This service is managed by Marine Services and Transportation
Air services
Loganair operates scheduled flights between Kirkwall Airport and the six outer north isles, as well as external services to and from the Scottish mainland. If you are a private pilot or drone operator, this page also covers Prior Permission Required (PPR) for our island airfields. For information on discounted air fares for eligible residents, see the Air Discount Scheme section below.
Inter-isles flights
Loganair operates scheduled flights from Kirkwall Airport to the six outer north isles: Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray. These services are operated under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract with Orkney Islands Council.
You can book inter-isles flights on the Loganair website or by calling:
Related resources
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Inter Island Air Guide
This document contains Loganair’s inter-island flight timetable for Orkney, covering Kirkwall and the islands from 25 October 2026 to 14 February 2027. It lists departure and arrival times for each day, including changes during the ferry refit period. The guide also explains booking arrangements, seasonal services, possible changes to North Ronaldsay flights, contact details and the reminder that check-in closes 20 minutes before departure.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Loganair website(opens in new tab)
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Loganair inter island flight statistics 2026-27
This document contains Loganair passenger totals for Orkney’s inter-island routes in 2026–27. It records 3,840 passengers from April to June, with North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray and Sanday having the highest totals. No passengers are recorded for July 2026 to March 2027. Bookable seats have been reduced to seven due to Civil Aviation Authority weight restrictions, although an extra seat may become available at short notice.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Passenger carryings by financial year
This document contains passenger numbers for air services to Stronsay, Sanday, North Ronaldsay, Westray, Papay Westray, Eday and inter-island routes from 2018-19 to 2023-24. Total passenger numbers rose by 7.9% in 2023-24 to 21,995, although capacity is limited by shared services, restricted frequency and a reduction in bookable seats from eight to seven. It also outlines how a second option and a third aircraft could increase flight frequency, particularly to Eday, and improve service resilience.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
External flights
External air services to and from Orkney are also operated by Loganair. For bookings and timetables, visit the Loganair website.
Air Discount Scheme
The Air Discount Scheme (ADS) provides a 50% discount on core air fares for residents of eligible remote communities in the Highlands and Islands. For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the ADS website.
Island airfields
We own and maintain six island airfields on Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray, all in uncontrolled airspace. The airfields are located 14 to 28 nautical miles north of Kirkwall Airport.
Loganair operates scheduled flights to all six airfields. Check the Loganair timetable before planning your visit, as no flights are permitted to land or take off within 15 minutes of a scheduled Islander service.
Please note: Eday and Westray airfields are currently closed to all general aviation (GA) traffic due to work in progress. Pilots planning to visit multiple airfields may wish to pay per landing rather than purchase an annual landing card.
Prior Permission Required (PPR)
Any private pilot or drone operator wishing to use an Orkney Islands Council airfield must obtain prior permission by contacting us.
Requests should include:
- Date and time of arrival/landing and any additional airfields if more than one is being visited.
- Date and time of departure
- Confirmation that a completed indemnity form has been submitted
Once permission has been granted, landing fee information and payment details will be issued directly to the requester via email.
Please also note that all visiting aircraft must be parked in the area marked "GA Apron". Aircraft must not be parked on the taxiway, helipad, or main apron under any circumstances.
Related resources
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Indemnity for landing North Isles Airfields App Form
This document contains an application form for permission to land at the North Isles airfields of Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray. It explains the applicant’s responsibilities for indemnity and insurance, including cover for injury, damage and claims, and notes that air traffic, flight information, rescue and firefighting services aren’t available. Each landing needs prior permission, and applicants must follow airfield rules and provide aircraft and owner details.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Rules for airfield users
This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s rules for pilots and aircraft operators using its airfields. It explains that prior permission is required, with a valid indemnity and at least 24 hours’ notice, and gives guidance on scheduled flights, contacting the local airfield co-ordinator, runway and parking areas, high-visibility clothing, camping and radio contact. It also explains how to report safety concerns using the Confidential Airport Safety Report Form.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Annual landing ticket application
This document contains an application form for an annual landing ticket for Orkney Islands Council airfields. Applicants must provide the aircraft registration, owner’s details and names of authorised pilots. The ticket allows one landing per day at each airfield, subject to the airfield user rules, prior permission required and a valid pilot indemnity. Completed forms should be emailed to airfields@orkney.gov.uk, with payment made by phone.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Drone flying near airfields
If you want to fly a drone within the Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) of any of our airfields, you must contact us to apply for permission first.
Drones pose a significant risk to aircraft and emergency services helicopters. Unauthorised use of a drone near an airfield is illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment. All drone pilots must follow the CAA Drone Code.
Related resources
Airfield safety concerns
Any safety concerns at our island airfields can be reported using the Confidential Airport Safety Report Form (see downloads above). Send completed forms to airfields@orkney.gov.uk. For aerodrome charts and regulations, visit the NATS UK AIP.
Related resources
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Confidential airport safety report form
This document contains a confidential form for reporting anything that could affect the safe operation of Orkney’s airports. It asks for the airfield, contact details, date and a description of the concern, and can be emailed to airfields@orkney.gov.uk or sent to the Airfield Superintendent at Orkney Islands Council.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.