Key Highlights
Here is a quick look at what you need to know about Inverness Airport:
-
The airport is the main doorway to the Scottish Highlands. It sees over 700,000 people pass through each year.
-
Airlines such as British Airways and easyJet have daily flights. You can also get direct flights to big UK hubs.
-
There is a new railway station. This makes it easier to get to Inverness and other places in the Highlands.
-
You can use many passenger services at the airport like the business lounge, retail outlets, and car hire.
-
The airport plans to double passenger numbers. Big changes to the terminal and runway are coming soon.
Introduction
Welcome to your simple guide to Inverness Airport for 2026. Inverness Airport is the main hub for travel in the Scottish Highlands. This airport is busy and brings people to and from the Highlands, the rest of the UK, and Europe. Whether you want to visit for a scenic trip or for work, you will find everything you need in this guide. We will cover the history of the airport, where you can fly, its services, and how to get there. The airport makes travel easy for both locals and visitors.
A Brief History of Inverness Airport
The story of Inverness Airport starts in 1940. The Air Ministry built the Royal Air Force station Dalcross, called RAF Dalcross. During the Second World War, it was an important base for the military. It had groups like the No. 2 Air Gunners School and an advanced flying training school.
After the war ended, the airfield changed use in 1947. It became the Inverness Airport that we know now, but it kept some military parts for a few more years. This long history helped it grow into a busy hub for travel today. Now, we will look at how it moved from a military base to a modern place and the main things that changed over time.
Transition from RAF Dalcross to Modern Airport
The move from RAF Dalcross to a civilian airport began in 1947. This was an important change for the airfield. It had been a big Royal Air Force base during the war. When its job in the war was over, the site at Dalcross was picked to replace the old Inverness Airport at Longman. It became the main hub for civil flights in the Highlands.
This shift took some time. The Royal Air Force stayed at Dalcross for several years. No. 8 Advanced Flying Training School used the site between 1951 and 1953. This slow change let the airport move from military to civilian use in a steady way.
After many years, the old military base turned into a modern airport for commercial planes. The original runway at Dalcross, made in a triangle shape for the war, was improved to let bigger planes land. This story of the airfield shows how it can change to fit what people need. It is still an important part of the Highlands and a key gateway for the area.
Major Milestones and Recent Developments
Inverness Airport has grown a lot, especially in the last few years. Back in the mid-1970s, there was a big change when British European Airways started jet flights to London Heathrow. The airport’s current terminal opened in 1999. It has been made bigger a few times so it can be used by more people.
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) has put a lot of money into Inverness Airport in recent years. There is now a new international arrivals area in the terminal, a bigger security zone, and more shops. The number of passengers has gone up a lot. By 2017, more than 829,000 people were using the airport, showing just how popular and well-connected it is.
The airport has a full master plan that looks ahead to 2045. This plan talks about building a new terminal and making the runway longer. These steps mean the airport will handle even more people and be able to do longer flights. In this way, Inverness will stay an important travel hub for the Highlands.
Airlines and Destinations in 2026
Inverness Airport helps you get to many exciting places all over the UK and Europe. Big airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, and KLM fly from here often. This makes it a good hub for people who want to travel more. New routes keep coming, too. For example, Aer Lingus Regional will soon fly to Dublin. So, you will have even more places to choose from.
If you want to fly direct to busy city centres, or catch a connecting flight to another country, Inverness has the way. You can always find a good route here. Now, let’s look at the airlines you can choose at Inverness Airport and the popular spots you can go to.
Current Airlines Operating at Inverness Airport
Wondering what airlines operate flights from Inverness Airport? Several key carriers provide a mix of domestic and international services, ensuring you stay well-connected. Loganair, Scotland’s regional airline, operates the most extensive network from Inverness, linking the Highlands to various UK cities and the Scottish islands.
International connectivity is strong, thanks to KLM’s daily flights to Amsterdam, which serve as a gateway to the world. British Airways offers a crucial link to London Heathrow, while easyJet provides popular low-cost flights to several UK destinations. For leisure travellers, TUI Airways operates seasonal flights to sunny Palma de Mallorca. Here is a summary of the main airlines and their destinations.
|
Airline |
Destinations |
|---|---|
|
Aer Lingus Regional |
Dublin (from May 2026) |
|
British Airways |
London-Heathrow |
|
easyJet |
Birmingham (from March 2026), Bristol, London-Gatwick, London-Luton |
|
KLM |
Amsterdam |
|
Loganair |
Belfast-City, Kirkwall, Manchester, Stornoway, Sumburgh |
|
TUI Airways |
Palma de Mallorca (Seasonal) |
|
airBaltic |
Gran Canaria (Seasonal Charter from Feb 2026) |
Direct Routes and Popular Destinations
If you are asking, “What places can I fly to directly from Inverness Airport?”, there is a good range of options. Inverness gives you direct flights to many major UK cities, making both business trips and breaks easy. London stands out, with direct flights to Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton. These London routes account for over 65% of all passenger traffic.
Besides London, you can fly straight to other top UK cities. These connections are great for regional travel. You can use them for work or a short holiday. The most popular domestic places are:
-
Manchester
-
Bristol
-
Belfast-City
For going abroad, Amsterdam is the main hub. It links you up to places all over the world. Seasonal flights give you more holiday options, like Palma de Mallorca. Soon, you will see new flights to Dublin with Aer Lingus Regional and charter flights to Gran Canaria. This helps you get more travel choices right from the Highlands.
Transport Connections and Accessibility
Getting to and from Inverness Airport is now very simple. The airport is next to the A96 Aberdeen-Inverness trunk road, so all cars and other vehicles have direct access. In 2023, a new railway station opened here. This means there is now an easy way to travel by train from Inverness, Nairn, and other places.
You can drive, use the train, or get on a bus to reach the airport. All these choices make it easy for you to get to or leave the airport from the city centre. Let’s go over how you can get to the airport and which public transport is there for you to use.
Getting to Inverness Airport from the City Centre
Are you wondering how to get to Inverness Airport from the city centre? The airport is only 13 km, which is about 8 miles north-east of Inverness. It is not far, and the way by car is easy. This trip usually takes around 20 minutes, but the time can change if there is more traffic.
To get there, you go along the main road A96, heading in the direction of Aberdeen. The airport has clear signs. You then turn onto Inverness Airport Way, a newer road that opened in 2006. This road is modern and gives you a direct and safe way to the terminal. It replaced the older and narrow roads used before.
This simple road access makes driving or getting a taxi a top choice for people. The airport is close to the city, so you will get there fast and not have too much to worry about. It is a good start to your trip, whether you go for work or for fun.
Public Transport, Shuttles, and Taxi Services
There are very good ways to travel to and from Inverness Airport using public transport. The new Inverness Airport railway station is now open, and this has made things much better for many people. The station gives you a direct rail link on the line from Inverness to Aberdeen. You can get from the station to the terminal by shuttle bus, or you can walk for about 15 to 20 minutes.
You can also travel by bus. Stagecoach runs the “Jet” bus service. It connects the airport with Inverness, Nairn and Elgin. The buses run often, more so during busy times. This means it is a good and low-cost choice if you want to get to these places. A one-way ticket to the city costs about £3.10.
If you want to get a ride straight to your door, taxis can pick you up right in front of the terminal building.
-
Train: The new Inverness Airport railway station has ScotRail trains.
-
Bus: Stagecoach sends out its regular buses to Inverness and other nearby towns.
-
Taxi: Inverness Taxis are always at the front of the terminal and run all day and night.
Facilities and Passenger Services
Inverness Airport has many things to help make your journey good. The airport has one terminal that is simple to get around. You can find what you need in it before you fly. There are retail outlets for last-minute shopping. You have places to eat, and there is a business lounge if you want a quiet spot to relax or do some work.
The airport has services both before and after security. You can park right at the front of the terminal, and there are spots to rest. You will get what you need during your visit. Now, let’s look at the exact amenities and their opening times.
Terminal Amenities, Lounges, and Opening Hours
So, what can you expect when you use Inverness Airport? The terminal has a range of things for you. There are WHSmith shops both before and after you pass security. Here, you can get newspapers and snacks. You will also find the Jail at the Airport gift shop if you want something special to take home. If you feel hungry or want a drink, you can go to The D’lish Restaurant and Bar. This one is found before you go through security. If you want something after security, there is the D’lish Café Bar for you to visit.
People sometimes ask if Inverness Airport has a lounge. The answer is yes. The airport has the Aspire Lounge, which Swissport runs. It is a good spot to rest. They offer free drinks, snacks, unlimited WiFi, and lovely views of the runway. The place is great if you wish to relax for a while before your flight. Opening times at the airport usually match the time of the flights. In most cases, it opens early and closes when the last flight leaves.
Key facilities include:
-
retail outlets for shopping
-
restaurants and cafés
-
an executive business lounge for all passengers
Inverness Airport Parking and Car Hire Options
When you park at Inverness Airport, you have the choice of Short Stay, Long Stay, or Premium parking. The Short Stay car park is right next to the terminal and works well for drop-offs or trips that are less than two days. The Long Stay car park is a good pick if you want to save money on parking for more days. You will find Premium spaces at the front of the terminal, along with accessible spots for Blue Badge holders.
You will also be able to get car hire in Inverness at the airport. Many big names, like Enterprise, SIXT, Avis, and Europcar, have desks in the terminal. You may also use a free shuttle to visit a nearby branch if you need to. This lets you pick up your car easily and drive out to see the Highlands as soon as you arrive.
Here are your main options:
-
Parking: Short Stay, Long Stay, and Premium parking are all available.
-
Car Hire: Major rental companies offer a wide range of vehicles.
-
Booking: Pre-booking your parking online is recommended for the best rates.
Conclusion
Inverness Airport gives you both history and new features. It makes a good place to start your trip in 2026. Several airlines help you reach well-known spots. The transport links from the city centre to the airport are simple. It is easier now to get to and from the terminal.
The terminal has many services. These include lounges and parking. You can sit and feel at ease, and your needs will be met. No matter if your trip is for work or holiday, Inverness Airport is ready for you. The staff here are friendly. The services be quick.
If you want more details, or want to plan travel, you can get in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the parking options available at Inverness Airport?
You can pick either Short Stay or Long Stay parking at Inverness Airport. For ease, premium accessible parking is found at the front of the terminal. It is a good idea to book your parking online before you travel. This way, you get the best prices.
Does Inverness Airport provide public transportation links?
Yes, the airport is easy to get to. The Inverness Airport railway station has direct trains. There is also a bus that runs often between the airport and the city centre. Taxis are at the front of the terminal any time of day or night. All these options make it simple to travel to and from the terminal.
Are there lounges available for passengers at Inverness Airport?
Yes, you can use the Aspire Lounge at Inverness Airport. This business lounge gives you a calm area where you can sit and relax before you fly. You will get free snacks and drinks, WiFi, and you can see the runway from inside. The lounge is open to all people leaving on flights. It does not matter which airline you use or what type of ticket you have.