United Airlines is making aviation history with the launch of direct flights from Newark to Nuuk, Greenland — marking the first nonstop service between the United States and the world's largest island since 2008. For travelers seeking truly unique destinations, this groundbreaking route opens up Arctic adventures that were previously difficult to access from the U.S.

The Chicago-based carrier's twice-weekly seasonal service began in June 2025, representing one of the most exotic additions to any U.S. airline's route map in recent memory. With limited hotel capacity and pristine Arctic landscapes, Greenland represents the ultimate off-the-beaten-path destination for adventurous travelers.

What Makes This Route Groundbreaking

United's Newark (EWR) to Nuuk (GOH) service operates on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 — the same aircraft you'll find on many domestic routes. The 1,849-mile journey takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes eastbound and 4 hours and 30 minutes westbound, operating Tuesdays and Saturdays outbound, with returns on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Flight Schedule:

• UA80: Newark to Nuuk, departing 11:30 AM, arriving 6:45 PM
• UA81: Nuuk to Newark, departing 9:00 AM, arriving 10:30 AM

The route operates seasonally from June through September, capitalizing on Greenland's brief but spectacular summer season when temperatures reach a comfortable 50-60°F and the midnight sun provides nearly 24 hours of daylight.

What sets this route apart is the aircraft configuration. United operates the 166-seat MAX 8 with 16 first-class seats and 150 economy seats, though the airline markets the premium cabin as "premium economy" rather than full business class service.

Nuuk's Airport Revolution

This service became possible thanks to Greenland's massive $800 million airport infrastructure investment. Nuuk International Airport's new 7,000-foot runway opened in November 2024, finally allowing larger jets to reach Greenland's capital directly.

Previously, travelers had to fly into Kangerlussuaq Airport — nearly 200 miles away — and connect on smaller propeller aircraft. The old runway at Nuuk was just over 3,000 feet, suitable only for turboprops. This infrastructure limitation meant that the last direct U.S.-Greenland service ended in 2008 when Air Greenland discontinued its Baltimore-Kangerlussuaq route.

For travelers planning Arctic adventures, Expedia offers package deals that can combine flights and accommodations, while Skyscanner provides helpful comparison shopping for complex routing options to remote destinations.

Pricing and Award Availability

Cash fares for United's Greenland service range from $1,150 to $1,500 roundtrip, depending on travel dates and booking timing. While not bargain-basement pricing, the fares are reasonable considering the route's uniqueness and limited competition.

For MileagePlus members, award tickets start around 80,000 miles roundtrip. While this isn't the cheapest redemption in United's network, it represents solid value for such an exotic destination where alternative routing through Europe could cost significantly more in both miles and time.

Insider Tip: If you're building United miles for this route, consider leveraging United's MileagePlus Shopping Portal for everyday purchases, or explore the current Chase United Cards offerings, which can provide substantial sign-up bonuses.

United's recent tightening of Premier Status requirements makes routes like Nuuk even more valuable for elite members seeking unique redemption opportunities and premium cabin access.

The Competition Landscape

United faces limited but notable competition in serving Greenland. SAS launched Copenhagen to Nuuk service in 2025, providing European connectivity, while Icelandair offers connections via Reykjavik. Air Greenland continues operating domestic routes and maintaining links to Denmark.

However, United's direct service from Newark provides unmatched convenience for North American travelers. The Newark hub connects to 89 destinations across United's network, making Greenland accessible from virtually anywhere in the United States with just one connection.

For travelers seeking deals on complex international routing, tools like Expert Flyer can help monitor award availability and seat alerts for hard-to-book routes like Nuuk.

Planning Your Greenland Adventure

Greenland offers experiences unavailable anywhere else on Earth: hiking under the midnight sun, witnessing massive icebergs calving from glaciers, exploring Inuit culture, and experiencing Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat. Summer activities include glacier walks, boat tours among icebergs, cultural exhibitions, and Northern Lights viewing (possible during darker late-summer evenings).

Critical Planning Note: Hotel capacity in Nuuk is extremely limited, with most properties running near 90% occupancy during the brief tourism season. Book accommodations immediately after securing flights. Hotels.com and Booking.com both offer limited Greenland inventory, but early booking is essential.

Many travelers combine Greenland with longer Nordic itineraries, using Copenhagen or Reykjavik as gateway cities. For those planning extended Arctic travel, investing in quality cold-weather gear from retailers like Samsonite for luggage and considering comprehensive travel insurance becomes particularly important for remote destination travel.

Strategic Value for Frequent Flyers

United's Greenland route exemplifies the airline's strategy of serving unique destinations no other major U.S. carrier flies. This positions United favorably for travelers seeking bucket-list experiences, particularly those enrolled in the United and JetBlue partnership, which expands connectivity options.

The route also showcases United's commitment to using right-sized aircraft for niche markets. Operating a 737 MAX 8 on this route allows for profitable service to a destination that couldn't support wide-body operations.

For elite members, United's new upgrade checker tool provides valuable insights into premium cabin availability 30 days out, helping plan upgrade strategies for special trips like Greenland.

The Arctic Tourism Boom

Greenland's tourism industry has seen remarkable growth, with visitor numbers rising from about 650,000 in 2023 to over 727,000 in 2024. United's direct service will likely accelerate this trend, making Greenland more accessible to American travelers who previously faced complex routing through Europe.

The territory's government has embraced sustainable tourism development, working to balance economic growth with environmental protection and community well-being. This approach ensures that visitors can experience Greenland's pristine landscapes while supporting local communities.

Looking Ahead

United's Greenland service represents more than just a new route — it's a statement about the evolving nature of travel demand. Post-pandemic travelers increasingly seek unique, transformative experiences over traditional beach or city destinations.

The route's success could encourage other carriers to explore similarly adventurous destinations. For now, United enjoys first-mover advantage in connecting the U.S. directly to one of Earth's last frontiers.

The Bottom Line: United's Newark to Nuuk service opens up unprecedented access to Greenland for American travelers. While not the cheapest destination in United's network, the route offers unparalleled adventure travel opportunities with solid award redemption value. For travelers seeking truly unique experiences, Greenland represents the ultimate bucket-list destination — now just one nonstop flight from the U.S.