Overview
Sumburgh Airport is the main airport serving the Shetland Islands in Scotland, located on the southern tip of the mainland. The airport is owned and operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), which is a public corporation responsible for managing 11 regional airports across Scotland. Sumburgh Airport is the third busiest HIAL airport, with over 340,000 passengers passing through its terminal in 2019.
The airport serves as a vital transport hub for both locals and tourists, connecting the remote Shetland Islands to mainland Scotland and beyond. It offers daily flights to major Scottish cities such as Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Glasgow, as well as seasonal charters to Norway and Denmark.
The airport’s modern terminal building, opened in 2014, boasts a range of facilities and services for passengers, including a café, bar, and shop selling local products. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, baby changing facilities, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility.
In addition to commercial flights, Sumburgh Airport is also used for search and rescue operations, supporting the coastguard and Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in responding to emergencies in the surrounding waters. The airport’s runway is also capable of accommodating larger aircraft, making it a designated emergency landing site for transatlantic flights.
Overall, Sumburgh Airport is a crucial gateway for the local community and an essential transport link for visitors to the stunning natural beauty of the Shetland Islands.
Terminals at Sumburgh Airport
Sumburgh Airport is located on the southern tip of mainland Shetland in Scotland. The airport has a single terminal building which serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal building is modern, spacious and well-equipped with facilities to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
Upon entering the terminal building, passengers will be greeted by a large check-in area where they can obtain their boarding passes and check in their luggage. The airport has a self-service check-in kiosk for those who prefer to avoid queuing. There are also bag drop-off points available for passengers who have already checked in online or through the self-service kiosk.
Once through security, passengers can purchase last-minute items from the duty-free shop, browse through the local craft outlet or grab a bite to eat at the airport cafe. The cafe offers a range of snacks, sandwiches and hot meals, as well as a selection of drinks and refreshments.
The terminal building also boasts free Wi-Fi, charging points, and restrooms equipped with baby changing facilities. A prayer room is also available for passengers who require it. The airport terminal is easily accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, with clear signage, ample seating and dedicated assistance services available.
Overall, the terminal at Sumburgh Airport provides a range of amenities and facilities that cater to the needs of passengers, making their journey comfortable and enjoyable. With excellent customer service and a welcoming atmosphere, the terminal is an excellent reflection of Shetland’s renowned hospitality.
Airlines and Destinations
Airlines that operate from Sumburgh Airport include Loganair, Eastern Airways, and British Airways.
Loganair provides domestic flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Kirkwall, and Inverness. They also offer seasonal flights to Bergen, Dublin, Esbjerg, Faroe Islands, and Bergen.
Eastern Airways offers flights to Aberdeen and Newcastle, as well as seasonal flights to Stavanger.
British Airways provides seasonal flights to London Heathrow.
It is important to check with each airline for specific flight schedules and any potential changes.
Transportation Options at Sumburgh Airport
Sumburgh Airport is the main airport in Shetland, serving both domestic and international destinations. If you are flying into Sumburgh Airport and need to get around, you have several transportation options available.
One of the most convenient options for getting to and from Sumburgh Airport is the shuttle service. Shetland Taxis operates a taxi and shuttle service from the airport to various destinations on the island. The shuttle service runs to and from the airport, with pick-up and drop-off points at various locations around the island. The cost of the shuttle service varies depending on how far you are traveling and how many people are in your group.
Another option for getting around the island is to rent a car. There are several car rental companies located at Sumburgh Airport, including Avis, Hertz, and Europcar. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace and visit all of the sights that interest you. You can also book your rental car online before you arrive to ensure availability and a competitive price.
If you prefer not to drive, there is also a shuttle bus service that operates from the airport to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland. The shuttle bus runs several times a day, and tickets can be purchased from the driver. The journey takes around 35 minutes, and the bus stops at various locations in Lerwick, including the ferry terminal and the main bus station.
For those who want to travel further afield, there are regular train services from Lerwick to other parts of Scotland, including Aberdeen and Inverness. The train journey from Lerwick to Aberdeen takes around 14 hours, while the journey to Inverness takes around 9 hours. If you plan to take the train, it is best to book your tickets well in advance to ensure availability and a lower price.
In summary, there are several transportation options available at Sumburgh Airport, including shuttle services, car rentals, shuttle buses, and train lines. Whether you prefer to drive, take public transportation, or hire a private shuttle, there is a transportation option to suit every traveler’s needs.
Parking at Sumburgh Airport
Sumburgh Airport offers convenient parking options for travelers. There are four car parks available, including one short-stay and three long-stay options. The short-stay car park is located just a short walk from the terminal and is ideal for picking up or dropping off passengers.
The three long-stay car parks offer affordable rates for travelers who need to leave their vehicle for a longer period of time. Rates for long-stay parking start from £3 per day, with discounts offered for weekly and monthly stays. All car parks are securely patrolled and monitored 24/7 for added peace of mind.
For those who require assistance getting from their car to the terminal, there are designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders in all car parks. A free shuttle bus service is also available for passengers who need assistance transporting their luggage from the car park to the terminal.
Overall, Sumburgh Airport provides a range of parking options to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re looking for short-stay or long-stay parking, there is an affordable and convenient option for you.
Check-In Procedures
At Sumburgh Airport, there are three methods to check-in for your flight: online, self-service kiosks, and traditional check-in desks. Online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time and closes one hour before the flight.
Passengers can print their boarding passes at home or download them to their mobile devices. Self-service kiosks are available in the terminal building and provide a quick and easy way to check-in and print boarding passes. These are available from four hours before departure and close 30 minutes before departure.
Traditional check-in desks are staffed by airline agents and usually open two hours before departure time and close 40 minutes before departure. Passengers will need to present identification and their flight reservation details to receive their boarding pass and check their luggage if necessary.
It is important to arrive at the airport with enough time to check-in, pass through security, and reach the gate before boarding time. Passengers should also follow all airport and airline regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free check-in experience.
Security at Sumburgh Airport: Procedures and Tips for a Smooth Check
At Sumburgh Airport, security is taken very seriously. Passengers are required to go through security screening before boarding their flights. This includes an x-ray scan of carry-on luggage, removal of shoes and outerwear, and walking through a metal detector.
To make the security check process easier and quicker, it is recommended that passengers wear easily removable shoes and avoid wearing large amounts of metal jewelry or clothing. Liquids in carry-on bags should be placed in a clear plastic bag and kept separate for screening.
Passengers should also arrive early to allow enough time for the security check and any potential delays. Any prohibited items should be left at home or packed in checked luggage to avoid issues at the security checkpoint.
Overall, following these tips and being prepared for the security check can make the process smoother and less stressful for travelers at Sumburgh Airport.
Customs and Immigration Process at Sumburgh Airport
Upon arrival, passengers will be directed to the immigration desk where they must present their passport or other travel documents. A Border Force officer will check the validity of their documents and may ask questions about the purpose of their visit.
After clearing immigration, passengers will proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their luggage. From there, they can either exit the airport or transfer to a connecting flight.
For departing passengers, the process begins at the check-in desk where they will present their travel documents and receive their boarding pass. They will then proceed through security before reaching the departure lounge.
At the departure gate, passengers may be asked to present their travel documents again before boarding the aircraft. It is important to arrive at the airport with sufficient time to complete these processes before the flight departure time.
Amenities
- Restaurants and cafes serving a variety of hot and cold food and drinks.
- Shops offering a range of items including souvenirs, books, and magazines.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport for all passengers.
- ATM machines, currency exchange, and banking facilities.
- Children’s play area to keep kids entertained before flights.
- Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities for families travelling with young children.
- Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchairs and dedicated parking spaces.
- Workstations with charging points for laptops and phones.
Accessibility Services
Sumburgh Airport is committed to providing facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.
These include accessible toilets, disabled parking spaces, lifts, and wheelchair assistance provided by trained staff.
In addition, the airport has a hearing loop installed in the main terminal building and provides assistance for passengers with visual impairments.
Passengers are advised to contact the airport in advance to arrange any necessary assistance, including the use of the airport’s dedicated Changing Places facility.
Connecting Flights at Sumburgh Airport
Connecting flights at Sumburgh Airport can be a hassle-free experience if you plan well in advance. First and foremost, make sure you leave enough time between your flights to avoid any last-minute rush.
Check the flight schedules of both your departing and connecting flights to ensure that they are on time and do not clash with each other. Also, ensure that you book your connecting flights through the same airline as this will help you in case of any delays or cancellations.
Once you arrive at Sumburgh Airport, follow the signs for connecting flights and head towards the gate of your next flight. Ensure that you have all your travel documents such as passport and boarding passes handy.
If you have checked-in luggage, make sure it is tagged to your final destination. You may also opt to carry a small bag with essentials in case of any unforeseen delays. Finally, board your connecting flight on time and enjoy your journey!
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Once you arrive at Sumburgh Airport, head to the baggage claim area where you can collect your luggage from the conveyor belt. Make sure to check the flight information display screens to see which carousel your bags will be on.
If you are unable to find your luggage or if it has been damaged during transit, you must report it to the lost property desk located in the baggage claim area. The staff will assist you in filling out a report and provide you with a reference number for tracking purposes.
Once your lost luggage is found, it will be delivered to your specified location or you can arrange to pick it up at the airport. Damaged luggage may be repaired or replaced depending on the severity of the damage and the airline’s policies.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
Sumburgh Airport has a well-equipped fire and rescue service that operates 24/7 to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. The team is trained to deal with emergencies such as aircraft incidents, fire outbreaks, and medical emergencies.
In case of a medical emergency, there is a first aid team on hand to provide assistance. The airport also has an ambulance stationed nearby, and patients can be transported to the local hospital or healthcare facility within a short time.
Additionally, there are defibrillators located throughout the airport in case of cardiac arrest. Passengers who require medical attention are advised to report to the airport information desk or alert a member of staff for assistance.
Hotel Accommodations
There are several hotel accommodations available within or near Sumburgh Airport. The nearest motel is Sumburgh Hotel, which is located just 3.5 miles from the airport. Additionally, there are also several hotels that are slightly further away, but still within a reasonable driving distance.
The following is a list of at least five hotels within close proximity to Sumburgh Airport:
1. Sumburgh Hotel – 3.5 miles
2. Spiggie Hotel – 6.9 miles
3. Lerwick Hotel – 25 miles
4. Queens Hotel – 26 miles
5. Grand Hotel – 26 miles
All of these hotels offer a range of room options, amenities, and services to suit different needs and budgets. Visitors to Sumburgh Airport can choose from various accommodations, including budget-friendly motels and luxurious hotels, ensuring that their stay is comfortable and enjoyable.
Useful Tips:
Looking for some insider tips for navigating and enjoying Sumburgh Airport?
Here are some useful things to keep in mind: First, make sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
The check-in and security lines can get quite busy, especially during peak travel times.
Next, if you have some time to kill at the airport, head to the Duty Free store for some great deals on souvenirs and local specialties.
Need to charge your devices before your flight? Look for outlets located near the seating areas or in the Food Court.
And finally, don’t forget to enjoy the stunning views of the Shetland Islands from the observation deck before boarding your flight.
Contact Information
Airport Information Desk: +44 (0) 1950 460 905
Lost Property: +44(0) 1950 461 410
Car Hire: +44(0) 1950 460 777
Police: 101
Fire and Rescue: +44(0) 1950 461 422
Medical Emergencies: Dial 999 and ask for the emergency services
Disabled Assistance: Please contact your airline in advance to arrange assistance
Airport Parking: +44(0) 1950 465 334
Airport Security: +44(0) 1950 461 420
Customs and Immigration: +44 (0) 131 348 5000
Animal Welfare: +44 (0) 1950 461 420
Airports Near Sumburgh Airport
There are several airports in close proximity to Sumburgh Airport, including Tingwall Airport (11 miles), Scatsta Airport (25 miles), and Kirkwall Airport (48 miles).
Transportation options to these airports include rental cars, taxis, and shuttle services. Some airlines may also offer connecting flights from these nearby airports. It is recommended to check with your airline or travel agent for specific flight options and transportation details.