Kirkwall Airport

Kirkwall Airport (KOI/EGPA) – Your Essential Gateway and Travel Guide to the Orkney Islands

Kirkwall Airport, operating under the IATA code KOI and ICAO code EGPA, is the vital aviation hub for the Orkney archipelago, connecting this remarkable Scottish island group to the mainland and the smaller North Isles. Strategically located just 4 km (2.5 miles) southeast of Kirkwall’s city centre, the airport is managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL). It not only serves as a critical transport link but also as the starting point for visitors eager to explore Orkney’s rich history, given its proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

General Information and Vital Statistics

• Location: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland (Coordinates: 58° 57′ 30” N, 2° 58′ 0” W).
• Operator: Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), which manages several regional airports across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
• Role and Significance: KOI is indispensable for both passenger travel and essential services, maintaining crucial year-round air links for Orkney residents and supporting the islands’ vibrant tourism sector. Its regional connectivity is central to the local economy and social cohesion.
• Passenger Traffic: The airport typically manages a volume of over 180,000–200,000 passengers annually (data for 2024–2025), reflecting its status as a busy and critical regional transport facility.
• Airport Classification: Domestic/Regional.

Terminals, Passenger Services, and Facilities

Kirkwall Airport operates a single, compact, and highly efficient terminal building. Designed for quick and easy navigation, the terminal focuses on providing essential services that enhance the passenger experience while maintaining a friendly, island atmosphere.

• Core Services: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, alongside comprehensive flight information displays.
• Food & Refreshments: A dedicated airside cafe/eatery provides a selection of hot and cold snacks, local treats, hot beverages, and light meals.
• Retail & Shopping: A small retail area offers local crafts, island-specific souvenirs, newspapers, and essential travel items, allowing visitors a last-minute chance to purchase goods unique to Orkney.
• Accessibility: The terminal provides comprehensive assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), including accessible restrooms and induction loops. Passengers requiring special assistance are highly advised to book this service in advance through their operating airline.
• Business/Waiting Areas: While there are no dedicated private or paid business lounges, the general waiting area is spacious, quiet, and suitable for both leisure and business travellers awaiting their flight.

Airlines, Key Routes, and Inter-Island Connections

Loganair remains the dominant and essential carrier at KOI, operating under its unique “Scotland’s Airline” branding, ensuring reliable connectivity throughout the year.

• Scottish Mainland Destinations:
  • Aberdeen (ABZ): A frequent, vital route for business, medical travel, and onward connections.
  • Edinburgh (EDI) & Glasgow (GLA): Offering daily services to Scotland’s major cities, providing seamless access to wider domestic and international networks across the UK and beyond.
  • Inverness (INV): A key short-haul link to the Highlands region.
  • Sumburgh (LSI), Shetland: Connecting Orkney to its northern neighbour in the Shetland Islands.
• Inter-Island Routes (The North Isles Links):
  • KOI is the hub for the world-famous intra-Orkney flights, including critical connections to Papa Westray, Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, Eday, and North Ronaldsay. These services, which include the world’s shortest scheduled flight (Westray to Papa Westray), are vital lifelines for the remote island communities.
• Seasonal Flights: Seasonal services, such as the summer route to Fair Isle (FIE), are often reinstated to support community and tourist traffic, particularly during the high season.

Transportation, Car Hire, and Parking Options

Getting to and from Kirkwall Airport is efficient and straightforward, with reliable options catering to all travel needs.

• Bus Service (Stagecoach): Stagecoach Route 3 (Kirkwall-St Margaret’s Hope) offers frequent, reliable connections between the airport terminal and Kirkwall town centre. The journey is short (approximately 10–15 minutes) and is the most economical transfer option. Passengers should check the latest Stagecoach timetable and fares for current pricing.
• Taxis: A dedicated taxi rank operates directly outside the main terminal exit. The ride to Kirkwall is fast and convenient, typically costing between £12 and £18. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during the busy summer season.
• Car Rental: For those planning to explore the vast Neolithic and Viking heritage sites of Orkney independently, car hire is strongly recommended. On-site agencies, including Avis and Hertz, operate desks within the terminal. Booking ahead, particularly during peak months, is essential due to limited island vehicle capacity.
• Parking: KOI provides a secure, well-maintained parking area suitable for both Short-Stay (ideal for drop-offs and short trips) and Long-Stay parking. The facility offers affordable rates for an airport, but always consult the official HIAL website for the most up-to-date pricing structure and payment options.

Sustainable Infrastructure and Future Developments (2025 Onward)

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is committed to the modernisation of Kirkwall Airport, with a strong focus on efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.

• Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) Upgrade: A major infrastructure investment, the installation of new, energy-efficient LED AGL systems, was completed in early 2025. This significant project ensures the highest level of operational safety and regulatory compliance while drastically reducing the airport’s energy consumption by up to 80%.
• Route Network Planning: Loganair and HIAL continue to explore opportunities for route expansion, with future plans focused on further strengthening domestic links and enhancing connections to key medical/business centres in Scotland.
• Commitment to Net Zero: As part of HIAL’s wider corporate strategy, KOI is actively involved in initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and moving towards a Net Zero operational footprint in the coming years, including potential future adoption of electric ground support equipment.

Contact Information