Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ/EGPD): Scotland’s Premier Global Energy Gateway
Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ/EGPD) is a cornerstone of global connectivity for North-East Scotland. It is one of Scotland’s busiest airports and holds the distinct title of being the world’s busiest commercial heliport, playing an indispensable role as the main hub for the country’s vast energy sector, particularly for offshore oil, gas, and increasingly, renewables operations. Located in the suburb of Dyce, approximately 9 km (5 nautical miles) northwest of Aberdeen city centre, ABZ provides a vital air link to major cities across the UK, Europe, and key destinations worldwide.
Updated Statistics and Strategic Importance
The airport has shown significant resilience and recovery in recent years, cementing its strategic importance. In 2024, ABZ served approximately 2.3 million passengers, reflecting stable post-pandemic traffic. The airport’s dual function supports both commercial passenger traffic and the intensive logistical demands of the North Sea industries, transporting tens of thousands of personnel annually.
Passenger Facilities, Terminals, and Security
ABZ operates from one modern, integrated terminal designed for efficient processing of both commercial flights and its renowned helicopter traffic.
Amenities & Lounges
Passengers benefit from a range of high-quality amenities designed to enhance the travel experience:
- Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal.
- Extensive duty-free shopping and specialty retail outlets.
- A selection of dining options, including full-service restaurants like The Globe and casual eateries such as The Kitchen.
- The premium Northern Lights Lounge offers VIP services and a comfortable space for all travellers (accessible for a fee).
- The terminal features full disabled access facilities, ensuring a smooth journey for passengers with reduced mobility.
Security Updates
The airport continually invests in new technology. It has implemented Next Generation Security Checkpoint (NGSC) scanners to enhance security and improve passenger flow. However, travellers should note that, as of the most recent updates, the temporary reintroduction of 100ml liquid rules is often in effect due to evolving regulatory requirements, so it is essential to check the official airport website before flying.
Airport Hotels
Convenient accommodation is available right next to the terminal, including the Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport and the Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen Airport, providing ideal options for early morning departures or late arrivals.
Airlines, Routes, and Key Destinations
Aberdeen International Airport hosts a diverse mix of legacy carriers, regional operators, and budget airlines, connecting the region to a network of over 30 destinations.
Domestic and International Connectivity
- Main Airlines: Key carriers operating from ABZ include British Airways, easyJet, KLM, Loganair, Ryanair, TUI, SAS (Scandinavian Airlines), and Widerøe.
- Busiest Routes: The top international routes consistently include the central European hub of Amsterdam (KLM), which is crucial for global connections, and key Nordic oil industry links to Stavanger and Bergen.
- Key Domestic Routes: High-frequency services to major UK cities like London (Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton), Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol, alongside vital lifeline routes to the Scottish islands (Orkney and Shetland) operated by Loganair.
New Routes and Network Changes
The airport continues to expand its network to offer more leisure and business options:
- New Routes: Recent additions include a new route to Kraków (Ryanair) and the inaugural flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle (easyJet), both launched in 2025.
- Charter/Seasonal: A strong seasonal offering provides direct flights to popular holiday sun destinations such as Alicante, Faro, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Reus, Corfu, Dalaman, and Tenerife–South.
Ground Transportation and Parking
Getting to and from Aberdeen Airport is efficient, with multiple transport options available.
Bus, Taxi, and Rail Links
- Bus: The dedicated Jet 727 bus service offers a direct, frequent connection between the airport and Aberdeen city centre, taking approximately 30 minutes.
- Taxi: The official taxi rank is located just outside the terminal. A ride to the city centre typically takes around 15 minutes, with fares varying between 15 and 20 GBP.
- Rail: Dyce train station is close to the airport and can be reached via a short taxi or bus ride, offering onward rail connections across Scotland.
Parking and Car Rental
- Parking: The airport provides a variety of options, including Short Stay, Long Stay, and Priority parking, with competitive rates often secured through online advance booking. The airport has also invested in new EV charging points.
- Car Rental: Major international rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Europcar, have desks located within the terminal.
Future Development and Sustainability Initiatives
Aberdeen International Airport is poised for significant future growth and modernization.
- Investment and Ownership: Following its acquisition in early 2025 by global airport operator AviAlliance, the airport is set to receive part of a multi-million-pound investment focused on modernizing facilities and expanding services.
- Expansion Focus: The investment will target capital projects such as essential runway maintenance and further enhancements to the passenger experience and operational efficiency.
- Sustainability: Recognising its role in the energy sector, ABZ and its parent company, AGS Airports, are actively developing plans for hydrogen fuel infrastructure to support the transition to zero-emission flights and a broader focus on sustainable aviation and diversification into the renewables industry. The airport has also been recognized for its operational excellence, receiving the prestigious Airport of the Year award at the Scottish Transport Awards.
Contact and Location Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Dyce, Aberdeen, AB21 7DU, UNITED KINGDOM |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | ABZ / EGPD |
| Phone | +44 344 481 6666 |
| Website | www.aberdeenairport.com |