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Security

Security

Nuuk

20:55

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-5 °C

9 km/h

State-of-the-art security

The new security checkpoint at Nuuk Airport is equipped with state-of-the-art security technology, ensuring both comfort and the highest level of safety for our passengers. Travelers will need to arrive well in advance, regardless of whether they are traveling domestically, have a layover in Nuuk, or are on international flights.

 

Learn more about our arrival time recommendations here.

Security Level at Nuuk Airport

The airport in Nuuk is currently approved for security level 2. This means there are certain things you need to be aware of as a traveler if you are flying internationally from Nuuk:

 

  • Upon arrival at your destination, you will not have access to the transit area but will be directed straight to baggage claim. If you wish to shop duty-free, we recommend doing so in our new and well-stocked duty-free store in Nuuk before your journey begins.

 

  • If your journey continues with another flight after arriving at your destination, it is necessary to go through security screening again before you can access the transit area and proceed with your next flight.

 

This will remain in effect until Nuuk Airport achieves One Stop Security certification.

Going through the security checkpoint

Every international journey begins with a trip through the security checkpoint. Upon your arrival at our airports, we ensure a safe passage through the checkpoint. Below, you will find an overview of the process and several tips to help ensure a smooth passage through the security checkpoint.

Have your boarding pass ready

To pass through the security checkpoint, you need to use one of our speedgates.

At the entrance to the security area, you must scan your boarding pass to gain access – it is therefore a good idea to have it out and ready before it’s your turn.

Empty your pockets and take a tray

When it’s your turn to pass through the security check, you will be asked to remove your coat/jacket and place it in a plastic tray. You will also need to place the contents of your pockets in the same tray as your jacket. If you’re wearing a belt or anything metal, you will need to remove them as well, so that everything is passed through the scanner.

Nuuk Airport:

If you are traveling from Nuuk Airport, you can place your carry-on luggage on the plastic tray and send it directly through security without having to remove anything. This applies whether it is your computer, baby food, or something else entirely. See details below.

Kangerlussuaq Airport:

If you are traveling from Kangerlussuaq Airport, there are specific items from your luggage that you must take out and place in a tray if you are traveling internationally. See details below in the section “For Those Flying from Kangerlussuaq.”

Walk through the metal detector

Once you have placed your belongings in trays, it is time for you to walk through the metal detector. This detects whether you have any metal on your person or in your pockets.

 

If you have any metal on your person, you will be asked to place it in a tray so it can be scanned separately. You must then walk through the metal detector again.

Useful information about scanning and hand screening

Even though you don’t have any metal on you, our security equipment may select you for additional hand screening. The selection for hand screening is based on an algorithm and therefore completely random. All travellers may be selected for additional screening – including children. It is a good idea to prepare your child for the security screening process before travelling. If you or your child feel uncomfortable with the security check, please contact our staff and they will take extra care to guide you through the process.

Layover in Nuuk?

If you are traveling domestically with a layover in Nuuk, you must also pass through the security checkpoint. This practice ensures that all passengers in the departure hall meet our security standards, which helps maintain high aviation safety and ensures the safe continuation of your journey.

 

This means specifically that when you have a layover in Nuuk, you must go from the arrivals hall, up through the terminal, proceed through security screening, and then back down to the departures hall to board your flight.

One Stop Security (OSS)

OSS ensures that, as a passenger, you only need to go through security screening once, even if you have connecting flights in other countries. This means you and your baggage are checked through all the way to your final destination. This eliminates the need to retrieve your baggage and go through security screening again when changing flights, for example, in Iceland or Denmark.

 

OSS is a security standard that we are working intensely and purposefully to achieve at Nuuk Airport. However, it is a process, and we are not quite there yet. We expect OSS to be ready by the summer of 2025.

What to take out of your hand luggage

 

 

When you go through the security check at Nuuk Airport, you can safely leave your items in your carry-on baggage.
This means the following can stay in your bag:

 

  • Electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and cameras
  • Liquids not exceeding 100 ml per item, must be stored in a 1-liter bag (maximum 1 bag per passenger)
  • Medicine, both in pill form and liquid
  • Baby food and diet food
  • Always check the customs regulations for your destination and the airline’s regulations regarding dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries and small camping gas canisters.

 

Please note that the procedure differs at Kangerlussuaq Airport. For more information, read the section “For Those Flying from Kangerlussuaq”.

For Those Flying from Kangerlussuaq

When traveling internationally from Kangerlussuaq Airport, you must go through our security checkpoint. Preparation for Security Check

Before you approach the security checkpoint, remove the following items from your carry-on luggage and place them in a tray:

 

  • Electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and cameras
  • Liquids that do not exceed 100 ml per item, must be stored in a 1-liter bag (maximum 1 bag per passenger)
  • Medicine, both in pill form and liquid
  • Baby food and diet food
  • Lighters
  • Outerwear
  • Loose items (e.g., keys and coins)
  • Remember to check the customs regulations for the country you are traveling to, as well as the airline’s regulations regarding dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries and small camping gas bottles.

 

You may be asked to remove your watch, belt, or shoes if they contain metal.

 

Our staff will guide you through the rest of the security check. If you have any questions about the procedure, feel free to ask for assistance.

You can get to and from Nuuk Airport by bus, taxi or car

You can get to and from Nuuk Airport by bus, taxi or car – you need to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your departure time.

Read more