Campbeltown Airport (CAL/EGEC): Your Essential Gateway to Scotland’s Historic Kintyre Peninsula
Campbeltown Airport (IATA: CAL, ICAO: EGEC) is a vital regional airport situated on the beautiful Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Located at Machrihanish, approximately 3 miles (5 km) west of Campbeltown town centre, it serves as a critical link for the local community and a starting point for visitors exploring the renowned “Whisky Coast.” Operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), the airport saw over 6,100 passengers in 2022, primarily catering to the essential connection between Kintyre and the Scottish mainland.
A History of Strategic Importance: RAF Machrihanish and Scotland’s Longest Runway
The airport’s history is deeply rooted in its former life as RAF Machrihanish, a significant military and NATO airbase. Operational during both World Wars, the site became a crucial NATO facility from the 1960s, playing a strategic role near the Irish Sea and the Firth of Clyde. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps also utilized the base before it was handed back to the UK Ministry of Defence in 1995.
This military heritage resulted in a unique feature: Campbeltown Airport boasts the longest public airport runway in all of Scotland. Measuring an impressive 3,049 metres (10,003 feet), the runway (formerly 11/29) was built during the NATO reconstruction phase. Today, while the Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) owns the overall airbase, HIAL leases a portion of this immense runway for the commercial airport, guaranteeing the capability for a wide range of aircraft.
Airlines and Key Destinations: Connecting Kintyre to Glasgow
Campbeltown Airport’s route network is focused on maintaining a crucial lifeline service to Scotland’s central belt.
| Operator | Destination | Frequency | Route Details |
| Loganair | Glasgow (GLA) | Approx. 2 flights per day (Mon-Fri) | Essential daily service, confirmed to continue throughout 2025. |
Loganair is the sole scheduled carrier, providing reliable connections to Glasgow International Airport (GLA). This route is vital for business, medical, and leisure travel, ensuring the Kintyre peninsula remains accessible year-round.
Terminals and Essential Airport Facilities
CAL operates from a single, small terminal designed to offer fundamental services for regional travelers. It ensures a quick and hassle-free transit experience.
- Terminal Amenities: Services include free Wi-Fi access and a small café/refreshment area. Note that retail options are limited, and travellers should be aware that facilities for disabled access are basic (Cat 2 RFF, up to Cat 4 PNR).
- Operations & Safety: The airport operates on a limited schedule (typically Mon-Fri 08:20 to 17:40, with limited Sunday hours in summer), often requiring 48 hours Prior Permission Required (PPR) for general aviation. The airport does not offer fuel services (NO FUEL).
- General Aviation: Campbeltown welcomes private and business aviation, with weight limits up to 45T MTOW for private/business ops and 15T MTOW for charter ops.
Transportation and Access
Getting to and from Campbeltown Airport (CAL) is straightforward, with quick links to the town centre:
- Taxi: A taxi rank is situated outside the terminal. The journey to Campbeltown takes approximately 10 minutes, with a typical fare between £5 and £10.
- Bus Service: A local bus service offers direct transport to Campbeltown city centre in about 10 minutes, with a low fare (e.g., around £2).
- Car Rental: Car hire services are available from limited local firms, and booking in advance is highly recommended.
- Parking: A dedicated parking area is provided immediately outside the terminal and is available free of charge.
Discover Kintyre: The Local Area Attractions
As the primary access point for the Kintyre Peninsula, the airport is perfectly situated for exploring the region’s rich culture and stunning landscapes:
- Whisky Coast: Campbeltown is one of Scotland’s five official whisky producing regions, famous for distilleries like Springbank, Glengyle (Kilkerran), and Glen Scotia. These are essential stops for whisky enthusiasts.
- Machrihanish Golf Club: Located close to the airport, this championship course is famous worldwide, particularly for boasting the ‘best first hole in the world.’
- Natural Beauty and History: Visitors can explore Davaar Island, which is accessible by foot at low tide, to see the famous cave painting of the Crucifixion. The area also offers excellent hiking and scenic views of the Irish Sea.
Contact Information
For direct inquiries regarding flights, operations, or local services, please use the following official contact details:
- Address: Campbeltown Airport, Machrihanish, Argyll, PA28 6NU, UNITED KINGDOM
- Phone (ATC/Admin): +44 1586 553797
- Official Website: www.hial.co.uk/campbeltown-airport