Foula Airport (FOA/EGFO): The Ultimate Gateway to Britain’s Remotest Island
Foula Airport (FOA/EGFO), officially known as Foula Airfield, is more than just a landing strip; it is a critical lifeline to Foula, the most remote permanently inhabited island in the British Isles. Nestled dramatically in the Shetland archipelago, this airfield serves a tiny, resilient community of around 38 residents, acting as an essential aerial link to the Shetland mainland. Its status as a vital Public Service Obligation (PSO) route underscores its crucial role in transporting islanders, essential supplies, and medical prescriptions. For aviation enthusiasts and travellers seeking an authentic experience at the “edge of the world,” Foula Airport is the starting point of an unforgettable journey.
General Airport Information
Foula Airfield’s details reflect its unique, remote status and operational necessity within the inter-island transport network of Shetland.
| Feature | Detail | SEO/Operational Context |
| IATA Code | FOA | Used globally for ticketing and public schedules. |
| ICAO Code | EGFO | Used by air traffic control and flight planning systems. |
| Location | Foula, Shetland Islands, Scotland | Positioned approximately 20 miles (32 km) west of the Shetland Mainland. |
| Coordinates | 60° 07′ 18″ N, 2° 03′ 12″ W | High-latitude position, leading to challenging, weather-dependent operations. |
| Elevation | 150 ft (46 m) AMSL | Relatively low elevation, exposed to strong winds and fog. |
| Ownership | Foula Airstrip Trust | Operated locally, highlighting the community’s dependence on the service. |
| Role | Public Service Obligation (PSO) Route | The service is subsidised by the Shetland Islands Council to ensure connectivity. |
| Passenger Volume (Est.) | Approximately 500-600 annually | Reflects the small, permanent population and limited tourist traffic. |
Airlines and Destinations
The air service connecting Foula is a crucial, short-haul route designed purely for inter-island connectivity.
| Airline | Destination | Aircraft Type | Flight Details |
| Directflight (Operated by Airtask Group) | Tingwall Airport (LWK), near Lerwick, Shetland Mainland | Britten-Norman Islander (BN2P) | A 15-minute flight over a distance of approximately 28–32 miles (45–51 km). |
Flight Schedule and Frequency:
The service is highly flexible and subject to the extreme weather conditions common in the North Atlantic.
- Summer Season: Service runs up to 13 times a week, accommodating higher tourist interest.
- Winter Season: Service runs up to 7 times a week, focusing on essential travel and resident needs.
Booking Note: Flights are part of a subsidised contract. Commercial booking is typically handled directly through the operator (Airtask Group) rather than standard commercial ticket sites.
Airfield Facilities and Operational Details
Foula Airfield is a no-frills, functional facility reflecting its primary purpose as an essential access point.
- Runway: The airstrip is an unpaved, gravel runway designated 18/36. Its length is approximately 548 meters (1,699 ft). The short, exposed nature of the runway demands highly skilled pilots, especially during adverse weather.
- Terminal: The facility is minimal, consisting of a single, small office/shed used for administrative purposes and a brief waiting area.
- Navigation: The airport operates with an Air Ground Advisory Service (AGAS), providing essential information to pilots.
- Passenger Amenities: Facilities are extremely limited. There is no Wi-Fi, no cafe or restaurant, and services are purely basic. Notably, the airfield facility houses the island’s only public toilet.
- Safety and Weather: Due to its exposed location, operations are heavily weather-dependent, with frequent delays or cancellations due to fog, low visibility, and high crosswinds.
Ground Transportation and Accommodation on Foula
Given the island’s minuscule size (5 square miles) and lack of formal infrastructure, ground transport is highly personal and limited.
- Public Transport: There is no regular public bus service on Foula.
- Taxis: Taxis are not typically queued at the airfield. A limited number of local vehicles may provide transport, but arrangements must be made in advance, often directly with a local contact or your accommodation provider. The drive to the island’s main settlement, Hametoon, takes roughly 10 minutes.
- Car Rental: Car hire services are not available on the island.
- Parking: A small, free parking area is available adjacent to the airfield for residents or visitors arranging a pick-up.
- Accommodation: Tourist accommodation is very scarce, consisting mainly of limited self-catering options and occasional B&Bs that require booking well in advance of travel.
Island Context: Foula’s Unique Appeal (SEO Enrichment)
Foula offers rich historical and natural attractions that appeal to niche tourism markets (bird watchers, hikers, history buffs).
- Nature & Wildlife: Foula is a crucial nesting site for thousands of seabirds, including the Great Skua (Bonxie), Puffins, and Arctic Terns, making it a globally recognised site for birdwatching. The island is defined by its five distinctive peaks, including Da Kame, which boasts one of the highest sheer sea cliffs in Britain (1,233 ft).
- Culture & History: Foula retains a strong cultural identity. Historically, it was one of the last places in Shetland where the Norse language, Norn, was spoken. In a remarkable tradition, some islanders continue to observe certain holidays, such as Christmas and New Year, according to the Julian Calendar, 12 days after the rest of the UK.
- Sustainability: The island operates off-grid, powered by the Foula Electricity Trust, which uses a hybrid system of wind turbines, hydro, and solar panels, moving towards a goal of Net Zero emissions—a testament to the community’s resilience.
Contact and Booking Information
For all essential travel and general airport inquiries, use the direct contacts below:
| Contact Type | Detail |
| Flight Booking (Airtask Group/Directflight) | Phone: +44 (0) 1595 840246 / Email: lwk.ops@airtask.com |
| General Airport Information | Phone: +44 1595 760248 (Shetland Islands Council) |
| Airport Address | Foula, Shetland, UNITED KINGDOM |
| Official Website | www.shetland.gov.uk (Shetland Islands Council) |