Gateway to Orkney's islands, history, and wild landscapes.
Opened
1940
Location
Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Kirkwall Airport serves as the main air gateway to the Orkney Islands, located on the Mainland island near the capital town of Kirkwall in northern Scotland. It handles scheduled passenger services connecting Orkney to mainland Scottish cities as well as inter-island flights to Orkney's outlying islands.
The airport plays a vital role in the local community and economy, given Orkney's geographic isolation and the limited ferry alternatives, particularly in winter. Loganair is the dominant carrier, operating both mainland routes and the famous inter-island air service, which includes one of the shortest scheduled flights in the world between Westray and Papa Westray.
Despite its relatively small size, Kirkwall Airport handles a meaningful volume of passengers year-round, serving tourists visiting Orkney's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and residents dependent on air links for essential travel.
Terminals
The airport has a single small terminal building handling all passenger arrivals and departures.
Getting to & from
The airport is located approximately three kilometres from Kirkwall town centre, with taxi services and occasional bus connections available for ground transport.
Airlines here
Loganair is the primary airline operating at Kirkwall, providing routes to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and inter-island services within Orkney.
Notable facts
- ›The Loganair flight between Westray and Papa Westray, operated via Kirkwall, is approximately 1.7 miles and takes around 90 seconds — one of the world's shortest scheduled flights.
- ›The airport was originally established during World War II as an RAF base.
- ›Kirkwall Airport sits at an elevation of approximately 50 feet above sea level.
- ›The airport serves as a hub for Orkney's inter-island air services, which are lifeline routes for remote island communities.
- ›Wind and weather conditions in Orkney can frequently affect flight schedules due to the islands' exposed North Atlantic location.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
