Sanday Airport

Sanday Airport (NDY/EGES): The Essential Inter-Island Connector in Orkney

Sanday Airport, designated by its IATA code NDY and ICAO code EGES, is a vital regional airfield located on the stunning island of Sanday, one of the remote North Isles of the Orkney archipelago in Scotland. It functions as an essential lifeline for the community, primarily facilitating critical inter-island connectivity under a crucial Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract. Managed by the Orkney Islands Council, Sanday Airport is a crucial link in the world-renowned Orkney Inter-Island Air Services, offering the fastest access between Sanday and the Orkney mainland hub, Kirkwall.

Key Airport Information and Technical Facts

Sanday Airport operates under a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Ordinary Licence, ensuring compliance with necessary safety and operational standards. It is important to note that the aerodrome is not licensed for night use, with all commercial and private operations restricted to daylight hours.

General Aviation (GA) Note: Pilots planning to use the facility must obtain Prior Permission Required (PPR) from the Orkney Islands Council before landing.

Scheduled Routes and The Loganair Lifeline

The airport’s scheduled passenger services are fundamental to connecting the island community with the wider world. Flights are reliably maintained by a single carrier, Loganair, often referred to as Scotland’s Airline, which operates under the mandated Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract.

Main Airline: Loganair

Key Destinations: Sanday offers essential domestic connections to:

• Kirkwall (KOI): The central hub of the Orkney Islands, providing links to onward travel to the Scottish mainland (e.g., Aberdeen, Glasgow).
• Stronsay (SOY): An important inter-isle connection to the neighboring island.
• North Ronaldsay (NRL): Services linking Sanday to the northernmost island in the Orkney group.

These inter-island services are famously short, often utilizing robust small fixed-wing aircraft like the Britten-Norman Islander, engineered for the specific demands of remote island travel.

Terminal Facilities and Local Amenities

The single terminal building at Sanday Airport is deliberately compact, prioritizing efficient passenger flow over extensive commercial services, which is typical for remote inter-island airfields.

• Terminal: One very small terminal focusing on essential passenger processing.
• Wi-Fi Access: No public Wi-Fi access is typically provided.
• Food & Beverage: No dedicated café or restaurant services are available at the terminal.
• Accessibility: Limited disabled access facilities are in place. Passengers requiring special assistance must inform Loganair or the airport operator in advance.
• Accommodation: There are no hotels directly at the airport. Local options, such as the Kettletoft Hotel and various guesthouses/self-catering accommodations, are available in the vicinity.

Ground Transportation and Access

Due to Sanday’s small size and low population density, ground transportation options are minimal, requiring travellers to plan ahead.

• Taxi: Limited local taxi services operate on the island. Pre-booking a taxi is strongly advised before arrival, especially for early or late flights.
• Bus Services: There is no regular public bus service directly serving the airport.
• Car Rental: No commercial car rental agencies operate from the airport terminal.
• Parking: A small, designated parking area is available directly outside the terminal and is generally offered free of charge.

Location, Contact, and Operator

The airport is operated by the Orkney Islands Council, which oversees the entire network of North Isles airfields. For official information and general aviation requests, use the contact details below.