Travel to Greenland will become much easier starting this week with the opening of the new Nuuk International Airport (BGGH). An autonomous territory of Denmark, Greenland is the world’s largest island. The capital city’s original airport opened in 1979 with a 3,100-foot runway, which was too short to handle airliners.

Redevelopment of the airfield began late in 2019, and with the inauguration of the airport’s new 7,200-foot runway on Thursday, direct international flights to Nuuk will be available for the first time. A terminal with the latest security and baggage-handling technology, along with a new ramp, was completed earlier this year, marking a major step forward for Greenland’s infrastructure and economic development.

“This airport is not just about travel; it’s about building infrastructure that will drive economic growth, reduce travel costs, and open up new commercial opportunities,” said Greenland Airports CEO Jens Lauridsen. “Our vision is to create an infrastructure that not only opens up Greenland to the world but also redefines the experience of traveling here.”

The airport will be the crown jewel in Greenland’s air travel network, which by 2026 will also see rebuilt airports in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq, offering the potential for international industries including tourism, seafood export, and mining. This would make the country “a more attractive destination for investors and businesses worldwide.”