Top 10 Best Airlines in Orkney Islands

Air Travel and the Orkney Islands

For an island group separated from mainland Scotland by the Pentland Firth, air travel is far more than a convenience. It connects patients to specialist hospital appointments, links businesses to clients, brings visitors to the islands and keeps the outer isles connected to Kirkwall. Kirkwall Airport, operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, is the main gateway, while small airstrips on several North Isles support inter-island flights.

Only a small number of airlines operate directly to Orkney, but Orcadians and visitors depend on a much wider network of carriers through the hub airports of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. This guide covers the ten most important airlines for Orkney travellers.

1. Loganair

Loganair, Scotland's own airline, is the cornerstone of Orkney's air connectivity. It operates scheduled flights from Kirkwall to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, along with services to Shetland and seasonal routes. Its experienced crews and pilots are accustomed to the challenging weather of the northern isles, and the airline is deeply woven into island life.

2. Loganair Inter-Isles Services

Loganair's inter-isles service, operated under contract with Orkney Islands Council, connects Kirkwall with islands such as Westray, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, Eday and North Ronaldsay using small Britten-Norman Islander aircraft. It includes the famous Westray to Papa Westray route, recognised as one of the shortest scheduled flights in the world, often lasting little more than a minute. These flights are vital for schoolchildren, healthcare workers and residents of remote islands.

3. British Airways

British Airways connects Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow to London Heathrow, opening up a vast global network. For Orkney travellers heading to North America, Asia or beyond, connecting via a Scottish hub onto British Airways is a common route.

4. easyJet

easyJet offers extensive low-cost flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness to destinations across the UK and Europe. Its affordable fares make it popular with Orcadians heading on city breaks and sunshine holidays.

5. KLM

KLM connects several Scottish airports, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, with Amsterdam Schiphol, one of Europe's best-connected hubs. Many Orkney travellers favour KLM for smooth connections to destinations across Europe, Africa and Asia, avoiding London altogether.

6. Jet2

Jet2 operates flights and holidays from Glasgow and Edinburgh to popular European leisure destinations. Its reputation for customer service and generous baggage allowances makes it a favourite for family holidays.

7. Ryanair

Ryanair provides low-cost flights from Edinburgh and other Scottish airports to a wide range of European destinations. For flexible, budget-conscious travellers, it offers some of the lowest fares available.

8. Emirates

Emirates operates from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Dubai, providing one-stop connections to the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa. Its premium service and extensive network make it a strong choice for long-haul journeys from Scotland.

9. Lufthansa

Lufthansa connects Scottish airports with its German hubs, offering access to a comprehensive European and global network. Business travellers in Orkney's renewable energy sector often use Lufthansa for connections to European energy hubs.

10. Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus links Scottish airports with Dublin, where travellers can pre-clear US immigration before flying on to North America. This makes it a convenient option for Orcadians visiting family or friends across the Atlantic.

Trends in Orkney Air Travel

Orkney is at the forefront of sustainable aviation research. The islands have hosted trials of electric and hybrid aircraft, and the short inter-isles routes are considered ideal for early zero-emission flights. Projects exploring hydrogen and electric propulsion in Orkney highlight how the islands could pioneer greener regional aviation.

Demand for reliable lifeline services remains strong, particularly for medical travel. Patients from Orkney often fly to Aberdeen for specialist treatment, so schedule reliability and fair fares are crucial. The Air Discount Scheme helps eligible island residents reduce the cost of certain mainland flights, an important support for communities that depend on air links.

Tourism also influences capacity. Summer brings increased demand from visitors, and seasonal routes help meet it. Booking early is essential during peak periods and major events.

Tips for Flying to and from Orkney

• Allow for weather: Fog and strong winds can cause delays, so build in time for onward connections.
• Book through tickets where possible: Connecting itineraries on a single booking may offer protection if a flight is delayed.
• Check baggage limits: Smaller aircraft may have stricter allowances.
• Explore resident discounts: Eligible residents should check the Air Discount Scheme.
• Consider ferries: NorthLink and Pentland Ferries offer alternatives if you are travelling with a car.

Conclusion

Loganair remains the essential airline for Orkney, connecting the islands to the Scottish mainland and linking the North Isles through its iconic inter-isles service. Beyond that, a wide range of carriers operating from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness give Orkney travellers access to the world. With careful planning, flying from Orkney is straightforward, reliable and often spectacularly scenic.