Key Highlights
Here is a quick look at what you need to know before you travel through Sumburgh Airport in Shetland, Scotland.
- Sumburgh is the main airport that links the Shetland Islands to the UK mainland.
- This airport is 25 miles, or about 40 km, south of Lerwick, which is the main town in Shetland.
- You can fly from this airport straight to big cities like London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Orkney.
- The airport has a main runway and offers basic things every traveller may need.
- The airport has made some changes, with a new quiet room and a shop that sells local gifts.
Introduction
Welcome to your easy guide for Sumburgh Airport. If you want to visit the beautiful Shetland Islands in 2026, you are in the right place. Sumburgh is the main entry point to the lovely places and old Viking history of Scotland’s northern group of islands. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know. There is help with flight choices, airport services, and travel links, so you can get to and from Shetland with no trouble. It will help you have a good time and a smooth trip. Let’s get you set for your journey.
Location and Key Information about Sumburgh Airport
Sumburgh Airport is the main air spot for the Shetland islands. It connects this lovely part of Scotland with the rest of the UK. You can find it at the very south end of the main island. The airport is not just a place with a runway. This is where a lot of trips and new journeys on the islands begin.
Because of where the airport is, it helps people who live in Shetland, as well as visitors who want to see its culture and the great sights. You can use this page to find out where Sumburgh Airport is, and you will also get the main facts you need to know before you fly.
Where Sumburgh Airport is Situated in Shetland
You can find Sumburgh Airport at the far south end of the biggest island in Shetland, called the Mainland. The airport is about 25 miles or 40 kilometres from Lerwick. Lerwick is the capital of Shetland and is also the main place for business.
The place where the airport sits lets you see amazing sights as you land or take off. You will notice the high cliffs and the North Sea around you. Sumburgh Airport is close to famous places like Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, so it is a good place to start your trip.
This part of Shetland is known for its great views and a lot of history. As soon as you get to Sumburgh, you step right into the wild beauty that makes this part of Scotland stand out. Going from the airport to other parts of the island is also a special trip.
Essential Facts and Facilities for Travellers
Sumburgh Airport is ready to meet your travel needs. It makes starting or ending your journey easy and comfortable. The main runway at the airport welcomes regular flights that link Shetland with the UK. It also helps serve people working in the North Sea oil and gas business.
When you step into the terminal, you will see many useful facilities for passengers. If you want a snack, need to grab a quick souvenir, or just want some quiet before you fly, this airport has what you need. Here is what you can find:
- A new shop where you can buy gifts and souvenirs made in Shetland.
- The West Voe Quiet Room for those who need a calm place.
- Help for travellers who find it hard to move around.
- All the normal check-in and security checks.
The airport gives people a practical and friendly way into Shetland. The staff do their best to give everyone a good trip. If you need extra help, they are ready, so all who travel can enjoy their time there.
Airlines, Destinations, and Flight Options
Booking flights to or from Sumburgh is easy. You can pick from a few main places you want to go. Loganair is the top airline for these flights. It runs regular services that link Shetland with big cities in Scotland and other destinations. This means it is now simple to get to the islands.
You can fly direct to Sumburgh from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, or even London Heathrow. There are flights to Orkney too. Here, we will talk about which places you can reach and what airlines will take you there, including flights between Shetland and these cities in Scotland, and flights to Orkney and London.
Direct Destinations Served from Sumburgh Airport
From Sumburgh Airport, you can fly directly to several key locations in Scotland and England, making it a convenient hub for both business and leisure travel. These routes provide essential links for islanders and open up Shetland to visitors from across the country and the world.
The direct flights connect you to major transport hubs, allowing for easy onward travel. Whether you are heading to the bustling city of London or the Highlands capital of Inverness, you can start your journey right here in Sumburgh. The connection to Orkney is also perfect for island-hopping adventures.
Here are the main direct destinations you can fly to from Sumburgh:
| Destination | Country |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen | Scotland |
| Edinburgh | Scotland |
| Glasgow | Scotland |
| Inverness | Scotland |
| Kirkwall (Orkney) | Scotland |
| London Heathrow | England |
Airlines Operating Regular Flights and How to Find the Best Deals
Loganair is the main airline that runs regular flights out of Sumburgh Airport. As Scotland’s airline, it has a wide network linking Shetland to the UK mainland. This includes an important route to London Heathrow. Because of this, you can easily go on to other international places.
You may need to plan a bit if you want to get the best fares for your flight from Sumburgh. Prices can change a lot based on the time of year, how early you book, and how many people are looking for tickets. To get cheap flights, try to be flexible with your travel days.
Here are a few tips when you look for good prices:
- Book early: Ticket prices are often lower if you book a few weeks or months before you go.
- Go outside busy times: Fares can drop if you fly in the middle of the week or not during big holidays.
- Join the airline newsletter: Loganair has special deals and offers that they send to people who get their emails.
Arrivals, Departures, and Passenger Services
It is easy to check your flight status at Sumburgh Airport. You can find live updates for all flights arriving and leaving the airport. This is useful, whether you are flying or waiting to pick someone up. The airport works hard to be sure everyone can access this information.
The airport puts passenger services first. They want all people to have a good and calm time there. They offer great help for those who may have trouble moving around. You can read below to find out how to see flight updates and get more details on the terminal’s services.
How to Check Live Flight Information at Sumburgh Airport
Staying up to date with flight information at Sumburgh Airport is easy. The best way to see live arrivals and departures is by going to the airport’s official website. The site has real-time flight boards. These show both the scheduled and actual flight times. They also show the status of each flight, such as ‘Landed’, ‘Departed’, or ‘Delayed’.
This tool is good for planning your trip to the airport. It helps whether you need to catch a flight or meet someone arriving. Knowing the exact status lets you avoid extra waiting and keeps you in the know about any changes.
For the most accurate information, your best options are:
- Go to the Sumburgh Airport website. The ‘Arrivals & Departures’ section is updated all the time.
- Get in touch with your airline. Your airline will share the latest news about your flight.
- Check airport information screens. You can see big display screens in the terminal when you get to the airport.
The airport website gives you live flight data. At the moment, it does not show public webcams of the runway or terminal.
Terminal Amenities and Accessibility for Passengers
Sumburgh Airport has different things to make your time in the terminal good. There is a new shop where you can get gifts or souvenirs. Here, you can find something nice to take home from Shetland.
If you want a quiet spot, the West Voe Quiet Room is there for you. This is away from the busy part of the terminal. It is good for people who want to get away from the noise or want a calm place before they fly.
The airport also wants to make sure everyone can get around. There are special things and help for passengers who find it hard to move. You will see:
- Assistance to help you get to and from the plane.
- Toilets and seating areas that are easy to use for everyone.
It is a good idea to let your airline know if you need extra help. You should do this at least 48 hours before your flight so the airport can meet the UK rules for support.
Transport Links and Getting to Lerwick
After you land at Sumburgh, it is easy to get to Lerwick and other places in Shetland. The airport sits about 25 miles south of Lerwick, which is the main town on the island. There are different ways to finish your trip.
You can use public transport, take a taxi if you like more privacy, or hire a car if you want to go your own way. There is something for everyone. If you set up your next transfers before you travel, it will make your time at the airport smoother. Now, we will talk about public and private travel choices in Shetland.
Public Transport and Taxi Options from Sumburgh Airport
Using public transport can be a good and low-cost way to get from Sumburgh Airport to Lerwick. There is a bus that connects the airport with the town. The bus ride lets you see some of the best sights that Shetland has to offer. The bus times are planned to work with flight arrivals and departures, so you will not have to wait long.
If you like a direct trip, there are taxis ready for you at the airport. A taxi can give you an easy, door-to-door ride, taking you straight to your place to stay in Lerwick or anywhere else in Shetland. This is a good choice if you bring a lot of bags or if you travel with others.
Here are your main transport choices for getting to Lerwick:
- Bus Service: Look for the bus stop at the front of the terminal.
- Airport Taxis: You will find a taxi rank just outside when you come out after your flight.
- Pre-booked Taxis: You may also contact a Shetland taxi company before the day you come, and this can help you feel relaxed.
The best option for you is up to your plans, cash, and what you want, but all these ways will get you from Sumburgh to other parts of Shetland in a good way.
Parking, Car Hire, and Transfers Across Shetland
For those who like to travel in their own car, Sumburgh Airport gives you some handy choices. You can park at the airport, for short stays or long ones. Parking fees will be back from August 2025, so you should look at the latest prices before you go.
Car hire is a good way for visitors to see Shetland on their own terms. There are many car hire firms at the airport, so you can pick up your car when you arrive. You will be able to drive the 25 miles to Lerwick and anywhere else in Shetland when you want.
Think about these ways to stay flexible:
- On-site parking: Easy for people who drive to the airport.
- Car hire: Book your car early, especially in peak times, to make sure you get one.
- Private transfers: Set up a transfer ahead of time, so you can reach your place anywhere in Shetland without fuss.
Latest Developments and Traveller Tips for 2026
Sumburgh Airport is always looking for ways to make things better for passengers. The airport has worked on adding the new things people need. It has also made the terminal more cosy and nice to be in for everyone. With these updates, the airport shows that it wants to give top service to all who use this key Shetland gateway.
If you are getting ready for your 2026 trip, it will help to know what is new at Sumburgh and have a few useful tips. There are new things to use in the airport and tips on how to have a smooth trip. The information below will help you get the best out of your travel in Shetland through Sumburgh.
New Facilities and Improvements at Sumburgh Airport
Sumburgh Airport has made some good changes lately to help make your trip better. The West Voe Quiet Room is one of the biggest updates. It is a calm space for you to take a break from all the noise in the main terminal.
The airport has also opened a new shop in the terminal. This is helpful if you want to pick up a gift or something special from Shetland before you leave. The shop has items made in the local area, so you can take home a piece of what makes Shetland unique.
Key recent improvements include:
- The West Voe Quiet Room: A new space for relaxation and calm.
- A new terminal shop: Offering a choice of gifts and local products.
These new spaces are part of the airport’s ongoing plan to modernise and make travel nicer for people.
Practical Guidance for a Smooth Travel Experience
To make sure you have a good trip at Sumburgh Airport, it helps to plan ahead. The weather in Shetland can change fast, so you should always look at the forecast before you go. Be ready because there can be delays—this is even more true in the winter.
It is always a good idea to get to the airport early. This gives you enough time to check in, get through security, and have a little break before you fly. Security rules are the usual ones. So, put your liquids in a clear bag and have your electronics out for checks.
Here are a few tips for your journey:
- Book flights and car hire early: This is even more important in summer, so you get the best price and more choice.
- Check baggage allowance: Be sure about what your airline lets you bring, or you might have to pay more.
- Stay informed: Look on the airport’s website for live flight updates on your travel day.
Conclusion
To sum up, Sumburgh Airport is the main way to get in and out of the Shetland Islands. It gives people important services and many travel options. The airport helps you whether you fly far away or stay and see the local sights. If you know about the different things this airport offers and all the ways to get there, your trip will be much better. In 2026, there will be new things added, so trips here should be even easier. Try to plan before you go, check out the airport’s different facilities, and enjoy your time at Sumburgh Airport. Safe travels! If you have any questions, or if you need help, feel free to get in touch for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Sumburgh Airport?
Sumburgh Airport opens and closes based on the flights for that day. The terminal is open before the first flight and shuts after the last one goes. If you want to know the opening hours for your trip, check the Sumburgh Airport website or call them.
How do I contact Sumburgh Airport for travel enquiries?
For general travel questions, you can go to the official Sumburgh Airport website. It has a lot of useful information. If you want to talk to someone, you will find contact details on the website. If your question is about a certain flight, it is best to get in touch with your airline.
Are accessibility services available at Sumburgh Airport?
Yes, Sumburgh Airport has services for people with reduced mobility. The facilities at this airport follow UK standards to give a good and safe trip. To get help, you need to book it with your airline at least 48 hours before you go.