Key Highlights
-
Wick John O’Groats Airport is the main airport for the Caithness area in the Scottish Highlands.
-
The airport is important for travel, as flights now connect to Aberdeen Airport.
-
Air Charter Scotland flies the main route. The Highland Council supports it.
-
The airport has a long story. It took part in the Second World War.
-
People who use wick john o’groats airport can park, get help if they need it, and find ways to get into local towns, which makes trips simple.
-
There is a current tender in place for the next public service contract. This will decide what the airport’s next steps will be.
Introduction
Welcome to your 2026 travel guide for Wick in Scotland! If you want to go to the lovely north Highlands, knowing your way around is very important. This guide is about Wick John O’Groats Airport, which is a key place for the region. If you travel for work or just for fun, understanding how this airport works will help you. Here, you will find out about the flights, plus the things you can use at the airport when you get there. You will get all you need to know to help with your trip.
Overview of Airports in Wick
When you look for airports in the Wick area, you will find just one main option: Wick John O’Groats Airport. This airport is a big part of how people get in and out of Wick, and the Highland Council helps keep it running to connect the community.
People may call it Wick Airport or John O’Groats Airport, but these names all mean the same place. In this guide, we will talk about this one important airport. You will learn about the services there and why it matters for people in this part of the country. We will also tell you more about the name and history so you have a good idea of what makes Wick John O’Groats Airport special.
Is There Only One Airport in Wick?
Yes, there is only one airport that serves the town of Wick and the bigger Caithness area. The name of the airport is Wick John O’Groats Airport (WIC). Sometimes, you may see the name called Wick Airport or John O’Groats Airport. These are just shorter names for the same place.
This one airport is very important for the region. It helps people who live there, local businesses, and people who visit the Highlands. Having just one main airport makes it easy for everyone to plan their trips in and out of this part of Scotland.
The Highland Council gives good support to the airport because the airport matters so much. Thanks to this, Wick and the local area have a way to stay linked with places like Aberdeen. This is good for both work and personal travel.
Introduction to Wick John O’Groats Airport
Wick John O’Groats Airport is not just a runway. It is very important to the Caithness community. The airport sits on the north-eastern coast of Scotland. It opens the way for people to see the beautiful places and sights nearby, like the well-known John O’Groats.
The airport helps the local economy to grow. It also welcomes people who work in, or enjoy, the aviation industry. At Wick, the airport takes many types of planes. This makes it good for people who work in the field and fans as well. The team at the airport puts community engagement first. They want to make sure that what happens at the airport matches what the people in the area want for the future.
John O’Groats Airport is a key connection point for the Caithness community. It helps people go to the rest of Scotland and even further. There is a long story behind the airport, because it has played a big role in the area’s journey through time, and was important at key moments in history.
History and Development of Wick John O’Groats Airport
The story of Wick John O’Groats Airport goes back to the time of the Second World War. Back then, people called it RAF Wick. The airport played a big part as a base for different groups during those hard years. Its place on the map near Pulteney made it very important for watching over the coast and helping to keep it safe.
The airfield in wick has changed a lot from its days as a war base. Now, it is a modern place for people to fly in and out of wick john o’groats and the Highlands. The story of the john o’groats airport shows how this airport started with the war and then became something new for the area. Here, we’ll see some big moments from its past and talk about why it still matters today.
Key Milestones and Expansion
The airfield became well known during the Second World War. Back then, the place was used by Fighter Command and later by Coastal Command. Different squadrons were based there to keep the north coast of Scotland safe. This military story helped shape what the airport has now become.
With time, the airport has changed a lot. The first hangars and airfield set-up from wartime have been made new, so they can fit the needs of today’s people flying in. Moving from being just a military place to a proper business airport was a key part that got things started.
All these updates were needed so the airport could do more for the Caithness community. The switch made it possible to bring in passenger flights. This linked the area with the rest of the UK and helped the local economy grow, making a key travel spot for people today.
The Importance of Wick’s Airport for the Region
Wick John O’Groats Airport plays a key role for the Caithness community. Local businesses rely on the air link between Wick and Aberdeen. It gives them a fast and steady way to meet up, move people, and reach bigger markets. This is important for keeping jobs and growing the economy in this remote part of the country.
Community engagement is at the centre of what the airport does. The airport runs by asking the Caithness community to take part in its plans. This makes sure the services fit what people really need and use most. By working together, the airport stays as a true asset for everyone nearby.
The recent publication of an invitation to tender for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract shows why wick john o’groats airport is needed. The process makes sure important air services will go on, and shows the highland council is serious about keeping this transport link open for the region.
Flights and Destinations from Wick John O’Groats Airport
Getting ready for your trip from Wick John O’Groats Airport is easy. This airport mostly helps the area be part of big cities. The main flight at Wick John O’Groats is the Aberdeen air service. This is very important for people with work plans and for those on holiday. In the past, airlines like Loganair and Eastern Airways have flown from Wick.
The link to Aberdeen lets you go to many places. You can go all across the UK, to Europe, and even places like Norway. Next, we will look at which airlines are flying in 2026 and where you can go from Wick John O’Groats Airport.
Airlines Operating in 2026
In 2026, the primary airline operating scheduled passenger flights from Wick John O’Groats is Air Charter Scotland. This follows a successful tender process managed by the Highland Council, which appointed the airline to run the vital Wick to Aberdeen route.
The service is secured under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract, ensuring its reliability and continuation. While airlines like Loganair and Eastern Airways have served Wick in the past, Air Charter Scotland is the current operator for this key connection. The publication of an invitation for the next PSO contract ensures these flights will continue.
Here is a summary of the current airline operations:
|
Airline |
Key Route(s) |
Contract Type |
|---|---|---|
|
Air Charter Scotland |
Wick – Aberdeen |
Public Service Obligation (PSO) |
This dedicated service is crucial for maintaining regional connectivity.
Direct and Connecting Destinations Available
The main place you can fly to straight from Wick John O’Groats is Aberdeen. This route is important in the airport’s flight plan. It gives a fast and easy way to reach one of Scotland’s big cities and travel centres.
Once you get to Aberdeen Airport, there are a lot of travel choices. Here, you can get flights to many places. Aberdeen is a key point for travel not only across the UK and Europe, but even further. This makes flying from Wick good for both short and long trips.
Popular next stops from Aberdeen are:
-
Big cities in the UK, like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
-
Places around Europe for work or a holiday.
-
Main airports for flights to Norway and other countries.
You can see that from Wick, it is simple to travel through Aberdeen Airport to many more places in Scotland, the UK, Europe, or beyond.
Accessibility and Transport Options to Wick Airport
Getting to and from Wick John O’Groats Airport is easy. The airport is just a few miles away from Wick town centre. So, it is simple to get there. If you are coming to Wick or going to catch a flight, you will find there are a few ways to travel.
You can take a taxi, use car hire you have booked before, or drive your own car. Knowing how to get to Wick from other big airports and which local services are there will help you plan your trip well. Here are these choices explained more.
Getting to Wick from Major UK Airports
If you want to get to Wick from somewhere else in the United Kingdom, you will probably go by flying to a bigger airport in Scotland first. Aberdeen Airport is the closest big airport. You can take a direct flight from Aberdeen to Wick, which is be the easiest and fastest way.
The flight from Aberdeen to Wick is quick and does not stop. This lets you skip a long drive. Or, you can fly to Inverness Airport. Inverness is around 100 miles south of Wick. After that, you need to travel by road, either by car or by public transport.
Here are your main choices:
-
Fly to Aberdeen Airport: Take a direct flight from Aberdeen to Wick.
-
Fly to Inverness Airport: Drive, or take a bus or train to Wick. The journey is about 2-3 hours.
-
Drive from other Scottish cities: Glasgow and Edinburgh are both over 250 miles away, so the road trip will be long.
Local Transport, Taxis, and Car Hire Services
When you arrive at Wick John O’Groats Airport, it is easy to get to your last stop in Wick or near it. The airport is good for local transport, so you can keep going with no trouble.
You can find taxis at the airport to meet arriving flights. This is a quick and simple way to reach the town. You can also choose to book a taxi early if you want to be sure you have one. If you want to drive, you can hire a car from local businesses. It is best to book your car before you get there.
Your main local transport options are:
-
Taxis: These are ready outside the terminal and give you a simple transfer.
-
Car Hire: You can book with local companies so a car is ready for you.
Passenger Facilities and Services at Wick John O’Groats Airport
Wick John O’Groats Airport has the important things you need for a good trip. It is a small airport, but you will still find the main terminal facilities to help you wait in comfort. The staff aim to give you quick and friendly service.
There is a nice waiting area where you can relax, and you will get good help from the customer support team. The people who work at the airport try their best to look after you. Here, we will talk about what you can use in the terminal at Wick John O’Groats Airport and the special support you can get if you need help during your trip.
Terminal Amenities for Travellers
The terminal at Wick John O’Groats Airport is built to be easy for people to use and makes sure everyone feels comfortable. It is not a big airport, so you will not see many shops like in bigger places. But the airport has all the important things you need before you get on your plane.
There is a cosy area for waiting, so you can sit and relax before it is time to board. You will also find places with snacks and drinks to keep you going. It feels very quiet and calm there, just like the Highlands. The staff works hard to offer good support for everyone.
Key amenities include:
-
A comfortable departures lounge.
-
Toilets and baby changing facilities.
-
Information desk for any queries.
Special Assistance and Customer Support
Wick John O’Groats Airport works hard to make sure every person feels welcome, including those who may find it hard to move around or need some extra help. Their customer support team is here to help you get through the airport with ease.
To get the help you need, you must book support before you travel. Get in touch with your airline, like Air Charter Scotland, at least 48 hours before your flight. They will then talk to the staff at wick john o’groats airport so your support is ready as soon as you arrive.
This service helps with things like finding your way around the terminal and with getting on the plane. The team at john o’groats airport is trained to give support in a kind and respectful way. They want to make sure your time at wick john o’groats airport is smooth and stress-free, whether you are coming to or leaving from wick, scotland.
Practical Information for Travellers
To help your trip go well, it is good to know some key things about using Wick John O’Groats Airport. You should get to know about parking, when the terminal opens, and what to do for security. This will help you be ready when you leave or when you arrive.
It is also smart to keep up with the latest flight times and any new messages from the airport. This is even more important now, since there is a current tender for flight services. We will go over these main points to make your travel at wick, john o’groats airport, much simpler.
Parking, Opening Hours, and Security
Wick John O’Groats Airport offers convenient parking facilities right next to the terminal. The car park is available for both short and long stays, and it is free of charge, which is a great benefit for travellers.
The terminal’s opening hours are aligned with flight schedules. It typically opens before the first departure and closes after the last arrival of the day. As it’s a small airport, security procedures are generally quick and efficient, but it’s always recommended to arrive with enough time before your flight.
Here’s a quick summary of the practical details:
|
Facility/Service |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Parking |
Free on-site parking available |
|
Opening Hours |
Aligned with daily flight schedules |
|
Security |
Standard airport security checks; allow adequate time |
Current Flight Schedules and Important Notices
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is a good idea to check the official Wick John O’Groats Airport website or talk to your airline. Flight schedules at this airport can change, so you should always confirm your flight times before you go.
The airport website has a latest update section. This section shows arrivals and departures, as well as important news. It is the best place to see any notices about service changes or news on the latest happenings at Wick. Community engagement is also important for the future development of the airport.
At this time, these notices might include news about the PSO contract tender. This will influence how flights at Wick run in the future. If you stay informed, you will know about changes that can affect your travel to or from Wick.
Conclusion
To sum up, Wick John O’Groats Airport helps to link this lovely place with the rest of the world. It has a long story and keeps improving, so it gives important help and things people need, for both now and into 2026. The airport offers airlines that give both direct and connecting flights, making travel easy. Transport from and to the airport is good, so getting around will be smooth. This airport is made to keep things simple and stress-free for all passengers. If you are travelling for a holiday or to work, you will have an easy trip from the start to the end. If you have questions or need help, you can get in touch. Have a safe trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact Wick John O’Groats Airport?
You can find details to contact Wick John O’Groats Airport on the official HIAL (Highlands and Islands Airports Limited) website. The site gives phone numbers and email addresses for questions and customer help. This is the best way to reach the airport right away.
What transport choices are there from the airport into Wick town?
From Wick John O’Groats Airport, it is easy to get to Wick town centre by local transport. Taxis wait for flights to come in, so you can get a quick ride. You can also book a car hire before you come, so the car is ready when you arrive.
Are there any car hire companies based at the airport?
There are no car hire desks inside the Wick John O’Groats Airport terminal. But, you can find local businesses in Wick that offer car hire. You can book a car and get it brought to the airport when you get there. You must book this service before your trip.