Av­ians - Proc­ed­ure De­sign for Gree­n­land’s Newest Air­ports

In recent years, Avians has participated in one of the largest aviation infrastructure developments in Greenland's history. Avians procedure designers have designed flight procedures for the new 2,200-meter runways in Nuuk and Ilulissat, in addition to the new 1,500-meter runway in Qaqortoq in South Greenland.

Nuuk – New International Airport

On November 28, 2024, the new 2,200-meter runway in Nuuk (BGGH) was put into operation. With the new runway, regular international flights with larger aircraft than before became possible, and the airport took over the role from Syðri Straumfjörður (BGSF) as Greenland’s main international airport.

The project in Nuuk was extensive, with both conventional approach procedures (ILS) and approaches based on performance-based navigation (PBN/RNP) designed, as well as RNP departure procedures for the new runway. In total, about 15 new approach and departure charts were issued.

Qaqortoq – New Airport Built from Scratch in South Greenland

On April 16, 2026, a new airport opened in Qaqortoq (BGQO) in South Greenland. The airport was built entirely from scratch and features a 1,500-meter runway. With its opening, general flight operations at Narsarsuaq (BGBW) ceased, although the airport will continue to serve as a helicopter base for the area.

The airport is notable for being completely new and at a new location, a type of project that has become relatively rare in Europe and North America in recent decades.

Before the airport's opening, Avians procedure designers created new RNP approach and departure procedures. However, the design of conventional procedures based on ground-based navigation aids was delayed because part of the equipment was not ready for use, as well as challenges posed by the complex terrain around the airport. Flight testing of the navigation aids and remaining procedures is planned for the autumn.

The opening of the airport marks a milestone for transportation in South Greenland and significantly improves access for residents, businesses, and tourists to the region.

Ilulissat – New 2,200-Meter Runway

Following the projects in Nuuk and Qaqortoq, Avians has been working on the design of flight procedures for a new 2,200-meter runway in Ilulissat (BGJN). The project is now in its final stages, and the airport is scheduled to open on October 29, 2026.

Just as in Nuuk, Avians procedure designers have developed both conventional approach procedures (ILS) and approaches based on performance-based navigation (PBN/RNP), along with RNP departure procedures for the new runway. The procedure design needed to take into account challenging terrain and features characteristic of the area, such as potential drifting icebergs near the airport.

When the new runway comes into use, Avians will have been responsible for the procedure design for Greenland’s three largest airport projects in recent decades.

New Airspace, MVA, and Updated Route System

Alongside the design of flight procedures for the new airports, Avians procedure designers also worked on drawing new TMAs around Nuuk as well as calculating minimum vectoring altitudes within the area. Avians has also updated en-route flight paths to and from Nuuk and Qaqortoq, which are already in use. Additional routes are being developed, including from Qaqortoq to Kulusuk and eastwards to Iceland and Europe.