North Ronaldsay Airport

North Ronaldsay Airport (EGEN) sits at the northern tip of the Orkney archipelago, 40 kilometres north of Kirkwall on the island of North Ronaldsay. It is one of the smallest commercial airports in the UK, serving a community of fewer than 70 permanent residents with flights to and from Kirkwall operated by Loganair. The single runway runs roughly east-west, and the terminal building — recently renovated — houses everything needed for a trip that is frequently shaped by the North Sea weather.

Getting There

Reaching North Ronaldsay Airport means first getting to Orkney. Most visitors fly into Kirkwall Airport from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, or Sumburgh (Shetland). From Kirkwall, the onward journey to North Ronaldsay is by air or sea.

Loganair operates scheduled flights between Kirkwall and North Ronaldsay several times a week, with flight times of around 15–20 minutes. The aircraft is a seven-seat Britten-Norman Islander, a high-wing propeller plane that handles short runways and gusty conditions well. Flights are heavily weather-dependent, particularly in winter, and can be cancelled at short notice. Booking in advance is essential.

The alternative is the Orkney Ferries service from Kirkwall to North Ronaldsay. The crossing takes roughly two and a half hours and runs two to three times per week, depending on the season and demand. The ferry docks at the island's pier, about two kilometres from the airport — a walkable distance along the island's single road, though taxis are available if pre-booked.

For those already on North Ronaldsay, the airport is a five-minute walk from the island's main settlement. There are no bus services or extensive road networks; walking or cycling is the norm. The airport has a small car park for those who bring a vehicle via the ferry.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building at North Ronaldsay Airport is compact and straightforward. Upon entering, passengers find a waiting room with comfortable seating. The renovation has made the space warm and bright, with large windows overlooking the runway and the surrounding fields.

Facilities are basic but functional. There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible car park, and accessible toilets, including a dedicated disabled toilet. General toilets are also available. The check-in counter is a single desk, and the process is remarkably fast — staff aim for a ten-minute turnaround from arrival to boarding. Passengers are weighed along with their luggage to ensure the aircraft is not overloaded; staff handle this discreetly, without fuss.

The terminal does not have a vending machine, free Wi-Fi, or any food and beverage options. Passengers should bring their own snacks and drinks, especially if a delay is possible. There is no duty-free shop, no lounge, and no commercial outlets of any kind. What the airport lacks in amenities, it makes up for in efficiency and friendly service.

Departures and arrivals share the same small space. The runway is visible from the waiting area. The Islander aircraft is noisy during taxi and takeoff, but noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs make the brief flight more comfortable. The overall atmosphere is calm and unhurried, with no queues and remarkably low stress.

North Ronaldsay Airport EGEN and Orkney

To understand North Ronaldsay Airport, one must understand Orkney. The archipelago consists of over 70 islands, 20 of which are inhabited. Orkney’s heritage spans from Neolithic settlements to Norse rule, Viking history, and two world wars. The islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site for the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which includes Skara Brae — a preserved Stone Age village — the Maeshowe chambered cairn, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle, and the Stones of Stenness. These sites are among the most significant prehistoric monuments in Europe.

Beyond ancient history, Orkney offers dramatic coastal scenery, abundant birdlife (puffins, guillemots, skuas at Marwick Head and the Brough of Birsay), and marine wildlife including seals, dolphins, and occasionally orcas. The islands are also known for Scottish coastal culture, with local crafts, whisky production at Highland Park and Scapa distilleries, and strong farming and fishing traditions.

North Ronaldsay itself is the northernmost inhabited island in Orkney, known for its unique breed of sheep that subsist on seaweed along the shoreline, a practice enforced by a drystone dyke built around the island in the 19th century. The island has a bird observatory, a lighthouse built in 1854 (the oldest working lighthouse in Scotland), and a small museum. The stark, low-lying landscape of North Ronaldsay is largely treeless, with wide skies and strong winds that shape daily life.

The airport is a vital link for islanders — for medical transport, supply deliveries, and connectivity with the rest of Orkney and the Scottish mainland. Freight, mail, and passengers all travel through this tiny terminal. For visitors, the airport is the scenic entry point to one of Britain’s most remote and rewarding destinations. The short flight from Kirkwall offers aerial views of the island chain, seals on the shore, and the ever-present North Sea.

Practical Information

North Ronaldsay Airport is not open every day. It operates only when flights are scheduled, which is typically several days per week. The busiest times, based on typical schedules, are Mondays at 12:00, Tuesdays at 12:00, Wednesdays at 10:00, and Thursdays at 17:00. It is best to check the current schedule with Loganair or the airport directly.

Contact: The airport does not have a separate listed phone number; enquiries go through Loganair (loganair.co.uk) or Kirkwall Airport (kirkwallairport.co.uk). For local transport on North Ronaldsay, pre-book a taxi via the island’s accommodation or the ferry office.

While the terminal is warm, the exterior can be windy and cold — bring appropriate clothing. Since there are no food or drink facilities, pack supplies. Check-in is quick; still, arriving 30 minutes before departure is plenty. The runway is prone to crosswinds, and delays happen. Arrive at the airport with patience.

One concrete tip: If you are visiting Orkney and want to experience true island isolation, plan a stay of at least two nights on North Ronaldsay. The airport is the gateway, but the island itself — with its quiet roads, seabird colonies, and 24-hour summer daylight — rewards those who take time to explore beyond the arrival hall.