Inverness Airport (INV/EGPE) Guide: Your Essential Gateway to the Scottish Highlands
Welcome to Inverness Airport (INV/EGPE), the principal air hub connecting the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and Islands with the rest of the UK and Europe. Situated conveniently close to the city of Inverness, this airport is not merely a transport link; it is the official starting point for the world-renowned North Coast 500 (NC500) scenic route and a vital entry point for exploring iconic locations like Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park.
As the busiest airport in the Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) network, INV consistently delivers award-winning service while undergoing strategic infrastructure upgrades to secure its future role as a critical regional lifeline and growing international connector.
General Airport Information & Vital Statistics
Inverness Airport’s strategic position makes it highly accessible while providing a stunning first impression of Scotland’s natural beauty.
| Detail | Information |
| IATA Code / ICAO Code | INV / EGPE |
| Location | Dalcross, approximately 13 km (8 miles) east of Inverness city centre. |
| Operator | Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL). |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | Over 805,000 passengers (April 2024–March 2025 data), reflecting a strong recovery and stable growth. |
| Strategic Significance | Gateway to the Scottish Highlands and the official start/end point of the North Coast 500. |
Terminal Features and Enhanced Passenger Services
Inverness Airport operates a single, compact, and efficient terminal, meticulously designed for easy navigation and an excellent passenger experience, which has been internationally recognized.
- Terminal Layout: A single, user-friendly terminal handles all domestic and international arrivals and departures.
- Amenities: Passengers benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi, various retail options including WH Smith, and food/beverage services like the airside café and D’lish outlets.
- Executive Comfort: The exclusive Highland Lounge offers a peaceful and dedicated space for premium passengers looking to relax before their flight.
- Future Technology: In line with UK-wide changes, the airport is implementing next-generation security scanners in 2024, which will streamline the security process and potentially remove the 100ml liquid restriction in the future.
- Accessibility: The facility is fully equipped to cater to passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring seamless travel.
- On-site Accommodation: For early departures or late arrivals, the Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport offers convenient lodging adjacent to the terminal.
Airlines, Key Destinations, and Route Network Updates
INV supports a crucial network of domestic routes while expanding its limited yet valuable international connections, primarily facilitated by regional carriers.
- Principal Airlines: The route map is dominated by Loganair (Scotland’s Airline), British Airways, easyJet, and international partner KLM.
- Key UK Destinations: Essential services connect the Highlands to major UK hubs, including London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton), Bristol, and Manchester.
- Island Connectivity: Loganair maintains vital lifeline services to the Scottish islands, including Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), Kirkwall (Orkney), and Sumburgh (Shetland).
- International Hubs: The Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) route, operated by KLM, is critical for global connections.
- Seasonal & Future Expansion:
- TUI Airways operates seasonal flights to Palma de Mallorca (PMI), catering to summer holiday demand.
- A significant new development is the announcement of direct flights to Gran Canaria (LPA), scheduled to commence in February 2026, marking a notable expansion of the airport’s winter sun offering.
Seamless Transportation: Accessing the Highlands
Traveling to and from Inverness Airport is now more convenient than ever, with an intermodal transport solution available.
| Transport Option | Details | Estimated Journey Time / Fare to Inverness City Centre |
| Inverness Airport Railway Station (NEW) | Opened in 2023, the dedicated railway station is a short walk from the terminal, offering direct connections to Inverness city centre and south towards Aberdeen. | Rail services to Inverness station take approximately 10–15 minutes. |
| Bus Services | The Stagecoach Jet Bus offers frequent and affordable services, linking the airport directly with the city centre, the railway station, and various local destinations. | Approximately 30 minutes / Fare around £5.00. |
| Taxi | Local taxis are available outside the terminal entrance, providing a fast and direct door-to-door service. | Approximately 20 minutes / Estimated fare £15–£20. |
| Car Rental | Major rental agencies, including Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, and Hertz, have desks on-site, ideal for visitors starting their NC500 journey. | N/A |
| Parking | The airport provides both affordable short-stay (P1) and long-stay (P2) parking facilities located close to the terminal entrance. | N/A |
Infrastructure Investment and Recent Airport Accolades
Inverness Airport is actively planning for the future and has been consistently recognized for its high standards of customer care.
- World-Class Service: INV secured the prestigious ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for Best Airport in Europe (under 2 million passengers) for the fifth consecutive year in 2024, reflecting outstanding commitment to the passenger experience.
- Terminal Expansion Proposals: To accommodate projected growth to 1.8 million passengers by 2045, HIAL is considering two major options:
- A significant extension of the existing terminal (estimated cost: £19m to £31m).
- The construction of an entirely new, relocated terminal adjacent to the new railway station (estimated cost: £34m to £55m).
- Sustainability Initiatives: The airport recently completed the installation of new energy-efficient Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) systems. Furthermore, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is now available at the airport, offering significant lifecycle carbon reductions and supporting cleaner air travel.
Contact Details and Strategic Location
For current flight information, security requirements, or further assistance, use the contact details below:
- Address: Dalcross, Inverness, IV2 7JB, UNITED KINGDOM
- Telephone: +44 1667 464000
- Official Website: www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport