Narsarsuaq Airport

Overview

Narsarsuaq International Airport (IATA: UAK) serves as the primary aviation gateway to southern Greenland. Originally built by the United States during World War II under the name Bluie West One, the airport later transitioned to civilian use. Today, it handles a modest but vital flow of passengers, mostly tourists and locals connecting to larger hubs. The airport is a seasonal hub for Air Greenland, offering regular summer flights to Copenhagen, Reykjavik (Keflavik), Nuuk, and other Greenlandic settlements. The terminal is compact but functional, reflecting the remote character of the region. Despite its international designation, traffic is light and heavily concentrated in the summer months when visitors arrive to explore the dramatic fjords, Norse ruins, and the nearby Greenland ice sheet.

Location & Access

Narsarsuaq Airport is located about 2 miles (3 km) north of the small settlement of Narsarsuaq, at the head of the Eriksfjord. This fjord is a branch of the larger Bredefjord, surrounded by steep mountains and glacial valleys. There are no roads connecting Narsarsuaq to other towns; transportation is exclusively by boat, helicopter, or small aircraft. From the airport, passengers can walk to the nearby Blue Ice Explorer terminal for fjord tours or arrange boat transfers to Qassiarsuk, the site of Erik the Red’s Brattahlíð farm. The nearest town with more extensive services is Qaqortoq, reachable by a scenic one-hour boat ride south. Seasonal flights connect Narsarsuaq to international cities as well as to other Greenlandic airports like Kangerlussuaq and Nerlerit Inaat.

Facilities

The terminal is modest but adequately equipped for the volume of passengers. Accessible features include a wheelchair-accessible car park, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and accessible toilets. A changing table is available for families with small children. During peak hours (typically 2-3 PM when flights arrive), a small café or kiosk may be open, offering basic refreshments and snacks. However, there are no major retail outlets or restaurants. The airport is not open all days or all hours; operations are scheduled around flight arrivals. Travelers should plan accordingly, as overnight stays are not possible inside the terminal. For layovers, the nearby Narsarsuaq Hotel and hostel provide basic accommodation.

About the Region

South Greenland is one of the most striking landscapes on Earth, characterized by deep fjords, towering alpine peaks, and the dramatic front of the Greenland ice sheet. The area is steeped in Norse history: Erik the Red founded a settlement here around 985 AD, and archaeological sites such as Brattahlíð and Gardar are major attractions. Modern visitors come for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and boat tours that navigate among icebergs and up to glacial fronts. The Blue Ice Explorer offers excursions on the Eriksfjord, and helicopter tours provide aerial views of the ice sheet. Summers are short and cool, with midnight sun in June and July; winters are dark and cold, but offer opportunities for observing the aurora borealis. The region is sparsely populated, with small settlements and sheep farms scattered along the coastline.

Practical Information

The airport’s official website is http://www.mit.gl/en/todays-flights/airports/narsarsuaq-airport/ for flight schedules and updates. There is no listed phone number. The airport operates on a schedule aligned with flight activity; it is not open every day. Peak hours are typically between 2 PM and 3 PM. Parking is limited to a small lot near the terminal, which is accessible for wheelchairs. Those requiring additional assistance should make arrangements in advance through their airline or travel operator. The nearest medical facility is located in Qaqortoq. Given the minimal services, passengers are advised to bring any necessities—food, water, medications—as options are extremely limited outside of flight times. Travelers should also confirm the airport’s opening hours for their travel date, as closures can occur during periods with no scheduled flights.