Air Greenland Expands Direct Flights to Kangerlussuaq
Next year, Air Greenland will continue its partnership with Jet Time, offering direct flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq every Tuesday, beginning on February 10. This service will operate weekly until October 20, providing vital connections for travelers to Greenland’s unique landscapes.
While the frequency of direct flights will decrease in 2026, with only one weekly flight compared to two in 2025, local tourism operators in Kangerlussuaq remain optimistic. They are especially grateful for the earlier start of flights, which is crucial for the trophy hunting season that kicks off in early March.
Karsten Lings, from Lings Hunting Greenland, emphasized the importance of these connections. “The earlier start of direct flights from Denmark to Kangerlussuaq is incredibly significant for all tourist operators here,” he remarked. His company’s winter hunting season runs from March 1 to April 10, and with reliable flight schedules, they can better accommodate their clients.
“The fact that we have a direct route between Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq is essential for our operations, especially beyond the summer peak season,” Jørgen Larsen, director of Albatros Arctic Circle, stated in a recent press release.
Early Planning Pays Off
For Kangerlussuaq’s tour operators, advanced knowledge of flight schedules is paramount for effective planning. As they set their sights on future seasons, many are eager to know even the flight details for 2027.
“In 2026, we’re pleased that Air Greenland has chosen to schedule round-trip flights to Copenhagen on the same day,” said Lings. Reflecting on previous challenges, he noted, “In 2025, new guests would arrive on Mondays, while those leaving the next day created complications with accommodations.”
With the earlier flight start in 2026, operators can expect a longer winter season, an opportunity that Lings and his team are keen to capitalize on. However, he expressed concern about the late announcement of the weekly departures: “We found out about the 2026 schedule very late, and now we need to adapt our offerings to ensure we sell the remaining trips.”
The push for planning doesn’t stop there. Lings emphasized, “We would like to see direct flights for 2027 set well in advance. Our customers often plan trips and holidays years ahead.”
The Question of Capacity
When asked about the possibility of adding two weekly departures, Lings voiced hope that local operators could boost demand to support those additional flights. “If we can ensure that the one weekly departure is fully booked, there may be a strong case for expanding the service.”
Challenges Faced This Year
This past season wasn’t without its obstacles. A flight that began on March 17 posed issues for several customers. Lings recounted a troubling incident involving a group of high-end tourists who planned to engage in trophy hunting on March 13. Their flight via Nuuk fell through, leaving five of the six travelers unable to reach Kangerlussuaq in time, a situation that tarnished the company’s reputation.
“It was, to put it mildly, a public relations disaster—not just for us but for Greenland as a whole,” Lings explained.
Despite this setback, the remainder of the year went smoothly regarding flights connected to trophy hunting. However, there remains a shared disappointment among local businesses that the winter flight service will conclude in October.
Lings Hunting Greenland, which boasts over 40 years of experience in the industry, is proudly family-run. Managed by Karsten and his wife Hanne, with their son Lukas and daughter Vivi also contributing, the company remains committed to offering exceptional hunting experiences while navigating the challenges of the travel industry.