Pituffik Space Base (BGTL)
Medium airport · Pituffik, Avannaata Municipality, Greenland
Airport data
| Name | Pituffik Space Base |
|---|---|
| ICAO | BGTL |
| IATA | THU |
| Elevation | 251 ft (77 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 76°31'50" W 68°42'2" 76.53063, -68.70054 |
| Location | Pituffik, Avannaata Municipality, Greenland |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08T/26T | 9,997 ft (3047 m) | 150 ft | ASP | Yes |
Pituffik Space Base at a glance
Pituffik Space Base is a medium airport in Pituffik, Avannaata Municipality, Greenland, known to airline systems as THU. The field elevation of 251 ft (77 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at BGTL are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
The single runway, 08T/26T, offers 9,997 ft (3047 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 08T points roughly 80° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for BGTL shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Pituffik Space Base
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Qaanaaq Airport | BGQQ | 108 km (58 NM) |
| Alert Airport | CYLT | 677 km (366 NM) |
| Resolute Bay Airport | CYRB | 746 km (403 NM) |
| Hall Beach Airport | CYUX | 953 km (515 NM) |
| Ilulissat Airport | BGJN | 986 km (532 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Pituffik Space Base
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 251 ft field elevation of Pituffik Space Base can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 10 airports and airfields we list for Greenland — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Pituffik Space Base
What is the ICAO code of Pituffik Space Base?
The ICAO identifier of Pituffik Space Base is BGTL, and its IATA code is THU. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Pituffik Space Base above sea level?
Pituffik Space Base sits at an elevation of 251 feet (77 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Pituffik Space Base located?
The airport lies at 76.5306, -68.7005 — in Pituffik, Avannaata Municipality, Greenland, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Qaanaaq Airport, about 108 km away.
Does BGTL publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for BGTL appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Pituffik Space Base?
Pituffik Space Base has one runway. The longest, 08T/26T, measures 9,997 ft (3047 m) with a ASP surface.