Kirkwall Airport (KOI)
Kirkwall Airport (KOI) is situated on Mainland Orkney and handles approximately 160,000 passengers per year, making it one of the smaller commercial airports in the UK. Loganair operates all scheduled services — connecting Kirkwall to Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and Glasgow on the Scottish mainland, plus a network of inter-island flights across the Orkney archipelago.
The airport is vital for Orkney's island communities and for the thousands of visitors who make the journey to this extraordinary archipelago. Orkney is home to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site — including Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe — as well as St Magnus Cathedral, the Italian Chapel and the wartime scuttling ground of Scapa Flow.
One of Loganair's inter-island routes — Westray to Papa Westray — is the world's shortest scheduled commercial flight, taking under 2 minutes in optimal conditions. The full inter-island network provides lifeline connectivity for Orkney's inhabited outer islands.
Single compact terminal
⚠️ Orkney weather can affect operations — fog and strong winds are common. Check flight status before travelling to the airport.
Most popular routes
Kirkwall Airport FAQs
Loganair is the sole scheduled airline at Kirkwall Airport, operating all mainland connections (Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow) and the complete network of inter-island Orkney flights to Westray, Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay, Sanday, Stronsay, Eday and Shapinsay. The Westray–Papa Westray route holds the record as the world's shortest scheduled commercial flight.
Yes — Loganair operates the full inter-island network from Kirkwall to all inhabited outer Orkney islands. These are lifeline public service obligation routes. The Westray to Papa Westray leg is the world's shortest scheduled commercial flight at under 2 minutes. Booking these unusual routes is popular with aviation enthusiasts as a bucket-list experience.
The Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site includes Skara Brae (5,000-year-old village), Ring of Brodgar (stone circle), Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe (winter solstice chambered tomb). St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall (900+ years old) is essential. The Italian Chapel, Churchill Barriers, and Scapa Flow (naval history) are also major draws. A hire car lets you reach all sites in one or two days.
Flying is much faster — Loganair from Edinburgh takes around 1h 20m. NorthLink ferry from Aberdeen takes 6 hours; Pentland Ferries from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope takes 1 hour; and NorthLink from Scrabster to Stromness takes 1.5 hours. Passengers with a vehicle will need the ferry. For foot passengers from central Scotland or England, flying is more practical.
Yes — on-site parking is available and affordable. The small car park is steps from the terminal. Pre-booking is recommended in peak summer to guarantee a space when tourist numbers are highest.
May–September for the best weather and longest daylight. The summer solstice brings near 24-hour daylight ("simmer dim"). The Orkney Folk Festival (May) and St Magnus Festival (June) are major cultural events. Winter offers Northern Lights and the unique winter solstice alignment at Maeshowe, where the setting sun illuminates the tomb's interior.
Yes — car hire is available at the airport. Pre-booking is essential as the island's total hire fleet is small. A car is the only practical way to visit most of Orkney's heritage and coastal sites, which are spread across the Mainland island.
A bus service runs from the airport to Kirkwall town centre in approximately 5 minutes for around £2. Taxis cost £5–8 and take 5–10 minutes. The airport is only about 3 miles from the town centre on a good road.
Kirkwall Airport Terminal
A compact single terminal serving all mainland and inter-island Loganair flights.
| Check-in | Opens 1.5–2 hours before departure |
| Security | Single screening lane · fast throughput |
| Departures | Small airside lounge · café, seating |
| Arrivals | Ground floor · baggage reclaim immediately inside |
| Car hire | Available at airport · pre-book strongly recommended |
| Bus stop | Outside terminal · to Kirkwall town · 5 min · ~£2 |
Transport to Kirkwall Airport
| Bus to Kirkwall town | ~5 min · £2 |
| Taxi to Kirkwall | ~5–10 min · approx £5–8 |
| Drive | ~3 miles from Kirkwall town centre |
| Ferry to Orkney | NorthLink from Aberdeen (6h) · Pentland from Gills Bay (1h) · NorthLink from Scrabster (1.5h) |
| Car hire | Available at airport · pre-book essential |
Parking at Kirkwall
Small on-site car park, affordable and close to the terminal. Pre-booking recommended in summer.
Car park is small — pre-book online to guarantee availability, especially in peak summer tourist season.
Airlines flying from KOI
Inter-island routes are operated as public service obligations — essential lifeline services for Orkney's island communities.
Kirkwall Airport FAQs
Loganair is the only airline at Kirkwall, operating all mainland routes (Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Sumburgh) and the full inter-island Orkney network. The Westray–Papa Westray leg is the world's shortest scheduled commercial flight.
Yes — Loganair operates lifeline services from Kirkwall to Westray, Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay, Sanday, Stronsay and Eday. The Westray–Papa Westray flight holds the record as the world's shortest scheduled commercial service.
Skara Brae (5,000-year-old village), Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe form the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, the Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers are also essential visits. All are within 30–45 minutes by car.
Flying is faster — Loganair from Edinburgh takes 1h 20m. NorthLink ferry from Aberdeen takes 6 hours. Passengers with a vehicle use the ferry. Foot passengers from central Scotland or England should fly. Pentland Ferries from Gills Bay (near John O'Groats) to St Margaret's Hope takes just 1 hour — useful if you're driving north anyway.
Yes — on-site parking, affordable and close to the terminal. Pre-book online in summer. The car park is small so spaces can fill up during the peak tourist season.
May–September for good weather and long days. The summer solstice "simmer dim" (near 24-hour daylight) is special. Orkney Folk Festival (May) and St Magnus Festival (June) are major events. Winter offers Northern Lights and the unique solstice experience at Maeshowe.
Yes — car hire available at the airport. Pre-book as the island's total fleet is limited. A car is essential for visiting Orkney's spread-out heritage sites and coastal attractions.
Approximately 3 miles. Bus takes 5 minutes for £2. Taxi costs £5–8. The town centre, St Magnus Cathedral and harbour are all within easy reach.