Passengers aboard a United Airlines flight this weekend experienced a journey the captain described as the “absolute privilege of his career.” The occasion: the first nonstop flight between the United States and Greenland in nearly two decades.
The inaugural flight departed from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, where passengers were greeted with applause upon arrival. This new route marks United’s latest effort to connect travelers with less conventional destinations beyond the usual European hotspots.
While much of the continental U.S. sizzled under summer heat, Nuuk offered a brisk contrast with temperatures near 40 degrees Fahrenheit—just 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle and bathed in nearly continuous daylight.
This is the first nonstop U.S.–Greenland route since Air Greenland’s brief 2007 service between Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) and Nuuk.
Why United Chose Greenland
United’s top route planner, Patrick Quayle, explained the rationale: “London, Rome, Paris—they’re always going to be popular. Our customers want something different.” United has recently launched routes to places like Palermo, Dakar, Madeira, and Bilbao, catering to travelers seeking fresh experiences.
CEO Scott Kirby summed it up simply: “Expanding to places like Nuuk… is just cool.”
Inaugural Flight Highlights
Terminal C at Newark buzzed with excitement ahead of departure, decorated with Greenland-themed décor and cuisine. The flight to Nuuk International Airport (GOH) sold out faster than any previous United inaugural.
The aircraft used is a Boeing 737 MAX 8, outfitted with domestic-style first-class seating rebranded as “Premium Plus” for this service. Passengers received commemorative gifts including Polaris teddy bears and amenity kits.
Flight number UA80 was a nod to Greenland’s ice coverage—approximately 80% of the island is ice-covered.
Captain Miles Morgan, who piloted the flight, expressed genuine enthusiasm: “I have never been more excited for a day of flying than I am today.”
Onboard Experience
Passengers enjoyed a special menu featuring pan-roasted halibut with butter-poached potatoes and asparagus, elevating United’s typically modest inflight cuisine.
The atmosphere quickly turned festive, fueled by media, United employees, social influencers, and elite MileagePlus members celebrating the unique journey.
Travelers Chuck Powers and Jamie Richards, both United frequent flyers, said they booked the flight immediately after it was announced to combine the thrill of an inaugural flight with a trip to Greenland.
A second meal service was offered before landing, but most passengers skipped it, captivated by breathtaking views as the plane descended toward Nuuk.
A Historic Arrival
Locals gathered along the rocky cliffs near Nuuk’s recently upgraded airport terminal to welcome the flight, which opened new possibilities for direct travel between Greenland and the U.S.
Previously, travelers had to connect through Iceland or Europe to reach Greenland from North America despite the relatively short flight distance.
Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland’s Minister of Business, welcomed the service: “We hope many will come and experience our country… from north to south, from east to west,” highlighting Greenland’s rich offerings in seafood, culture, and outdoor adventure.
She also noted Greenland’s resilience amid global attention: “We have a fine-tuned approach to life that helps us to separate what is important, from what is less so.”
Booking and Future Service
United will operate the Greenland route twice weekly during the summer season. Tickets can be booked using MileagePlus points, with one-way economy redemptions averaging around 40,000 miles for summer travel.
Travelers may also redeem miles through United’s Star Alliance partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and Avianca LifeMiles, which support flexible points transfers from major credit card programs.
Patrick Quayle reflected on the new route’s significance: “What we’re building at United is an airline that is aspirational and inspirational. Greenland fits that designation perfectly.”
