Nuuk Airport Faces New Operational Restrictions as Swedish Transport Agency Steps In
Nuuk Airport finds itself navigating a turbulent sky as the Swedish Transport Agency implements new operational rules designed to enhance flight safety. Effective immediately, the agency has curtailed the number of permissible takeoffs and landings at the airport to just four per hour, with only two of these allowed to be arrivals.
Air Greenland was the first to raise alarm over these restrictions on Friday, indicating that the implications could be profound, particularly for domestic flights.
In response to inquiries from Sermitsiaq, the Swedish Transport Agency clarified the rationale behind these limitations. Office Manager Signe Marie Finderup Slot noted that following an extraordinary inspection on September 22, 2025, aviation inspectors from the Danish Transport Authority identified multiple compliance issues concerning Greenland Airport’s management of its summer traffic program. “It became evident that there were areas where Greenland Airports had not adhered to the established conditions for Nuuk Airport and its flight information service,” Slot explained. She further pointed out a notable increase in air traffic, with several new airlines operating at the airport beyond what had been previously reported.
Challenges Ahead
The newly imposed restrictions present significant challenges for air traffic management. With Air Greenland’s operations heavily reliant on the ability to accommodate multiple landings in quick succession, the reduced capacity places a strain on the airline’s scheduling. “Prior to these changes, we could facilitate up to eight flight operations per hour for our Atlantic flights to and from Denmark. Now, we are limited to just four, meaning that around 40 percent of same-day connections to Nuuk from the coast will no longer be feasible,” remarked Line Frederiksen, Air Greenland’s Director of Operations.
Given the limitations, passengers can expect a shift in travel patterns, with more travelers likely needing to stay overnight in Nuuk rather than completing their journeys within a single day.
While the Swedish Transport Agency has enforced these restrictions, Slot noted that the ultimate responsibility for airport safety lies with Greenland Airports. As such, the agency is unable to provide a timeline for when these new measures might be lifted.
“While we appreciate the challenges these restrictions pose, we are committed to working closely with Air Greenland to explore alternative, safe flight solutions that will mitigate the impact on travelers,” said Jens R. Lauridsen, Director of Greenland Airports, speaking on Friday. He expressed hope for progress in the coming weeks, as plans for operational adjustments remain in motion.
As air travelers prepare for the coming months, the evolving situation at Nuuk Airport serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between safety and accessibility in aviation.