Westray Airport (WRY/EGEW): Home of the World’s Shortest Scheduled Flight
Westray Airport (WRY/EGEW) is a small yet crucially important regional airfield situated on the beautiful island of Westray, one of the North Isles in Scotland’s Orkney archipelago. Located approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the main village of Pierowall, the airport acts as a vital lifeline for the local community and a bucket-list destination for aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
WRY is internationally famous for being one of the two endpoints of the World’s Shortest Scheduled Commercial Flight, a unique 1.7-mile (2.8 km) journey to Papa Westray (PPW). Operated by Loganair, this flight is officially scheduled to take just 90 seconds, though the shortest recorded flight time is under one minute. Owned and operated by the Orkney Islands Council, the airfield ensures essential connectivity, handling approximately 5,000 passengers annually in recent years, a testament to its continuous operational importance.
Unbeatable Connections: Airlines and Key Destinations
Westray Airport is a cornerstone of the Orkney Inter-Island Air Services, which are essential Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes designed to maintain connectivity across the islands.
- Main Airline: Loganair, Scotland’s Airline.
- Aircraft Type: The route is typically serviced by the reliable 8-seater Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.
- Key Destinations:
- Papa Westray (PPW): The destination of the record-breaking ‘shortest flight.’ This service is often part of a wider loop connecting multiple islands.
- Kirkwall (KOI): The main airport hub for the Orkney Islands, linking Westray residents to the mainland services and the rest of the UK.
The flight to Papa Westray is a genuine community link, used frequently by residents, postal services, and medical personnel, offering unparalleled access to a global record for travellers.
Terminal Facilities and Ongoing Modernisation
While serving a remote island community, Westray Airport is currently undergoing a planned transition to enhance its facilities, ensuring the long-term resilience of these essential air services.
- Current Terminal: Historically, the airport operates from a very basic, single terminal structure. Amenities are limited, typical of small inter-island airfields, with no public Wi-Fi or extensive retail/cafe options available.
- New Terminal Project (Update): Following successful funding, including a substantial grant from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme Fund (secured in 2024), plans have been submitted for a new, fit-for-purpose terminal building. This vital upgrade is specifically intended to improve accessibility and facilities, particularly for those travelling for medical reasons.
- Future Features: The new, simple and sustainable design is set to include a modern waiting room, a kitchen, updated fire service facilities (including a garage and shower), and crucially, an expansion of the public car park to include space for up to 10 vehicles, two of which will feature Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points.
- Check-in and Arrival: Given the short nature of the flights, passengers are famously advised to check in as little as 10 minutes before their scheduled departure time—a rare simplicity in modern air travel.
- Accommodation: The nearest options for overnight stays are located in the main village of Pierowall, including the Pierowall Hotel and various local B&Bs and guesthouses.
Ground Transportation: Getting Around Westray
Due to the island’s compact size and remote nature, ground transport options are limited but effective for getting to and from the airport.
- Taxi Services: A limited number of local taxis are the most reliable option for travellers. The journey from the airport to Pierowall takes approximately 8 minutes, with an estimated fare typically falling between 5 and 10 GBP.
- Bus Service: Westray does not operate a regular public bus service.
- Car Rental: There are no dedicated car rental facilities available at the airport.
- Parking: A complimentary parking area is provided for visitors and residents, with future plans for increased capacity and EV charging facilities at the new terminal site. The repurposing of part of the current terminal into a shelter for e-bikes also reflects the island’s commitment to sustainable local travel.
Explore Westray: Local Attractions
Westray Airport serves as the perfect entry point to discover the island’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
- Castle O’ Burrian: Located conveniently close to the airfield, this dramatic sea stack is a renowned haven for seabirds, most notably the iconic Puffins, who visit the cliffs between April and July.
- Noltland Castle: Explore the ruins of this distinctive 16th-century castle, famous for its elaborate gun-loops and imposing scale.
- Archaeological Sites: Westray is rich in Norse and Neolithic history, offering numerous coastal walks leading to ancient sites and spectacular clifftop views.
Airport Contact Information
For the most accurate flight status and detailed local information, travellers should contact the airport directly or refer to the local council’s official page.
- Address: Westray, Orkney KW17 2DN, UNITED KINGDOM
- Phone: +44 1857 677271
- Official Website: www.orkney.gov.uk (Orkney Islands Council, the operator)