Airports in Inverness Travel Guide 2026

Key Highlights

• Inverness Airport (INV) is the main way for people to reach the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

• You can get direct flights from big UK cities and some places in Europe with airlines such as British Airways and easyJet.

• The airport is only 11 miles from the city centre of Inverness. This means getting there is fast and easy.

• Public transport connections, taxis, and car hire are all on hand when you arrive.

• The airport has good facilities for passengers like lounges, shops, and places to eat, so your journey is comfortable.

Introduction

Welcome to your easy guide for travel at airports serving Inverness in 2026. If you plan to visit the Scottish Highlands capital, get ready for a great trip. Your arrival can make your holiday start well. Inverness Airport is in a good spot. It will take you from landing straight to all the main things you want to do with little trouble. You might be going to see old castles, look for Nessie, or enjoy the lovely land. This guide will help you with everything you need when flying into this beautiful part of the world.

Overview of Airports Serving Inverness

When you want to fly to the Highlands, inverness airport (INV) is the main and easiest choice. It is the only international airport in the area. You get direct flights from many places, and british airways will fly you there. That is why most people use it when they are heading to Inverness or nearby places.

INV is the main hub, but you may want to look at some other airports close by. These airports are a bit further, but they may give you other flight choices or better prices. We will talk about these other options so you can pick what works best for your trip.

Introduction to Inverness Airport (INV)

Inverness Airport (INV) is the main airport for the Highlands. It is found just a short drive east of Inverness city centre. This gives people direct access to the area. Many travellers come to see famous places, including Loch Ness and top golf courses.

The terminal building is easy to get around. The airport is not huge, but it still helps about 800,000 passengers each year. It is important for tourism and business in this region.

Inverness Airport is known for its good customer service. It has won awards for the way it treats passengers. From when you land, you will see a friendly atmosphere that will help you feel ready for your trip in the Highlands. The airport offers many things to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Nearby Airports and Their Distances

While Inverness Airport, formerly known as RAF Dalcross, is the most direct option, several other airports serve the wider Scottish region. These nearby airports can be viable alternatives if you are planning a multi-destination trip or find a more suitable flight. However, it’s important to factor in the additional travel time and cost to reach Inverness.

Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is the next closest major airport. Other options like Edinburgh and Glasgow are also available but involve a considerable journey to reach the Highlands. You’ll need to arrange onward travel via car hire, bus, or by connecting to a railway station.

Here’s a look at the distances from other airports to Inverness, helping you weigh your options.

Airport	Distance to Inverness
Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ)	102 miles
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)	156 miles
Glasgow International Airport (GLA)	179 miles

Choosing the Right Airport for Your Journey

Deciding where to land depends on what you need most. If you want things to be quick and easy, flying right into Inverness Airport is best. You will be in the Highlands at once, ready to get going with your trip.

If you like to have direct flights and less time getting around, Inverness Airport (INV) is the top choice. The airport links with big places like London Heathrow and Amsterdam. This makes getting to and from other countries simple. There are good public transport connections at the airport and you can get car hire right on site. This helps you move from the plane to the road with no fuss.

Think about these points as you decide:

• Proximity: Inverness Airport sits only 11 miles out from the city.

• Convenience: There is both car hire and transport links on site.

• Flight Options: Look at if there be direct flights to INV from where you start.

• Overall Itinerary: If you plan to see other cities in Scotland, another airport may be better.

Keep in mind keywords like inverness airport, car hire, direct flights, london heathrow, major hubs, and public transport connections when you plan your route.

History and Growth of Inverness Airport

The history of Inverness Airport starts with its strong ties to the military in the region. During World War II, the Royal Air Force built it. Because of this, it was first used as a military base. Over time, Inverness Airport changed from being a place for the military to a place full of life and travel for people everywhere. Now it is an important way for people in the Highlands to get where they need to go.

This change from a military base to being open to everyone shows how Inverness has grown a lot. The area has become more important for people who want to visit or do business. Now, let us see the important times that have helped Inverness Airport become what it is today.

Origins and Early Development

The story of Inverness Airport starts in 1940. The Air Ministry took land at Dalcross and built Royal Air Force Station Dalcross, or RAF Dalcross. The base was made to help defend the area and look after naval forces in the Moray Firth during World War II.

Early on, the airfield was used by the Royal Air Force for fighter planes. It worked hard to keep the skies over northern Scotland safe. After this first stage, it became an advanced flying training school. Here, pilots got ready for combat.

Later, the site began to change from a military base. The buildings and land used in this time created the groundwork for today’s main airport in this part of Scotland. This set up inverness airport for commercial flight, linking the Highlands with other places.

Noteworthy Milestones and Expansions

After the war, the airport started being used by regular people, and this is when the first commercial flights took off. A big moment came when British European Airways began flying, linking Inverness with London and other top UK cities. This was the start of regular air travel for this area.

The airport’s facilities have been improved many times to keep up with more people using it. At first, there were only grass runways. Later, these were changed into hard runways, which can let bigger and heavier planes come in. One of the main things done was the runway extension, and this made it possible for more types of planes and flights to come in and out.

In recent years, there has been a clear rise in passenger traffic at the airport. Because of this growth, there have been more updates, like making the terminal better and bringing in new technology. These changes help the airport meet both business needs and the growth in tourism for the Highlands.

The Airport’s Role in Highland Connectivity

Inverness Airport is much more than a landing spot for planes. It is the main way to connect people in the Scottish Highlands. For many who live there, work there, or visit for holiday, inverness airport helps them reach other places.

The airport is run by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited. It is part of a network that keeps the region linked. There are important domestic flights to places like Stornoway and Kirkwall. These flights help people get to the mainland for work, hospital visits, and seeing family.

Inverness Airport does more than help people travel. It helps the city centre and the area succeed by bringing in tourists and business travellers. Because it is close to the city centre, it keeps the Scottish Highlands open to all and connected to the rest of the world.

Airlines Operating From Inverness Airport

Inverness Airport has many airlines working from it. The airport offers a strong set of routes for people travelling. Big names like British Airways and easyJet run regular flights. They connect the Highlands to top UK and European cities. These airlines serve all types of passengers. You will see business travellers and people on holiday using them.

You can find domestic flights all year. There are also seasonal international flights, perfect if you want a break in the sun. The airport has scheduled flights, low-cost flights, and charter flights. This gives you good options in travel. So, whether you want to fly for work or fun, inverness airport gives you plenty to choose from.

Major Airlines Offering Regular Services

Several major airlines offer reliable, year-round flights at Inverness. They make sure the airport stays busy and has steady connections to big places in the United Kingdom.

British Airways is one of the main operators. It runs several daily flights to London Heathrow. This route matters a lot, as it connects the Highlands to the UK capital and to a wide range of international destinations through one of the busiest airports in the world. Both business and leisure travellers use this service.

Other airlines, such as easyJet and Loganair, also run many domestic flights. easyJet links Inverness with different London airports and other well-known UK cities. Loganair connects Inverness to the Scottish islands and other local spots. These airlines help Inverness stay well-connected all year round.

Seasonal and Charter Flights

Apart from the usual flights, Inverness Airport gets busy with fun seasonal and charter trips, mainly in summer. These flights are great for people who want an easy way to visit sunny european destinations without leaving the Highlands.

Tour operator TUI gives charter flights to favorite holiday places. You can fly straight from Inverness airport to the lovely beaches of palma de mallorca and enjoy a relaxing stay. With these flights, you do not have to deal with connecting flights at major cities or bigger UK airports. It makes everything simpler and helps you get on your holiday quicker.

These seasonal flights sometimes go to gran canaria, so you can have more sunshine. Even though these trips are not as common as flights to other big places, they are a good choice for direct travel out of the country. You do not need to spend time travelling to other airports. Keep checking the airline schedules to see new routes and updates.

New and Upcoming Airline Routes for 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, Inverness Airport is set to keep growing. There may be new routes and better services soon. Airlines always look for ways to link the Highlands to more places, to meet growing demand from both holidaymakers and business people.

Final schedules are usually set closer to the flying date, but there is already talk about Inverness Airport growing its networks. You can look for growth in both flights inside the UK and daily flights to more international destinations. There will be a strong push to improve links to big European airports. This might mean more daily flights on the routes people use most, or it could bring new flights to places we don’t fly to yet.

Keep an eye out for any news about:

• Increased daily flights to well-known European hubs.

• New seasonal routes to top holiday spots.

• Possible new airlines starting services from Inverness.

All these changes will make travel from this Highland airport simpler and more enjoyable for everyone.

Destinations and Direct Flight Options

Inverness Airport gives you many choices for direct flights. You can get to places around the UK and into Europe without a fuss. If you want a city break, you have a business meeting, or you want a sunny holiday, you can leave straight from the Highlands. There is no need for hard travel plans or extra stops.

The airport links to major hubs. This makes it easy for you to travel on to other countries. There is also direct access to lots of well-known international destinations. See which cities and countries you can go to with a direct flight from Inverness Airport.

UK Cities With Direct Links to Inverness

Getting to Inverness from other places in the UK is very easy. There are many direct flights that make travel simple. You can fly in from many major cities, so going to the Highlands is now much easier.

There are lots of flights from London. British Airways flies from London Heathrow often, so people traveling from other countries can get good connections. easyJet also has flights from London Gatwick and Luton. This means you have a choice and can often find a cheap way to get to the capital.

You can also book direct flights from other big cities.

• Bristol: A handy way for people in the South West of England to get here.

• Manchester: Good for those in the north of England who want to get straight to the Highlands.

• Belfast: A fast and simple trip for those coming from Northern Ireland.

• Scottish Islands: Loganair links Inverness to Stornoway, Sumburgh, and Kirkwall.

International Destinations Served

Inverness Airport is a big hub for travel in the country. It gives people in the Highlands and travellers from Europe direct flights to important European places. This lets Highland locals head straight out for a trip abroad. It also helps visitors from Europe get easy, direct access to the natural sights of Scotland.

The main flight in the international line-up is the KLM service to Amsterdam Schiphol. This flight runs all year. It is useful since it joins Inverness Airport with a wide global network. With this flight, you can travel with just one stop to lots of places around the world. It is a good choice for both business trips and holidays.

In the warmer months, the airport has chartered flights for holidays. You can fly direct to sunny spots like Palma de Mallorca. These flights, with TUI, let you plan your summer break from the Highlands in a simple way.

Popular Holiday and Business Travel Routes

Inverness Airport is here for all kinds of travellers. Some routes are especially liked by people for work and for fun trips. The airport’s links to big cities and major hubs help people get to business centres fast and easy.

The daily flights to London Heathrow with British Airways and to Amsterdam with KLM are key for people going for work. These let business travellers go and come back in a day. You can reach big global hubs with these flights. The many flight times mean people with busy jobs can pick the best time for them.

For holidays, flights to London, Bristol, and Manchester from Inverness Airport are always a favourite. People use them for city breaks or to see friends and family. In the summer, direct flights to places like Palma de Mallorca are the top choice. You can start your holiday with no fuss, right from the Highlands.

Inverness Airport meets your needs whether you are going for work or for fun.

Getting To and From Inverness Airport

When you get to Inverness Airport, you will see there are many easy ways to keep moving on your trip. The airport sits only 11 miles from the city centre. It has good transport links, so you can reach your next stop fast.

You can choose what works for you. There are strong public transport connections at the airport. If you want something simple, you can take a taxi. If you want more freedom, you can go for a car hire. Getting around from inverness airport is simple and you will be on your way in no time. Here is a guide to the transport options. This will help you plan your trip to or from the airport.

Public Transport: Trains, Buses, and Shuttles

Getting from Inverness Airport to the city centre by public transport is easy and does not cost much. The Stagecoach Jet Bus is the main way to travel. It runs often and goes straight from the airport to Inverness Bus Station. The trip takes about 30 minutes.

If you want to go by train, the bus also stops at Inverness railway station. This makes it simple to get trains to other parts of Scotland. There is a new railway station called Inverness Airport Railway Station close to the terminal. You can walk there to get even more train options.

The buses and trains run often during the day and are dependable. Using public transport lets you relax and look at the views on your way into the city.

Taxi and Private Hire Services

For a simple and easy trip, taking a taxi or using a private hire car can be a good pick. You will find taxis ready and waiting at a taxi rank right at the front of the terminal building. All you need to do is walk out of arrivals and get into the next taxi in line. This can be one of the fastest ways for people to go to their city centre place to stay.

If you take a taxi, it will take between 15 to 20 minutes to reach Inverness city centre. The time can change a bit, based on how busy the A96 Inverness trunk road is at that time. It is a good and relaxing way to travel, and is very handy if you have heavy bags or if you are going with a small group.

You may want to book a private hire car in advance. This works well if you need a driver to meet you when you arrive, or if you need a special kind of vehicle. You will find many local companies that can help with this and give you an easy door-to-door journey from the airport.

Car Hire and Rental Facilities

Renting a car is a good way to see the Scottish Highlands your way. Inverness Airport has great car hire options, so you will find the biggest names in cars right there. The car hire desks are all inside the main terminal building.

You will find your car a short walk from the terminal. This means you get direct access to the road as soon as you land. Having a car helps you visit top places, like Loch Ness or the Cairngorms National Park. You can also set off on the well-known North Coast 500 route.

The airport has these car hire providers:

• Avis

• Hertz

• Europcar

• Enterprise

It is a good idea to book your car before you come, especially in busy times. This way, you get the best deal and know the car you want will be there.

Passenger Facilities and Services at Inverness Airport

Inverness Airport may not be big, but it has many features that help make your trip nice and easy. The terminal building is simple to get around, so you will not get lost. It has all you need before you get on your plane.

You can relax in a premium lounge or shop at retail outlets if you need gifts at the last minute. The airport has added more options for its rising passenger numbers. You can find a quiet spot for work or get something to eat. The terminal building has the best things to fit what you need at Inverness Airport.

Terminal Amenities and Lounges

The terminal at Inverness Airport is set up to make you comfortable while you wait. You can use free Wi-Fi all over the building. This lets you keep in touch with others or pass the time until your flight. There are lots of places to sit and plenty of charging points for your phone or other devices.

If you want something a bit nicer, the Aspire Lounge is a good choice. This lounge is calm and away from the busy crowds at the gate. You get free snacks, drinks, and magazines in this relaxed area. Plus, there is a good view of the runway, so you can watch planes as they take off or land. It is a nice spot to rest before your flight.

The airport is also great for families, with a few important things you may need.

• There is a private breastfeeding room so parents have a quiet and comfy place for feeding.

• You can find baby changing places in both the men’s and women’s toilets.

• Passengers who need extra help can ask for special assistance ahead of time.

Shopping and Dining Options

You will not be hungry at Inverness Airport. The place has a few dining options to choose from. Before security, there is a café where you can get a coffee and a light snack. When you move into the departure lounge, you will see a restaurant and bar. They serve hot meals, snacks, and drinks.

The retail outlets at Inverness Airport are great if you want to pick up a gift or need something for your trip. They sell Scottish souvenirs. This includes whisky, textiles, and things made by local people. You will also find books, magazines, and sweets if you want something to enjoy on your flight.

So, if you want a good meal before you fly or need a special item to remember the Highlands, the shopping and dining at Inverness Airport will help. Things in the terminal make sure you have what you need for a nice and easy start to your day.

Accessibility and Assistance Services

Inverness Airport wants to make sure everyone feels welcome. The airport has made changes to help travellers with limited movement or hidden health problems get around the terminal more easily and with respect.

If you need special help, it is best to book support with your airline at least 48 hours before you travel. This service helps you with checking in, getting through security, and boarding your flight. The team at Inverness Airport is always ready to give friendly and helpful support at every step.

There are some very good facilities at the airport too. You will find a dedicated breastfeeding chair in a private room. There is also a new Changing Places room. This space has more room and the right equipment for people who cannot use standard toilets. Inverness Airport wants to make every visit as comfortable as possible for all travellers.

Parking Solutions at Inverness Airport

Parking at Inverness Airport is easy and safe. There are different options to fit how long you need to stay and how much you want to spend. If you are dropping off a person, going away for a short time, or taking a long break, you will find a place to park not far from the main building.

The car parks are bright at night, have regular checks, and are simple to get into. Inverness Airport also makes things better with online booking and places to charge electric cars. Here is a look at the parking choices you can use.

Short-Stay and Long-Stay Options

The airport has marked areas for both short-stay and long-stay parking. The short-stay car park sits just opposite the terminal building. It is great if you need to drop off or pick up someone. It works well if you plan to stay only a few hours.

If you are going to be gone for one day or longer, the long-stay parking is best. It has the lowest rates. You can walk from the car park to the terminal building. You do not need to use a shuttle bus. It is a safe spot to leave your car while you are away.

You will find another parking area on the south apron of the airport. All car parks are open all day and night and have CCTV cameras. You can pick short-stay or long-stay parking based on how long your trip will be.

Booking, Charges, and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

To get the best value at Inverness Airport, it is a good idea to book your parking online before you arrive. If you book early, you can save money compared to what you pay if you turn up without booking, especially if you plan to stay for a long time. The booking site is easy to use and helps you secure a parking space ahead of your trip.

Parking costs depend on how long you stay and which car park you pick. Short-stay parking is paid by the hour, but long-stay gives you better prices for days or a week. You can pay with cash or card at machines found around the terminal.

Inverness Airport is also moving with green transport trends.

• The airport has put in new electric vehicle stations.

• There are charging spots in the car parks for any electric cars.

• You can charge your electric car while you are away.

Exploring the Area: Inverness Airport and Beyond

Arriving at Inverness Airport puts you right at the edge of the Scottish Highlands. It is a great place to start your trip. You can get to the city centre of Inverness quickly. The famous Loch Ness is also close. Whether you stay for a little while or a long time, you will find plenty to see and do.

Once you walk out of the terminal, your journey begins. Good transport links make it easy to reach the River Ness, find old castles, or set out to look for the Loch Ness monster. Getting to these top spots is simple because Inverness Airport is close to so much. This is one of the best things about flying in here.

Distance and Travel to Inverness City Centre

Inverness Airport is just about 11 miles (15 km) east of the city centre. It is close, so you can get to Inverness quickly and begin your trip in the Highlands right away.

The main way into the city centre is the A96. It is a major road, so you get a fast and easy drive. For most people, the drive by car or taxi will take between 15 to 20 minutes. If you choose to take the bus, that ride is quite easy too. It usually takes about 30 minutes to reach the central bus station near the River Ness.

There are different ways to make this trip:

• By Bus: The Jet Bus service comes to and from the airport often. It connects you with the city centre.

• By Taxi: Taxis wait for you right outside the terminal. You can use one to get to the city centre.

• By Car: If you hire a car, you get flexibility. Of course, you can also drive your own car.

It is best not to use any small single track road that GPS may show, unless you know the area well and feel ready for rural driving.

Visiting Loch Ness from Inverness Airport

A trip to the Highlands is not the same if you don’t go to the famous Loch Ness. When you start from Inverness Airport, you are in a good place to see this well-known loch. The south end of the loch is about 20 miles (32 km) from the airport. Many people choose this as their first stop.

To get to Loch Ness, most people go into Inverness first. Next, you drive on the A82 road, which takes you along the whole west side of the loch. This road gives you great views and you can also stop at top places like Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition. If you drive from the airport to the main spots around Loch Ness, it will take around 40 to 50 minutes in a car.

If you want to see Nessie, or if you want to get on a boat and go out on the deep, dark water, or if you just like seeing beautiful views, the trip from Inverness Airport is easy. Going to famous Loch Ness is a key part of your visit to the Highlands.

Future Developments and Expansion Plans

Inverness Airport keeps changing to fit what people will need in the future. It has big plans to get better and help more people travel. The airport is working on inverness airport expansion, which means making things better for passengers and letting more planes come in and out. This includes big upgrades to the way things are built and looking at runway extension projects to let the airport handle bigger planes and more flights.

At the same time, the airport cares about the environment. Inverness Airport is putting new green ideas into place to lower the the airport’s carbon footprint. With these runway extension plans and other improvements, Inverness Airport will keep serving the Highlands, but it will also help look after the special countryside around it.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Terminal Expansion

Inverness Airport plans big changes to keep up with the number of people who travel through it. The main thing will be to make the terminal bigger. This will give more room in check-in, security, and where people wait before flying. It will help with passenger flow and make sure there is not so much crowding at busy times.

These new plans are made to make travel better for everyone. Inverness Airport will have new things added and old spaces made better. There might be more seats and shops. There could also be new security scanners that work faster, so checks are less hard and quicker.

The airport still sees runway extension as something for the longer term. However, it wants to keep making the airfield better. This might mean better runway lights that use less power, and improved spaces for planes to park. These steps make Inverness Airport safe, helpful to all, and ready to grow in the future.

Projected Growth and Environmental Initiatives

Inverness Airport has seen more people flying in and out over recent years, and many expect this number to keep going up. To handle this in a good way, the airport is now focusing more on the environment. The idea is to make sure the airport brings in money but also takes care of nature.

The airport now offers Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is a big step. This fuel can cut carbon emissions by about 70%. Offering it at Inverness shows the airport wants a better and greener future for flying. This move lets both the airport and its airline partners help the planet.

Going forward, Inverness Airport has plans for more steps like these. They might include buying better lighting and building designs to use less energy, dealing with waste in a smarter way, and encouraging the use of electric cars. These efforts are important because it means the airport can grow without making things worse for the beautiful Highlands.

Conclusion

In short, Inverness Airport is the main door to the beauty of the Highlands and places beyond that. There are many airlines to choose from at the airport. You get many direct flight options, so it works well for both holiday and work trips. Inverness Airport has changed and grown a lot over time, and there are good things for passengers, which helps make every visit easy.

When you plan your journey, keep in mind that picking the right airport can make your whole trip much better. Be sure to check out the amazing places close by, like Loch Ness. A visit here can add something special to your time away.

If you want your travel to be smooth, you can book a talk with our travel team. They will help you pick the best from your options. Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

What airlines fly from Inverness Airport in 2026?

In 2026, the main airlines, including British Airways, KLM, easyJet, and Loganair, will have regular flights from Inverness. There will be both domestic and international flights. At the same time, TUI and some other airlines should add seasonal flights to top holiday places. This will give you more direct travel choices.

Are there other airports near Inverness?

Yes, there are other airports, but Inverness Airport is the closest one. Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is about 102 miles from here. Edinburgh and Glasgow also have airports, which are a bit further away. If you use those, you will need to plan for more travel time. You will also have to get public transport or a car hire to finish your trip.

How do I get from Inverness Airport to the city centre?

Getting to the city centre is simple. You can use the Jet shuttle bus. It runs often and will get you to the city centre in about 30 minutes. If you want to get there faster, there are taxis right outside the terminal. They take about 15-20 minutes to reach the city centre. For more freedom during your stay, you can go for a car hire.