Scotland is among the most renowned nations in the United Kingdom and is gradually establishing itself as a prominent tourist hotspot. Scotland boasts a compact territory brimming with numerous delights. The country’s ancient architecture, captivating expansive skies, delectable seafood, and warm and welcoming locals make it a truly enchanting and romantic destination.
If you are planning a visit to Scotland, be sure to indulge in the exquisite whiskey that this country is famous for. Scotland has excellent air connectivity within the country and to its surrounding areas, thanks to its multiple major airports.
6 Operational Airports In Scotland
While some airports in Scotland are situated in cities, others are located in the scenic highlands. To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey, we have compiled a list of airports in both the Scottish Highlands and cities.
1. Edinburgh Airport
Located in the Ingliston area, just 7 miles away from the city center, Edinburgh Airport is the top-ranked international airport in Scotland. It is also the sixth busiest airport in the UK. Offering a pleasant, convenient, and delightful flying experience, this airport operates around 222 routes with 337 airlines serving 153 destinations. Approximately 14.3 million passengers travel through this airport each year, and it has received numerous awards, including the Best European Airport.
Edinburgh Airport is owned by Global Infrastructure Partners, who are also major stakeholders in the management of Gatwick Airport. The original terminal was constructed in 1970 and has undergone recent upgrades and expansions. The airport has a single terminal that handles both international and domestic departures and arrivals seamlessly. The ground floor is dedicated to arrivals, while departures take place on the first floor. Passengers traveling between local and international flights are required to go through passport control.
The airport premises are well-maintained and clean, and there are several restaurants, an art gallery, bookshops, and other amenities available to passengers. Navigating the building is effortless due to the clear signage. To reach the airport from the city, travelers can use the express Airlink bus service, taxis, or the tram service.
Location: Edinburgh EH12 9DN, United KingdomIATA Code: EDIElevation: 41mNearby Hotels: Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh Airport, Travelodge Edinburgh Airport Ratho Station, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh Airport, and Moxy Edinburgh Airport
Must Read: 10 Festivals In Scotland To Witness For An Exotic Dive Into Scottish Culture!
2. Glasgow Airport
Also known as Glasgow International Airport, this airport has been ranked as the second finest Scotland International Airport after Edinburgh and the eighth busiest in the UK. Promising you a swift and seamless flying experience, this airport is located just 8 miles from the heart of Glasgow city. This busiest airports in Scotland handle over 6 million passengers annually. Approximately 30 airlines operate from this airport, comprising a blend of budget, conventional, and charter carriers.
Established in 1966, this airport initially served flights exclusively to other regions in Europe and the United Kingdom. This airport possesses a single large terminal that handles all operations. However, this terminal incorporates 3 piers. The first one caters to international flights, the middle one is for domestic flights, and the last one is dedicated to low-cost flights to Ireland and the Scottish islands. In 2007, a sky hub was constructed to connect the main terminal with the second, creating space for a duty-free shopping area.
In recent years, several enhancements have been made, with an increase in dining and shopping options, as well as improved security procedures. Accessing this airport is convenient, as you can opt for a taxi, bus, or train from the city.
Location: Paisley PA3 2SW, United KingdomIATA Code: GLAElevation: 8mNearby Hotels: Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport, Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport, Travelodge Glasgow Airport Central, and Motel Air Glasgow Airport
Recommended Reading: Shopping In Scotland: Discover Hidden Gems Away From the Main Streets!
3. Glasgow Prestwick Airport
Serving the western part of Scotland, this Scotland International Airport is situated 32 miles from Glasgow’s city center and merely a mile away from Prestwick town. The passenger traffic at this airport is not very high, with around 670,000 passengers annually, making it the fifth busiest airport in Scotland.
However, this airport boasts the largest land area and its terminal has a maximum capacity of 2.5 million passengers. Each year, airlines operating from this location connect to 17 destinations worldwide. Both international and domestic arrivals are located on the ground floor’s right side. The airport offers fantastic new passenger facilities, including shops, bars, restaurants, children’s TV areas, and a currency exchange. It is the only airport in the country with its own railway station, although traveling to the airport by car remains the most convenient and easiest option.
Location: 107 Glasgow Prestwick Intnl Airport, Prestwick KA9 2PL, United KingdomIATA Code: PIKElevation: 20mNearby Hotels: Premier Inn Ayr/Prestwick Airport, OYO Prestwick Airport Hotel, Carlton Hotel Prestwick, and Enterkine House Hotel
Recommended Reading: 10 Secret Beaches In Scotland For The Most Enchanting Vacation!
4. Aberdeen Airport
Consisting of one terminal building, the Aberdeen International Airport at Dyce is located 7 miles from the city center and was established in 1934. This place served as a military base during World War II, and later in 1960, it became the largest heliport in the world with the discovery of oil in the North Sea.
In 1977, the main terminal with 4 runways was inaugurated, catering to 3 million passengers every year. Out of the 4 runways, one is for fixed-wing aircraft while the other 3 are for helicopters serving the Scottish offshore oil industry. The terminal has 2 floors, with the ground floor for check-in and the first floor housing Departure Lounges. Arrivals are located to the right of the concourse, with baggage claim next to them. The airport operates 24/7 and serves as a hub for around 20 airlines offering flights to various destinations. Buses, taxis, and trains provide convenient transportation options to this airport.
Location: Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 7DU, United KingdomIATA Code: ABZElevation: 66mNearby Hotels: Moxy Aberdeen Airport, Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen Airport, Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen Airport, and Jurys Inn Aberdeen Airport
Recommended Reading: 13 Hotels In Scotland That Allow You To Experience Scottish Hospitality At Its Finest
5. Inverness Airport
Inverness Airport is one of the top highland airports in Scotland and serves as an ideal entry point to the Scottish Highlands. It is a private airport located at Dalcross, situated 7 miles from Nairn and 8 miles from Inverness. As one of the well-maintained highland airports in Scotland, Inverness has excellent connectivity to all modes of public transportation and the surrounding areas, ensuring ease of travel and accessibility.
With a main terminal, this airport offers regular flights from various European and UK destinations, as well as numerous charter flights to places like Sicily, Italy, and Portugal. All essential amenities such as shopping, lounges, and restaurants are available at this airport.
Location: Dalcross, Inverness IV2 7JB, United KingdomIATA Code: INVElevation: 9mNearby Hotels: Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport, Travelodge Inverness Fairways, Holiday Inn Express Inverness, and Travelodge Inverness
Suggested Read: 10 Thrilling Activities To Experience In Scotland When You Are Not Playing Golf
6. Dundee Airport
Providing inexpensive flights one of the small but swift airports in Scotland highlands is 3km from the center of Dundee. This airport is a licensed airfield open for charter, scheduled, and private operators. Dundee airport is one of the compact yet fast domestic airports in Scotland, scattered close to the Ancient Golf Course and St Andrews’ Royal.
Although Dundee Airport is amongst the domestic airports in Scotland, a few selected international charter flights fly in and out of this airport as well. Well-connected by commuter means, this airport serves as a crucial link for tourists who wish to visit in and around Dundee. Dundee has distinctive outlets, a few excellent shops, pubs, and a vast selection of restaurants for you to unwind in.
Location: Riverside Dr, Dundee DD2 1UH, United KingdomIATA Code: DNDElevation: 5mNearby Hotels: Hampton by Hilton Dundee City Centre, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dundee, Holiday Inn Express Dundee, and Malmaison Dundee
Further Read: 15 Finest Locations To Explore In Scotland On Your Next U.K. Trip!
Whether it’s a romantic getaway with your partner or a vacation with family, Scotland is a country worth visiting once in a lifetime. The splendor and ambiance of this country are unforgettable and offer much more than you can imagine and treasure in your memories forever. So, when you arrange your trip to Scotland, be sure to book your flight in advance and enjoy a seamless and comfortable journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Airports In Scotland
Which is the largest airport in Scotland?
The biggest airport in Scotland is the Edinburgh international airport, which handles over 12 million passengers annually.
How many airports are there in Scotland?
There are a total of 4 primary airports in Scotland that operate commercially. Additionally, there are several other airports managed by Scottish Highlands and Islands, such as Campbeltown, Dundee, Islay, Kirkwall, Inverness, Sumburgh, Stornoway, and Benbecula.
What is the international airport in Scotland?
The international airport in Scotland is Glasgow International Airport, previously known as Abbotsinch Airport.
What is the most economical time of year to fly to Scotland?
Typically, the period from November to March, considered the off-season, offers flights to Scotland at more affordable rates.
