Nuuk Airport, (formerly Godthåb in Danish), serves the capital of Greenland, and is located 3.7km northeast of the city of the same name. Since 2024, it is the main airport in Greenland after the extension of the runway. However, often, poor weather leads to diversions. You can easily spot the whole Air Greenland Dash 8 fleet here in one day. SAS, Jettime, Airseven, Icelandair and United Airlines also use the airport in summer.

Written by Sebastian Arndt. All spots checked September 2025

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
04/22	2200 meters
Terminals	The airport has one small passenger terminal serving all traffic.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Even there is metal fence there is no need for a ladder as all spots are elevated.
Car/Public Transport	Public busses serve all spots
Drinks/Food/Restrooms	A shop in the terminal can only be found airside. So nothing around except for toilets in the terminal.
Hotels	There are several hotels in the city but nothing adjacent to the airport
Season	With few daylight hours, temperatures in Greenland are likely to be unbearably cold between November and April, though April is historically the sunniest month. For the combination of daylight hours, sunshine and reasonable temperatures, the best time to visit Nuuk is probably between May and September, with July having up to twenty hours of daylight.
Runway Usage
04/22	Is the only runway and the wind direction will generally determine which end of the runway is in use. The Dash 8 often depart or land with tailwind. Anything else will face the wind.

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	Spot #1 – Airport Road
WHERE	Exit the terminal to the left and follow the main road for about five minutes to its highest point. The position is elevated and offers an unobstructed view.
WHAT	All movements on the runway and taxiway as well as the business jet ramp.
TIME	All day depending on the angle, preferrably 9 am until 3 pm.
MISC.	Terminal is nearby and a good place to warm up.
FOCAL LENGTH	20-250 mm United 737 = 80mm; Dash8 on runway = 250mm

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	Spot #2 – Terminal end north
WHERE	Go out of the terminal to your left until you reach the end of the building. Position is elevated and offers an unobstructed view.
WHAT	Limited view of the runway and taxiway movements when the view is not blocked by aircraft. Parked aircraft, especially on the widebody parking stand.
TIME	All day depending on the angle, preferrably 9 am until 3 pm.
MISC.	Terminal is nearby and a good place to warm up.
FOCAL LENGTH	20-250 mm 757 = 70 mm; Dash8 front = 80 mm

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	Spot #3 – Ramp overview south
WHERE	Exit the terminal to your right until you reach the end of the building, then follow around the fence to a couple of hills where you can spot from.
WHAT	All apron movements and landings RWY 04 in the touchdown zone.
TIME	RWY sunrise until 2 pm. Ramp from noon.
MISC.	Terminal is nearby and a good place to warm up.
FOCAL LENGTH	20-200 mm A339 = 100mm; Dash8 ramp = 120mm

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	Spot #4 – Car Park
WHERE	Just climb up the stairs to the official airport car park across the main road from the terminal. The position is elevated and its possible to photograph over the terminal building.
WHAT	Ramp movements. Movements on the runway are quite far away.
TIME	All day depending on the angle, preferrably 9 am until 3 pm.
MISC.	Terminal is nearby and a good place to warm up.
FOCAL LENGTH	20-200 mm

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	Spot #5 – ATC Tower
WHERE	Right next to the ATC Tower is a crash gate where you can spot from.  The airport bus stops here but you can also walk from the terminal for 15-20 minutes.
WHAT	Apron of Air Greenland hangars, helicopter and second business jet ramp. Runway movements.
TIME	All day depending on the angle, preferrably 9 am until 3 pm.
MISC.	The terminal is a 15 minute walk away. Do not to hang around too long as you are stay right next to the control tower. Security may ask you to leave.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-300 mm

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	Spot #6 – Hill
WHERE	This is the best spotting location at GOH. Climb up the hill across the road from the ATC Tower next to some tanks. The airport bus stops at the ATC tower but you can also walk from the terminal for 15-20 minutes.
WHAT	From up here, you get a fantastic view of the whole runway and can catch all movements. You can also spot traffic parked on the ramp close to the tower.
TIME	All day depending on the angle, preferrably 9 am until 3 pm.
MISC.	Be careful at the edge of the hill. It is not an official track, but an easy climb to the top.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-300 mm King Air = 170 mm; A339 = 90 mm

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	Spot #7 – Sinarsua Rd
WHERE	The spot is located in Sinarsua Rd, next to the cities marina. Like the other spots its pretty  far away from the airport area. Several bus lines stop nearby. Otherwise, it is a 20 minute walk from the center of town.
WHAT	All arrivals fror RWY 04 with a clear elevated view towards the airport.
TIME	Evenings from 6 pm
MISC.	There is nothing nearby. You are in a residential area.
FOCAL LENGTH	400mm plus

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