Text: Anders Stenbakken
Destination East Greenland
The main entrance to Ammassalik is Kulusuk Airport, either from Iceland, Reykjavik Domestic Airport, or domestically from the west coast, Kangerlussuaq Airport.
A few pointers regarding Iceland. It is very expensive to take a taxi from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, and the cheapest way to get to the city is by bus. For more information about the bus please go to Reykjavik Excursions' website
Please be aware that the flight from Iceland to Greenland does not leave from Keflavik Airport but from Reykjavik Domestic Airport which is located just outside the city.
About Kulusuk Airport
Kulusuk is but a small airport, with one 1199 metres gravel runway. However, being the gate to the Ammassalik area makes it quite a busy airport. Especially in the summer period, where 3 – 5 takeoffs are being handled on a daily basis, 6 days a week. The numbers of takeoffs in 2003 was: 1,700 planes and helicopter.
Kulusuk Airport (WFR IFR) is open 6 days a week 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (ZULU 10.00 - 19.00) Sunday closed.
Detailed information on the airports specifications is to be found at the AIP-Greenland. (Aeronautical Information Publication)
Iceland - Kulusuk 3-4 flights pr. day, excl. Sundays (end of May - the beginning of September)
Iceland – Kulusuk 2 flights pr. week, Wednesday and Saturday (September – May)
Kangerlussuaq – Kulusuk: 2 flights pr. week, Wednesday and Saturday (all year)
Please note there is a two-hour time difference between Iceland and Greenland. The flight time between Reykjavik and Kulusuk is about 2 hours. Kangerlussuaq – Kulusuk is also 2 hours. There is no time difference between Ammassalik and the west coast.
If you arrive in you own plane:
There is avgas available, and normally you don’t need to pre-order, however it’s always a good idea to send the ground personnel an email on the time of arrival.
When landing the handling fee is 500 DKK for small airplanes - when you arrive in the opening hours. Outside the opening hours you would have to pay for opening of the airport which is 7.000 DKK. Take off fee is 75 DKK.
To email the head of Kulusuk airport: bmo@glv.gl
Helicopter Shuttle to Tasiilaq
Transportation from the airport to the city Tasiilaq on Ammassalik Island is by the local Helicopter shuttle, Bell 222. If you can’t buy the ticket through your travel agency - tickets for the helicopter can be bought at Kulusuk Airport. Payment: Cash or by credit cart. When paying with credit card 7% in administrative expenses is added.
The helicopter shuttle also flies to the settlements, but only from Tasiilaq Heliport.
Boat transport to the settlements
In the summer and autumn it is also possible to reach the settlement by the local vessel Johanna Kristina.
To charter a boat privately (or a dogsled in the spring) is always an option in Tasiilaq and all the settlements – The locals are extremely knowledgeable of how to travel in their own land, but safety is your own responsibility.
