United Airlines launched its first-ever commercial flight to Greenland last weekend, marking the first direct connection from the United States to the Arctic territory in almost two decades.
The inaugural flight of United’s brand new service took off from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) just after 11:30 AM on Saturday and touched down at Nuuk International Airport (GOH) almost four hours later at 6:39 PM local time, according to FlightAware. The flight was operated with a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and is scheduled to run twice per week until September.
Outbound flights are scheduled to depart Newark at 11:30 AM on Tuesdays and Saturdays and arrive in Greenland’s capital at 18:45 PM, while return flights will leave Nuuk at 9:00 AM on Wednesdays and Sundays, arriving back at EWR at 10:30 AM.
This historic new flight marks the first time that any carrier has offered nonstop connections between the U.S. and Greenland since Air Greenland operated a limited-time service between Nuuk and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in 2007, while it will also be the first-ever direct connection offered by a U.S. airline.
The new route offers a unique opportunity for American thrill-seekers and nature lovers to experience the raw beauty and otherworldly scenery that Greenland has to offer. Beyond the tiny but quirky capital city of Nuuk, the world’s largest island offers the chance to cruise along majestic fjords, spot whales, polar bears, and other Arctic wildlife, and hike through rugged, untouched landscapes.
However, while getting there is now a whole lot easier thanks to United’s new nonstop route, it certainly won’t be cheap. One-way fares on the inaugural flight from Newark reportedly cost around $1,200, while the return flight was quoted as high as $1,500.
The route was first announced by United in October 2024, along with the addition of seven other offbeat destinations to its international network: Ulaanbaatar (ULN) in Mongolia, Kaohsiung (KHH) in Taiwan, Dakar (DSS) in Senegal, Palermo (PMO) in Italy, Bilbao (BIO) in Spain, and Madeira (FNC) and Faro (FAO) in Portugal.
“No other airline gives customers gives customers nonstop access to as many unique international destinations and experiences from the U.S. as United,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, when the routes were first announced last October.
“Our network provides the most choice and variety for our customers, whether they are looking for a relaxing seaside getaway, once-in-a-lifetime adventure travel, or to explore some of the most vibrant urban escapes across the globe.”
