Key Highlights
- See Kirkwall Airport, the main way in or out of the beautiful Orkney Islands in Scotland.
- Find out about Loganair, which is the main airline here. It has direct flights to big cities and other Scottish islands.
- You can learn about all the ways to get to and from the airport. There are taxis and buses to pick from.
- Look into what the airport gives you, like places for passengers, car hire, and ways to help everyone get around in the terminal.
- Get the newest updates on arrivals, departures, and what is happening at Islands Airports Limited.
- Find out about the airport’s long and interesting history, starting from its days with the RAF, right up to how it works now in Kirkwall.
Introduction
Welcome to your easy guide to Kirkwall Airport (KOI), which is the main airport for the Orkney Islands. It is just under three miles from the centre of Kirkwall. This airport is the perfect place to start your trip to this lovely part of Scotland. People come here for many reasons. Some come for the rich history of Orkney, while others want to see the beautiful views or enjoy the lively culture. Kirkwall Airport is a key way to get to both the mainland of Scotland and the many outer isles. This guide will give you all you need to know to make your journey smooth and simple.
Getting to Kirkwall Airport
Getting to Kirkwall Airport is simple and easy. This helps your travel to and from the Orkney Islands to be smooth. The airport is just 2.9 miles to the southeast of Kirkwall, which is the biggest town in the isles. Because of its place, you can get from your plane to see the sights of Orkney without much delay.
No matter if you go to the airport to fly to the North Isles, or you arrive for your trip to Orkney, you will find different ways to travel. The airport is close to the centre of town. You can reach the terminal fast. Here, you can find out more about the travel and parking choices that you have for Kirkwall and the isles.
Transport options from Kirkwall city centre
Are you trying to find how to get to Kirkwall Airport from the city centre? There are a few good ways that help you travel with ease. Since the airport is close to Kirkwall, you won’t need to go far or deal with a tricky trip before your flight.
A taxi is often the best choice if you want a direct and quick journey. Many local taxi firms work in the orkney islands and can take you right up to the terminal door. This is a good option if you have a lot of bags with you. Or, you could use public transport, which also has reliable links.
There isn’t a special airport bus, but local bus routes from the orkney islands council run near the airport. It’s smart to check the latest timetables so your travel goes as planned. Your main ways to get there are:
- Taxi: The fastest way to go straight from your place in Kirkwall to the airport.
- Bus: A good value choice, with bus stops just a short walk from the terminal.
- Car Hire: Get a hire car in town and drop it off at the airport before you fly.
Parking availability and rates
If you plan to drive your own vehicle, you’ll be pleased to know that parking is available at Kirkwall Airport. The car park is situated directly in front of the terminal building, offering convenient access whether you’re dropping someone off, picking them up, or leaving your car for the duration of your trip. The process is managed to ensure a smooth experience for all travellers.
The parking at Kirkwall Airport is pay-on-exit, and rates are structured to accommodate both short-term and long-term stays. While specific rates can change, they are generally designed to be reasonable for those travelling from the Orkney Islands. For the most current information, it’s always best to check the Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) website.
Here is an illustrative example of what parking rates might look like, though you should confirm the latest prices before travelling.
| Duration | Example Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | £3.00 |
| 1-3 hours | £4.50 |
| 3-24 hours | £6.00 |
| Per day thereafter | £6.00 |
Airlines and Destinations
Kirkwall Airport is an important place for travel, helping people in Orkney reach mainland Scotland and other places. Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) runs the airport, and it is an important base for Loganair, Scotland’s airline. Loganair offers most of the regular passenger flights. So, you get good flight options for both locals and people visiting the area.
At Kirkwall, you can get direct flights to many important places. These flights help people go for work, fun, or to see family and friends. The airport lets you fly to main cities in Scotland, and you can also take inter-island flights. Below, we will look at the main airline and where you can go from this airport.
Major airlines operating at Kirkwall Airport
When you fly from Kirkwall, you will be mostly flying with Loganair. Loganair is Scotland’s own airline and it has been flying between the Highlands, the Scottish islands, and other places for many years. Loganair is the main airline at Kirkwall Airport. The airline is well-liked for its work in helping people of the remote Scottish islands, offering important flights to and from their homes.
Kirkwall Airport, which is owned by HIAL (Highlands and Islands Airports Limited), works closely with Loganair to make sure flights run smoothly and can be trusted. Loganair has planes that are made for the special needs of flying between the islands, like the world’s shortest, scheduled flight between Westray and Papa Westray. The airline moves both people and goods from Kirkwall.
The main airlines they have at Kirkwall Airport are:
- Loganair: This is the main airline for passenger flights. Loganair flies between Kirkwall and mainland Scotland, other Scottish islands, some UK cities, and a few places in Europe.
- Cargo Services: Loganair also carries important things like mail and packages. This keeps items moving in and out of the Scottish islands.
Direct flight routes and popular destinations
One of the best things about flying from Kirkwall is the number of direct flights you can take. This lets you get to big places and other lovely Scottish islands. Loganair gives a strong line-up of flights that work for people from the area and for people coming to visit. No matter if you want a city trip or want to see more of Scotland, there are a lot of options to pick from.
Most people use Kirkwall to fly between Orkney and the big cities in Scotland. You can get direct flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness all year. This makes it easy to travel on to other places in the UK. At some times of year, there are extra trips further away, with flights to London Heathrow and even Bergen in Norway.
Kirkwall is also known for being the main airport for flights between the Orkney Mainland and the north isles. These direct flights link Orkney with the north isles and make travel simple. Popular stops are:
- Mainland UK: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and at certain times you can fly to Belfast City and London Heathrow.
- Shetland: You can catch a regular flight from Kirkwall to Sumburgh in Shetland.
- Orkney’s North Isles: Flights go to Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, and Westray.
Passenger Facilities
Kirkwall Airport’s terminal is made to give a easy and relaxed time to all who use it. The building is small, but it has the main things you need before you take off. You can get a quick bite to eat or find travel information at the airport. The team there wants to make your trip go well, and you will feel welcome as soon as you walk in.
The airport is also set up to help everyone, and it is simple to plan travel once you land. If you need help inside the terminal, want to hire a car, or book a taxi when you arrive, these are all ready for you. Next, we will look more closely at the things and transport services you get at kirkwall airport.
Terminal amenities and services
Inside Kirkwall Airport, you get some helpful things to make the wait for your flight better. The place is made so you can check in and get through security fast. After that, you can sit in the departure lounge and relax for a while before your flight.
If you feel hungry or just want a drink, there is a cafe in the terminal. You can get hot or cold drinks, snacks, and light meals here. It is a good place to sit down and get something to eat before you go. Kirkwall Airport gives you free Wi-Fi too, so you can go online, check your emails, or just look at news while you wait. It is easy to find flight information on the well-lit screens in the airport, so you always know what is going on with your flight.
Here are the main things you will find in the terminal:
- Cafe and Refreshments: You can enjoy food and drinks before your flight.
- Free Wi-Fi: You get free internet in the whole building so you can stay connected.
The airport has a local feel too, with some nice art. Look out for artwork like the mosaics by Sheila Scott and runic writing on the roof. This gives the place a real Orcadian style that makes your time in Kirkwall special.
Car hire, taxi, and accessibility options
Arranging your transport after you land at Kirkwall Airport is easy. If you want to see the Orkney Islands at your own pace, you will find a few car hire companies at the airport. It is a good idea to book your car early, especially when many people visit, so you do not miss out. The car hire desks are right inside the terminal, so it is simple to get your car.
If you do not want to drive, you can get a taxi just outside the terminal. Local taxis are available and can take you to Kirkwall, Stromness, and other places on the orkney islands. Getting a taxi is a quick and direct way to reach your place to stay. You will not need to worry about anything.
The airport also works hard to help people with less mobility. You can arrange special help with your airline if you need it, from the time you get to the airport until you get on the plane. The terminal has good access, and staff will be ready to help.
- Car Hire: Book your car before you travel with local or national providers, and pick it up at the airport.
- Taxis: Licensed taxis are waiting outside the terminal, ready to take you anywhere in orkney.
Airport Operations and Updates
It is important to stay updated about your flight if you want a good travel day. Kirkwall Airport lets you check real-time arrivals and departures online. This helps a lot in the Orkney Islands because the weather can change the flight plans. Looking at the latest updates will help you plan better.
Besides knowing about flight times, it is good to know where to see new airport news or find answers if you have any questions. If you lose something or need to hear about changes in how the airport works, the right contact is key. The next sections will tell you how to stay updated and how to get in touch.
Arrivals, departures, and latest airport news
You can check the status of arrivals and departures at Kirkwall Airport with ease. The HIAL website has a live flight updates board, which is the best way to get real-time information. You will know if the flights are on time, late, or cancelled. This can help you plan your trip to or from Kirkwall Airport.
For news and changes at Kirkwall Airport, the HIAL website and their social media are good places to look. Here, you will find important updates about Kirkwall, like changes to how the airport works, new routes, and other airport news. There is also news about big projects at the airport, for example, islands airports limited is working on using a hydrogen run engine for the heating system to lower emissions.
To keep up-to-date, remember to:
- Check the live flight tracker on the official Kirkwall Airport page of the HIAL website before you travel.
- Follow Highlands and Islands Airports Limited on social media for news and service changes at the airport.
Contact information and lost property procedures
If you want to get in touch with Kirkwall Airport, you can find all the general enquiry details on the HIAL website. There, you will see a phone number and an address. You can use these to contact them by phone or letter. If you want to ask about your booking or things like taking bags with you, you should reach out to your airline and not the airport.
Did you lose something at Kirkwall Airport? The airport has a simple system for lost property. If you think you left something in the building or in the car park, talk to the information desk at the airport. They can tell you if they have your item and what you need to do to get it back.
If your item was lost on a plane, speak to the airline you were flying with. They look after what is lost on their aircraft.
- For items lost in the terminal: Phone the Kirkwall Airport information desk. The number is shown on the official airport website.
- For items lost on an aircraft: You should call or write to the airline you were flying with, as they will have your lost item if found.
History of Kirkwall Airport
Kirkwall Airport has a long story that is tied to the orkney islands and their place in the history of the twentieth century. The airfield started out as a military base during World War Two. It was not meant for regular travel. People chose its spot to help protect the big navy area at Scapa Flow.
With time, the airport changed. It went from being a military site to what it is now—a busy spot for travellers. It has been updated many times so it can handle bigger planes and more people. It is now the main way to get to orkney, and is a key link for the north isles. This story shows how it began and what happened along the way.
Origins and development
The story of Kirkwall Airport starts in 1940. It was built then as RAF Grimsetter. The airport was made for the Royal Air Force to help guard the British Home Fleet at Scapa Flow in World War II. The builders put the airport on land where Grimsetter farm used to be, so it took that farm’s name. Now, you can still see its old name on the terminal, written in runic symbols.
In 1943, the Royal Navy took over the airbase and called it RNAS Grimsetter. It later got the name HMS Robin. The base worked as a smaller site linked with nearby RNAS Hatston (HMS Sparrowhawk). Back then, there were many Fleet Air Arm squadrons at this base. They were part of many big naval flying tasks in this part of Scotland.
The airport changed its job after the war to serve people instead of the military.
- 1940: Built as RAF Grimsetter for the defence of Scapa Flow.
- 1948: Given to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, so it started to work as a public airport.
In 1986, Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL) took over running the airport. HIAL still runs Kirkwall Airport today.
Notable events and upgrades
Over the years, Kirkwall Airport has gone through many changes to meet the needs of modern flying. One big change happened in 1966. That year, the main runway was made longer. This update was needed so that bigger planes, like the Vickers Viscount, could land and take off. These new planes were starting to fly on routes to and from the Scottish islands.
Another upgrade took place in 2001. At that time, an Instrument Landing System, or ILS, was put in. This system makes it safer and easier for pilots to land in fog and low cloud, which are often found in Orkney. Before it could be set up, the airport had to get some land from farmers nearby. This new land was needed to set up lights past the end of the runway.
The airport is known for being safe, but there was one event worth noting. In October 1979, a Vickers Viscount was damaged too much to fix. This happened because during a very windy landing, one of the plane’s propellers hit the runway. The plane then moved off the runway, but everyone was safe and no one got hurt.
- 1966: The main runway was made longer so larger passenger planes could use it.
- 2001: An Instrument Landing System (ILS) got set up to help flights go ahead in bad weather.
Conclusion
Kirkwall Airport is an important place for travel in the Orkney Islands. The airport gives you many helpful services and makes your trip easier. You can find good transport choices and pick from airlines going to different places. This airport is used by people going for fun or for work. The airport has friendly spaces for passengers and a history that lets you see the heritage of Orkney. Kirkwall Airport helps you reach the Orkney Islands and shows you what makes this area special. If you want a short trip or want to see the beauty of Orkney, this guide has all you need for a smooth airport visit. If you want to start planning, look at more resources or get some help with your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check flight status at Kirkwall Airport?
The best way to check your flight is to go to the official Kirkwall Airport page on the HIAL website. There, you will find a live list for all arrivals and departures. This gives you up-to-date information. It helps you know about any changes to your flight time before you travel.
Are there any family-friendly facilities at Kirkwall Airport?
Kirkwall Airport has things that are good for families. The terminal has a cafe where you can get snacks and drinks. There are toilets that are easy to use, and they have baby changing spots. Since the terminal is all on one level, it is simple to move around in with children or pushchairs. This helps you and your family feel more at ease at the very start of your time in Orkney.
What are the recommended ways to reach the airport from Orkney’s towns?
The top ways to get to Kirkwall Airport are by taxi, which is direct and quick, or by car hire, which lets you have more freedom. Local buses also run close to the airport. This is a good choice if you want to save money. Check local bus times ahead so you can match them with your flight.