United Airlines will once again operate flights between the United States and Greenland, with seasonal service returning in 2026.

United Airlines Will Fly Nonstop To Greenland Again In Summer 2026

In June 2025, United launched a seasonal nonstop flight from Newark (EWR) to Nuuk (GOH), becoming the first U.S. airline ever to offer direct service to Greenland. It also represented the first scheduled nonstop U.S.–Greenland flight since Air Greenland briefly flew between Baltimore (BWI) and Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) in 2007. United used a Boeing 737 MAX 8 on the route, operating twice weekly (the flight will continue to operate through late September).

• UA80 – Newark (EWR) – Nuuk (GOH) dep 11:30 am arr 6:45 am
• UA81 – Nuuk (GOH) – Newark (EWR) dep 9:00 am arr 10:30 am

Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning, called the airline’s expansion “the largest international expansion in United history,” and described Greenland as part of a strategy to offer unique destinations that spark traveler interest. CEO Scott Kirby noted that the route was “low risk — only two 737s per week” but carried significant brand value and helped engage MileagePlus members looking for unusual experiences.

The timing was right. Nuuk Airport underwent a major overhaul in 2024, with a longer runway and new terminal facilities that finally made transatlantic service viable. Beyond tourism, Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic and its mineral wealth have drawn increasing U.S. attention, particularly from President Trump, adding a geopolitical dimension to this semi-autonomous realm of Denmark.

United has confirmed the route will return in summer 2026. Exact dates have not yet been published, but operations are expected to mirror 2025 and tickets for July 2026 are already bookable, with twice-weekly service using the 737 MAX 8. Pricing is also expected to remain in line with last year (economy class is about $1100 round trip, while premium economy will run $4500 round-trip).

The news was announced by Quayle on Instagram:

CONCLUSION

By reviving nonstop service between Newark and Nuuk, United demonstrates its willingness to experiment with bold, creative routes and the power of dots on the route map, even with only seasonal 737 service. With Greenland attracting both tourist interest and geopolitical attention, I’m not surprised this route is returning.

This has been a very busy year for me…with little time for international trips. I was hoping to fly Air Greenland from Copenhagen this year and then continue to the US on United. SAS also flew to Greenland this year…but at least with United, there’s always 2026.

image: @patrickquayle / Instagram