your policy covers delays, cancellations, and additional expenses like accommodations due to rerouting. This is critical for both leisure and business travelers.
4. Stay Flexible: Consider delaying non-urgent travel or exploring alternative routes, such as flying through Iceland with Icelandair, which may offer more stable connections. Posts on X have suggested Iceland as a viable stopover for Greenland travel.
5. Monitor Official Updates: Greenland Airports and the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority are working to restore full operations. Check their websites or social media for announcements on when international flights will resume without restrictions.

The suspension is a temporary setback, and Nuuk Airport resumed limited international operations on August 28 with the help of Danish security staff. However, the incident underscores the challenges of expanding remote airports to meet global standards. Greenland’s tourism industry remains optimistic, with airlines like United reaffirming their commitment to the market. Once the training issues are fully resolved, Nuuk is poised to reclaim its role as a key Arctic gateway, offering direct access to Greenland’s breathtaking fjords, glaciers, and cultural experiences.

For now, travelers should prepare for potential delays, stay informed, and remain flexible. Greenland’s allure as a unique destination endures, but its infrastructure is still catching up to its ambitions.