On Saturday, United Airlines completed the first direct U.S.–Greenland commercial flight (UA80) in nearly 20 years, flying from Newark (EWR) to Nuuk (GOH) in just over four hours. The Boeing 737 Max 8 registered N17306 marks the start of a new seasonal route, running twice weekly from June to September.
The flight coincided with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—an ironic twist given his past remarks about wanting to buy Greenland. Officials in Denmark and Greenland, both opposed to any such idea, have emphasised the island is not for sale.
The new route offers strategic economic benefits for Greenland, helping diversify its fishing-dependent economy and boosting tourism. Passengers praised the convenience of skipping European layovers, and Greenland’s government welcomed the influx of visitors and business opportunities.
A one-way ticket costs around $1,200–$1,500, and the service leverages Nuuk’s recently upgraded airport. Greenland saw a 28% rise in international arrivals since 2015, and officials hope this new link will continue that trend.
Touchdown. United Airlines UA80.
EWR – GOH.
Nuuk, Greenland ??June 15, 2025 (6.33pm)
Temp: + 4°C. pic.twitter.com/Kt336qdKmR— Orla Joelsen (@OJoelsen) June 14, 2025