Kirkwall Airport: The Gateway to Orkney
Located three miles southeast of Kirkwall, Kirkwall Airport (IATA: KOI, ICAO: EGPA) serves as the primary aviation hub for the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Owned and operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), the airport provides a critical link between the mainland and the archipelago, facilitating both passenger travel and essential cargo transport.
Key Facts
- Location: Kirkwall, Scotland (Elevation: 58 ft AMSL).
- Primary Operator: Loganair.
- Historical Names: RAF Grimsetter and RNAS Grimsetter (HMS Robin).
- 2025 Traffic: 157,051 passengers and 10,274 air transport movements.
- Sustainability Goal: Part of a plan to make the Highlands and Islands a net zero aviation region by 2040.
Historical Evolution
Military Foundations
The airport began its life in 1940 as RAF Grimsetter, established to defend the Scapa Flow naval base. It was named after the Grimsetter farm, upon which the airfield was constructed. In 1943, the facility was transferred to the Admiralty and became Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Grimsetter. On August 15, 1943, it was commissioned as HMS Robin, serving as a satellite to RNAS Hatston (HMS Sparrowhawk).
During its military tenure, the base hosted numerous units, including RAF Squadrons 129, 132, and 234, as well as a vast array of Fleet Air Arm units, such as the 800, 801, and 849 Naval Air Squadrons.
Transition to Civil Aviation
Following the war, control of the airfield passed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 1948. By 1986, ownership was transferred to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, transitioning the site fully into the public airport it is today.
Airport Infrastructure and Operations
Kirkwall Airport operates two runways to accommodate various weather conditions and aircraft types. The primary runway (09/27) features a grooved asphalt surface, while the secondary runway (14/32) is standard asphalt.
| Direction | Length (m) | Length (ft) | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/27 | 1,430 | 4,692 | Grooved asphalt |
| 14/32 | 677 | 2,221 | Asphalt |
Airlines and Destinations
Loganair is the primary carrier at KOI, offering a comprehensive network of direct and indirect flights. Direct mainland connections include Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Sumburgh. The airport also serves as a hub for inter-island travel, connecting Kirkwall to Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, and Westray.
Indirect services via Inverness provide access to Belfast City and Manchester, while seasonal connections to Bergen are available via Sumburgh. A service to London Heathrow via Dundee is scheduled to end on September 28, 2026.
Traffic and Statistics
The airport has seen a steady recovery and growth in passenger numbers following the volatility of the early 2020s. In 2025, the airport handled 157,051 passengers, representing a 5% increase from the previous year. Air transport movements also rose by 3% to 10,274.
The busiest routes consistently remain the mainland links, with Aberdeen and Edinburgh handling the highest volumes of passengers.
Sustainability and Culture
Green Energy Initiatives
Orkney is a leader in renewable energy, utilizing wind, waves, and tides. Kirkwall Airport is integrating this via electrolysis—the process of using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. By implementing a hydrogen combustion engine system for heating buildings and water, the airport aims to reduce emissions and support the Scottish government's goal of creating the world's first net zero aviation region by 2040.
Local Heritage
The airport pays homage to its roots through unique artwork. The signage on the terminal roof is written in runes, spelling 'Krimsitir' (Grimsetter), referencing the bay, the former RAF base, and the original farm.
Incidents
The airport's history includes a notable aviation incident on October 25, 1979, when a Vickers Viscount (G-BFYZ) operated by Alidair suffered a propeller strike on the runway, leading to a nosewheel collapse and the aircraft being damaged beyond economic repair.
More recently, in January 2025, a security incident occurred involving non-credible threats of a hijacking, which resulted in the perpetrator being jailed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who operates the flights at Kirkwall Airport?
Loganair is the primary airline operating both mainland and inter-island services from the airport.
What is the historical significance of the airport's name?
The airport was originally RAF Grimsetter, named after the Grimsetter farm and the adjacent bay. This heritage is preserved today through runic signage on the terminal roof.
How is Kirkwall Airport contributing to net zero goals?
The airport is adopting hydrogen combustion engine systems for heating, powered by green hydrogen produced via electrolysis from Orkney's renewable energy sources.
Which are the busiest routes from Kirkwall?
The most frequented routes are to Aberdeen and Edinburgh, followed by Glasgow and Sumburgh.
Does the airport handle cargo?
Yes, Loganair operates cargo services connecting Kirkwall to Glasgow and Sumburgh.