Kirkwall Airport facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kirkwall Airport Port-adhair Bhaile na h-Eaglais
IATA: KOI ICAO: EGPA
Summary
Airport type	Public
Operator	Highlands and Islands Airports Limited
Serves	Mainland, Orkney
Location	Kirkwall
Elevation AMSL	58 ft / 18 m
Coordinates	58°57′29″N 002°54′02″W / 58.95806°N 2.90056°W / 58.95806; -2.90056
Website	Kirkwall Airport
Map
EGPA Location in Orkney Islands
Runway
Runway Length Surface m ft 09/27 1,428 4,685 Asphalt 14/32 680 2,231 Asphalt
Statistics (2016)
Passengers 163,029 Passenger Change 15-16 1.7% Aircraft Movements 14,539 Movements Change 15-16 2.4%
Sources: UK AIP at NATS Statistics from the UK Civil Aviation Authority

Kirkwall Airport is the main airport for the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It is about 4.6 kilometres (2.9 miles) southeast of Kirkwall. Kirkwall is the largest town in Orkney.

This airport used to be a base for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Today, it is owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited. Airlines like Loganair use Kirkwall Airport for their flights.

What is Kirkwall Airport?

Kirkwall Airport is a busy place where planes take off and land. It connects the Orkney Islands to other parts of Scotland and beyond. Many people use it to travel for work or holidays.

Where is Kirkwall Airport Located?

The airport is found on the main island of Orkney. It is very close to the town of Kirkwall. Orkney is a group of islands located off the northern coast of Scotland.

A Brief History of Kirkwall Airport

Kirkwall Airport started as a military base. It was built during World War II for the Royal Air Force (RAF). After the war, it became a civilian airport. This means it started serving regular flights for people.

Who Owns and Runs the Airport?

The airport is owned by a company called Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL). HIAL manages many airports in the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland. Their job is to make sure the airport runs smoothly and safely.

Flights and Airlines at Kirkwall

Several airlines fly to and from Kirkwall Airport. The main airline is Loganair, which often operates flights for other companies like Flybe. These flights connect Orkney to cities like Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

What Kind of Planes Use the Airport?

The airport has two runways. These are special paths where planes take off and land. The runways are made of asphalt, a strong material. Smaller passenger planes, like those used for regional flights, are common here.

How Busy is Kirkwall Airport?

Kirkwall Airport is an important hub for the Orkney Islands. In 2016, over 163,000 passengers used the airport. This shows how many people travel to and from Orkney by air each year. The number of flights also increased, showing it's a growing airport.