Air Greenland logo

Denmark

Air GreenlandGL

IATA Code

GL

ICAO Code

GRL

Country
Denmark
Routes

128

Last updated: January 28, 2025

About

Air Greenland is the national airline of Greenland, majority-owned by the Government of Greenland. Headquartered in Nuuk, the airline serves as the essential transportation lifeline for a country where no roads connect towns and settlements. For many of Greenland's 56,000 residents, Air Greenland provides the only practical means of traveling between communities.

The airline operates from two main hubs: Nuuk Airport (GOH), which became the primary international hub following its runway expansion in late 2024, and Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ), which historically served as the main gateway due to its longer runway capable of handling widebody aircraft. Air Greenland connects Greenland to Denmark via daily flights to Copenhagen, with seasonal routes to other Danish cities and year-round service to Iceland.

What makes Air Greenland unique is its mixed fleet approach: the Airbus A330neo handles transatlantic routes, Dash 8 turboprops serve the fixed-wing domestic network, and Airbus helicopters connect remote settlements that lack runways. The airline operates in some of the most challenging Arctic conditions in commercial aviation.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Airports where Air Greenland operates 5+ routes

Network

23 airports served

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Observed Flights

Callsigns tracked for Air Greenland (GRL) - 1 unique callsigns observed

Baggage Policy

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (all fares):

  • Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in)
  • Weight limit: 8 kg (18 lbs)
  • Premium Class: 2 cabin bags allowed
Class Cabin Bags Weight Limit Notes
Standard/Economy 1 bag 8 kg (18 lbs) Must fit in overhead bin
Premium Class 2 bags 8 kg total Combined weight limit

Important: On smaller Dash 8 and helicopter flights, cabin space is limited. Oversized cabin bags may need to be checked.

Checked Baggage

Air Greenland uses a weight-based system, not a piece system. Your allowance is a total weight that can be distributed across multiple bags.

International Flights (Copenhagen/Iceland):

Class Weight Allowance Per Bag Maximum
Economy 20 kg (44 lbs) 30 kg (66 lbs)
Premium 30 kg (66 lbs) 30 kg (66 lbs)
Infants 10 kg (22 lbs) -

Domestic Flights (within Greenland):

Same weight allowances apply. Note that domestic flights often have tighter weight restrictions due to smaller aircraft.

Maximum Single Bag Weight: No individual bag may exceed 30 kg (66 lbs) due to manual handling requirements. Heavier items must be split into multiple bags.

Excess Baggage Fees

International Routes (Copenhagen):

Class Per Extra kg Notes
Economy DKK 200 (~$28 USD) Up to 32 kg total
Premium DKK 300 (~$42 USD) Up to 40 kg total

Domestic Routes:

Per Extra kg Notes
DKK 300 (~$42 USD) Up to 32 kg total

Save Money:

  • Pre-book extra baggage online (4+ hours before departure): ~30% savings
  • At check-in counter: Full price applies

Heavy Baggage (75+ kg total): Must be booked in advance. Aircraft load balance confirmation required.

Overweight & Oversized

Condition Fee
Economy overweight (21-32 kg) DKK 200/kg (~$28 USD)
Premium overweight (31-40 kg) DKK 300/kg (~$42 USD)
Over 40 kg Not accepted on passenger flights

Special Items

Item Policy Notes
Skis/Snowboards Included in weight Must pre-register before travel
Stroller Free Plastic bags available at Greenland airports (DKK 50); free at Copenhagen
Wheelchair/Mobility aids Free
Firearms/Ammunition Must declare Ammunition separate, max 5 kg, proper packing required
Golf equipment Included in weight Counts toward baggage allowance

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at airgreenland.com before traveling.

In-Flight Experience

Cabin Classes

Air Greenland offers Premium Class and Standard Class on transatlantic A330neo flights. Domestic Dash 8 and helicopter flights are single-class.

Premium Class (A330neo - Transatlantic)

Seat Specifications:

  • Pitch: 38" (96.5 cm)
  • Width: 19.5" (49.5 cm)
  • Recline: 6" (15 cm)
  • Configuration: 2-2-2

Note: Premium Class seats are enhanced recliners, not lie-flat business class. The product is closer to a premium economy offering with business-class service.

Premium Class Features:

  • Priority boarding and check-in
  • Saga Lounge access at Copenhagen Airport (Terminal 2)
  • Larger seat with more legroom
  • Three-course meal service with complimentary beverages
  • Individual seatback entertainment screen
  • In-seat power outlet
  • Amenity kit and blankets
  • Two cabin bags allowed

SeatBoost Upgrade: Bid for Premium Class upgrades starting from DKK 499 (~$70 USD) through the SeatBoost program.

Standard Class (Economy - A330neo)

Seat Specifications:

  • Pitch: 31" (78.7 cm)
  • Width: 18" (45.7 cm)
  • Configuration: 2-4-2 (rows vary to 2-3-2 in rear cabin)

Standard Class Service:

  • Complimentary snacks and beverages
  • Hot meal service on transatlantic flights
  • Individual seatback entertainment screen
  • USB power at every seat
  • In-flight magazine SULUK (Greenlandic culture and travel)

Domestic Flights (Dash 8)

  • Single-class cabin
  • Complimentary snacks and beverages
  • Scenic flying with views of glaciers and icebergs
  • Flight times typically 45 minutes to 2 hours between settlements

Helicopter Flights

  • Basic utility service for settlement connections
  • No in-flight service
  • Spectacular low-altitude scenic flying
  • Flight times vary from 15 minutes to 1+ hours

Entertainment

A330neo "Tuukkaq":

  • State-of-the-art seatback IFE system
  • Classic and contemporary movies
  • Greenlandic music albums
  • Destination content about Greenland

SULUK Magazine: Available in Danish, Greenlandic, and English, covering Greenlandic culture, travel, and events.

Ticket Types

Type Flexibility Notes
Takuss Most restrictive Lowest fares, domestic focus
Standard Basic Standard allowances
Standard Flex Changeable Change fees reduced
Premium Premium cabin Lounge access, meals
Premium Flex Most flexible Full flexibility + Premium service

Tips & Tricks

Booking

  • Book direct: airgreenland.com offers the most flexibility for changes
  • Check seasonal schedules: Routes and frequencies vary significantly between summer and winter
  • Premium value: For transatlantic flights, Premium Class includes lounge access and meals, which adds up
  • SeatBoost bidding: Try bidding for upgrades starting from DKK 499 if Premium seems too expensive

Baggage Strategy

  • Pre-book extra baggage: Save 30% by booking online 4+ hours before departure
  • Split heavy bags: No single bag over 30 kg, but total allowance can be distributed
  • Domestic limits: Dash 8 and helicopter flights have tighter weight restrictions
  • Register skis/special items: Must be pre-registered before travel

At the Airport

  • Copenhagen: Arrive 2 hours before, allow time for Terminal 2 security
  • Greenland: Airports are smaller with manual processes; arrive early
  • Lounge access: Premium Class passengers use Copenhagen Airport lounges in Terminal 2

Unique Greenland Considerations

  • Weather delays are normal: Build extra days into any Greenland itinerary
  • No roads between towns: Air Greenland is genuinely the only option for most journeys
  • Helicopter connections: Some settlements only accessible by helicopter
  • Summer vs winter: Dramatically different schedules and route availability
  • Midnight sun/polar night: Factor lighting conditions into photography plans

Maximizing Club Timmisa

  • Register all flights: Each registered flight = entry into quarterly prize draws
  • Use the app: Digital boarding pass, real-time updates, and member offers
  • Partner discounts: Check for hotel and activity discounts before booking separately
  • No points to worry about: Unlike traditional FFPs, no earning/burning strategy needed

Common Issues

  • No lie-flat business class: Premium Class is enhanced recliner, not flat bed
  • Limited phone support hours: 10:00-14:00 weekdays only; use email for non-urgent matters
  • Weight system confusion: Remember it's total weight allowance, not piece-based
  • Settlement connections: Helicopter schedules can be irregular; plan accordingly

Future Changes (2025-2026)

  • Nuuk as main hub: Most international flights now operate from the expanded Nuuk Airport
  • Kangerlussuaq continues: Seasonal Copenhagen service through 2026 for tourism
  • Ilulissat Airport: New airport opening 2026 with direct international capability
  • A320neo addition: Expected 2027 for expanded capacity
  • Icelandair codeshare: Starting summer 2025 for Iceland connections