Westray Airport

Westray Airport sits on the southern edge of Westray, one of Orkney's northern isles, serving a population of around 600 residents spread across farmland, cliffs, and coastal hamlets. The single asphalt runway runs roughly east–west, and the terminal building is a modest, no-nonsense structure designed for the essential function of connecting this remote community to the Orkney mainland and beyond. Flights are operated by Loganair using Britten-Norman Islanders and DHC-6 Twin Otters, aircraft small enough to make every journey feel like a private charter. The airport's raison d'être is the lifeline it provides: for islanders, it is a reliable link to Kirkwall's hospital, shops, and secondary school; for visitors, it is a gateway to one of the most archaeologically rich landscapes in Europe.

Getting There

Westray Airport is about 3 miles from the main village of Pierowall, accessible by road via the B9066. If you are arriving from outside Orkney, your journey begins at Kirkwall Airport on the mainland. From Kirkwall, you can fly directly to Westray—a 20-minute hop that offers aerial views of the archipelago's green fields, sea stacks, and scattered islets. Alternatively, catch a ferry from Kirkwall's harbour; Orkney Ferries operates daily sailings to Westray's harbour at Rapness, with a crossing time of around 1.5 hours. From Rapness, a bus meets the ferry and runs to Pierowall, stopping near the airport turnoff. Taxis also operate on the island, but it's wise to book ahead—they are few. If you have a car, bring it on the ferry: having your own transport on Westray gives you the freedom to explore the island's coastal paths, Neolithic sites, and bird cliffs at your own pace. Parking at the airport is free and readily available.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Westray Airport is a single-room affair. Upon arrival, passengers walk directly across the tarmac to the building, where a small waiting area with basic seating faces the runway. Check-in is handled at a single desk; there is no automated bag drop or security screening in the conventional sense—carry-on items are occasionally checked, but the process is relaxed. The waiting area includes a public toilet, which is wheelchair-accessible, and the entire building is level-entry, with a ramp at the entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park directly outside. There are no shops, cafés, or vending machines, so bring any food or drink you might need. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried; flight announcements are made by the staff personally, and the turnaround between arrival and departure is usually under ten minutes. For departing passengers, you simply walk out to the aircraft when called. For arrivals, you retrieve your luggage from a small cart outside the terminal. The experience is remarkably direct and efficient—there is no queue, no waiting for a jet bridge, no rush. It is a reminder of what air travel can be when the focus is on connection rather than commerce.

Westray Airport and Orkney

Westray Airport is not just a transport facility; it is an integral part of the Orkney archipelago's character and appeal. Orkney is a place of profound historical significance, home to some of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in the world. Within a few miles of the airport lie the ancient village of Skara Brae, the ceremonial stone circles of the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the chambered tomb of Maeshowe. These are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their proximity to Westray makes the island an ideal base for exploration. Beyond the Neolithic, Orkney's Norse heritage is visible in place names, ruins, and the annual St Magnus Festival. The islands also offer spectacular wildlife: from the cliffs of Westray itself, you can watch puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and gannets; the waters around the islands are frequented by seals, porpoises, and occasionally orcas. The famous short flight from Westray to Papa Westray—officially the shortest scheduled passenger flight in the world at 2.7 kilometres, taking about two minutes—is a highlight for many visitors. Locals call it "the milk run," and it perfectly encapsulates the archipelago's scale and charm. Orkney's culture is distinct, with a strong tradition of folk music, storytelling, and local produce (Orkney cheese, beef, and whisky are celebrated). The islands are also increasingly popular for outdoor activities: cycling, hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching. For all these reasons, Westray Airport is more than an arrival point—it is the threshold to an experience that blends ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and a close-knit community. The airport's simplicity reflects the island's spirit: unpretentious, welcoming, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Practical Information

Westray Airport is not open 24 hours daily; flights are concentrated during daytime hours, typically from early morning to early evening, with limited weekend services. According to operational data, passenger traffic peaks on Mondays around 10 am, Tuesdays at 5 pm, Wednesdays at 3 am (likely a data anomaly or a very early flight), and Thursdays at 6 pm. It is advisable to check the schedule in advance. Contact the airport on +44 1857 677271 or visit westraypapawestray.co.uk for timetable and booking information. For Loganair flights, book online or through the airline's app; seats are limited, so reserving ahead is essential. There is no ATM at the airport, so bring cash if needed (Pierowall has a small shop and a post office with basic services). The weather in Orkney is changeable; flights can be delayed or cancelled due to fog or high winds, so allow flexibility in your travel plans. One concrete piece of advice: if your itinerary allows, take the Westray–Papa Westray flight—even if it means an extra day, it is a genuinely unique experience and a conversation starter for life.