Ilulissat Airport — Local services in Greenland

Ilulissat Airport (JAV/BGJN) Located 2.8 km from Ilulissat, Greenland, the airport serves as a key hub for domestic flights (Air Greenland) and limited seasonal international routes (e.g., Icelandair to Keflavik). Its current 845-meter runway restricts operations, but a major expansion (completing late 2026) will extend it to 2,200 meters, enabling direct intercontinental flights (e.g., Copenhagen, Newark) with jets like the A320neo. The upgrade, funded by Denmark (additional DKK 1.5 billion), aims to boost tourism—Ilulissat’s UNESCO-listed Icefjord draws global visitors—while easing reliance on transit hubs like Nuuk. However, delays and cost overruns (DKK 400 million extra) have arisen from Arctic construction challenges. Post-expansion, Greenland anticipates economic growth but faces overtourism risks, including hotel shortages and environmental strain. The project reflects Greenland’s push for connectivity, balancing development with Arctic ecosystem preservation.

Key Facts: IATA: JAV | Elevation: 29m New Runway: 2,200m (2026) | Cost: ~DKK 2.5 billion Future Routes: Copenhagen, North America Challenges: Budget, sustainability,...

Worst travel experience.

I booked flights from Ilulissat to Nuuk and from Nuuk to Copenhagen, but the journey was very disappointing. Both flights were delayed, and to make matters worse, my baggage was lost and left behind in Ilulissat. In fact, other customers on my flight experienced lost baggage.

The overall operation, including check-in and boarding procedures, was also terribly managed. How can it be acceptable that the flight is delayed, the baggage is lost for all passengers, and the service is so poor?

This experience has left me so frustrated that I no longer wish to visit Greenland again. I would not recommend using the air Greenland, and I cannot recommend visiting...

Small airport with no options for entertainment. There are no stores or much to do. There is a small place to buy some snacks, fast food and souvenirs (when it is open). Otherwise it is mostly just a gate with seats. While the airport itself is nothing special, there is no security check and nearly no wait time for checking in luggage so there is no need to be here two hours before departure. Another plus to the small size is that it is fairly quiet. This airport has the most spectacular view of the icebergs when arriving in/departing from the...