Qaanaaq Airport: Which Planes Land Here?

what planes land at qaanaaq airport

Qaanaaq Airport (IATA: NAQ, ICAO: BGQQ) is a small airport located 3.5km northwest of Qaanaaq, Greenland. It was established in 1991 to serve Qaanaaq and neighbouring communities. Air Greenland is the only airline that flies from Qaanaaq Airport, operating around 22 domestic flights per month to three airports within Greenland. The most popular routes from the airport are to Ilulissat, Pituffik, and Siorapaluk. There are currently no international flights departing from Qaanaaq Airport, so travel from other countries requires a stopover in Ilulissat or Pituffik.

Characteristics Values
Airport Code NAQ/BGQQ
Number of Airlines 1 (Air Greenland)
Number of Domestic Flights 3
Longest Domestic Flight 415 miles (668 km) to Ilulissat JAV
Average Number of Flights Departing per Day 1
Average Number of Flights Departing per Week 7
Average Number of Flights Departing per Month 22
Dining Options Limited (cafes and snack bars)

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The airport is located 3.5km northwest of the settlement of Qaanaaq, Greenland

Qaanaaq Airport (IATA: NAQ, ICAO: BGQQ) is located 3.5km northwest of the settlement of Qaanaaq in the Avannaata municipality in northern Greenland. It is the only civilian airport north of Upernavik and is a lifeline for the region. It was established in 1991 to serve Qaanaaq and its neighbouring communities.

The airport operates according to flight schedules, opening before the first departure and closing after the final arrival. It is recommended that travellers check with their airline for specific operating hours on their travel date. There is one airline flying from Qaanaaq Airport: Air Greenland. Air Greenland operates government contract flights to villages in the Qaanaaq region, mostly cargo flights that can be pre-booked.

There are no international flights departing from Qaanaaq Airport, and there are three airports in Greenland that offer non-stop domestic flights from the airport. Ilulissat, Pituffik, and Siorapaluk are the three most popular routes from Qaanaaq. The longest flight from Qaanaaq is a non-stop route to Ilulissat, a journey of 415 miles (668km) that takes around two hours and forty minutes.

The day with the most flights departing from Qaanaaq Airport is generally Thursday, with an average of one flight leaving the airport. The airport offers limited dining options, with cafes and snack bars serving light meals and refreshments.

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It is the only civilian airport north of Upernavik and is a lifeline for northern Greenland

Qaanaaq Airport (IATA: NAQ, ICAO: BGQQ) is a small airport located 1.9 NM (3.5 km; 2.2 mi) northwest of Qaanaaq, a settlement in the Avannaata municipality in northern Greenland. It is the only civilian airport north of Upernavik, serving Qaanaaq and its neighbouring communities. The airport is a lifeline for northern Greenland, providing essential access to fresh food and other consumer products, which are transported by air.

The airport was established in 1991 as Thule Air Base in Pituffik, which is not open for regular passenger traffic. Qaanaaq Airport operates according to flight schedules, opening before the first departure and closing after the last arrival. On average, there is one flight departing from the airport each Thursday. There are around 22 flights departing from Qaanaaq every month, with seven flights each week, to a total of three airports within Greenland. Ilulissat, Pituffik, and Siorapaluk are the three most popular routes from Qaanaaq.

Air Greenland is the only airline currently flying from Qaanaaq, operating government contract flights to villages in the Qaanaaq region. These flights are mostly cargo flights, which are not featured in the timetable but can be pre-booked. Departure times for these flights are approximate, optimised based on local demand for a given day. Travel from south Greenland to Qaanaaq may include plane changes at Ilulissat and Upernavik, or Reykjavik, Ilulissat, and Upernavik.

The longest flight from Qaanaaq Airport is a 415-mile (668 km) non-stop route to Ilulissat JAV, taking around two hours and forty minutes. At present, there are no international flights departing from Qaanaaq Airport. To reach another country, passengers need to make a stopover, for example, through Ilulissat or Pituffik. Despite the limited flight options, the airport plays a crucial role in sustaining life in northern Greenland, ensuring the region remains connected to the rest of the country and facilitating the transportation of essential goods.

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Air Greenland is the only airline that operates from the airport

Qaanaaq Airport (IATA: NAQ, ICAO: BGQQ) is a small airport in Greenland with domestic flights only. It was established in 1991 to serve Qaanaaq and neighbouring communities as the Thule Air Base in Pituffik is closed to regular passenger traffic. The airport is located 1.9 NM (3.5 km; 2.2 mi) northwest of the settlement of Qaanaaq in the Avannaata municipality in northern Greenland.

The longest flight from Qaanaaq Airport is a 415-mile (668 km) non-stop route to Ilulissat JAV, which takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes. Ilulissat, Pituffik, and Siorapaluk are the three most popular routes from the airport. On average, there are 22 flights departing from Qaanaaq Airport every month, or seven flights each week. Thursday is the day with the most flights, with an average of one flight departing the airport.

The airport opens before the first flight departure of the day and closes after the last flight arrival. It offers limited dining options, including cafes and snack bars that serve light meals and refreshments. Travellers can also explore the restaurants in the nearby town of Qaanaaq for more dining choices.

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There are 22 flights departing from Qaanaaq Airport every month

Qaanaaq Airport (IATA: NAQ, ICAO: BGQQ) is a small airport located 1.9 nautical miles (3.5 km or 2.2 miles) northwest of Qaanaaq, a settlement in the Avannaata municipality in northern Greenland. It was established in 1991 to serve Qaanaaq and its neighbouring communities, as Thule Air Base in Pituffik is not open for regular passenger traffic. The airport is the only civilian airport north of Upernavik and is a lifeline for northern Greenland.

The longest flight from Qaanaaq Airport is a 415-mile (668 km) non-stop route to Ilulissat, which is the most popular route from the airport. This direct flight takes around two hours and forty minutes. Other popular routes include Pituffik and Siorapaluk. At present, there are no international flights departing from Qaanaaq Airport, so travel to other countries requires a flight with a stopover through Ilulissat or Pituffik.

The airport operates according to flight schedules, opening before the first flight departure of the day and closing after the last flight arrival. It is recommended to check with your airline for specific operating hours on your travel date.

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Destinations include Ilulissat, Pituffik, and Siorapaluk

Qaanaaq Airport is a small airport in Greenland with only domestic flights. It is located 3.5km northwest of Qaanaaq, a settlement in the Avannaata municipality in northern Greenland. The airport was established in 1991 to serve Qaanaaq and its neighbouring communities. It is the only civilian airport north of Upernavik and is a lifeline for northern Greenland.

The airport offers limited dining options, including cafes and snack bars serving light meals and refreshments. However, travellers can explore the nearby town of Qaanaaq for more dining choices and cultural experiences. The town is known for its stunning Arctic landscapes, traditional cuisine, and outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife spotting.

Ilulissat, Pituffik, and Siorapaluk are the three most popular routes from Qaanaaq Airport. The longest flight from the airport is a non-stop route to Ilulissat, operated by Air Greenland, covering a distance of 415 miles (668 km) in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. Air Greenland is currently the only airline flying from Qaanaaq, operating government contract flights to villages in the Qaanaaq region. These flights are mostly cargo flights that can be pre-booked, although departure times are approximate and optimised based on local demand.

Pituffik, home to the Thule Air Base, is another popular destination from Qaanaaq Airport. However, travellers should note that the airbase is not open for regular passenger traffic, and a transfer permit is required for those travelling there. Siorapaluk, the third most popular route, also offers travellers a unique experience in northern Greenland.

Frequently asked questions

On average, 7 flights depart from Qaanaaq Airport each week.

The longest flight from Qaanaaq Airport is a 415-mile non-stop route to Ilulissat. This flight takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.

As of April 2025, Air Greenland is the only airline flying from Qaanaaq Airport.

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