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Dundee Airport

About the Airport

Dundee Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Dundee Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true "pocket-sized" air gateway to Scotland, located in one of the region's most picturesque spots. The runway stretches along the banks of the majestic River Tay estuary, turning every landing into a breathtaking excursion with views of famous bridges and the shimmering water. Here, you won't find the endless queues and bustle of giant terminals: the atmosphere resembles a private flying club, where the journey from the aircraft to a taxi takes mere minutes. It is the ideal starting point for those who wish to begin their acquaintance with the "City of Discovery" without unnecessary stress, immersing themselves immediately in the cosy Scottish atmosphere.

IATA Code DND
ICAO Code EGPN
City Dundee
Distance to Centre 3 km
Status Regional / Domestic
Passengers per Year Approx. 42,000
Schedule Current schedule available on the official airport website

Airport Features and Advantages

Unique Location. The airport is located literally a five-minute drive from the city centre, making it one of the most convenient in the UK. You won't have to spend hours on transfers: immediately after landing, you find yourself in close proximity to the main attractions, hotels, and business centres.

Scenic Approach. The flight into Dundee is often compared to a sightseeing tour. Planes approach over the water, offering passengers stunning panoramas of the River Tay and the historic Tay Rail Bridge. For lovers of beautiful views, a window seat here is a must.

Speed and Stress-Free Experience. Thanks to the terminal's compact size, check-in and security procedures are lightning-fast compared to major hubs. It is impossible to get lost here, and the staff are known for their friendliness and readiness to help, creating a sense of comfort and calm before your flight.

Contact Information

You can contact representatives of Dundee Airport in several ways. Below are the main contact details for travellers.

  • Official Website: You will find the most up-to-date information on flight schedules, services, and passenger rules on the official airport website: www.hial.co.uk/dundee-airport.
  • Helpdesk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call +44 (0)1382 662200. We recommend checking the website to confirm the number is current before calling.
  • Airport Address: Riverside Drive, Dundee, DD2 1UH, Scotland, United Kingdom.
  • Email: For written enquiries, a contact form is usually provided on the official website. A general email address for enquiries, if available, will also be listed there.
  • Social Media: News and operational updates are often published on the airport's official pages. You can find them on popular social networks by searching for "Dundee Airport".
  • Lost & Found: Issues regarding lost or damaged luggage are handled directly by the airline you travelled with. Upon arrival, please approach your airline's counter.
  • Passenger Support: Assistance with issues related to your stay in the terminal can be obtained at the information desk or by calling the general airport helpdesk.

Important: Contact information may change over time. We strongly recommend verifying all details on the official airport website before your trip.

How to Get to the Airport

Dundee Airport is located very close to the city centre, just 3 kilometres away, making the journey to the terminal quick and convenient. Travellers departing from Dundee or arriving in this cosy city in the United Kingdom can choose one of several ways to reach the airport.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Although direct buses into the terminal itself may not always run, many Stagecoach routes stop just a few minutes' walk from the airport. The cost of a single trip is usually around £2-£3. This is a good choice for light travellers looking to save money.

Taxi or Transfer is the fastest and most comfortable method. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport takes only 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. The estimated cost is £8-£12. This is the ideal option if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. You can also book a private transfer in advance.

By Car, getting to the airport is very simple thanks to its convenient location and good road signage. If you plan to explore the surroundings, you can rent a car—car rental desks are located right at the airport. For those arriving in their own vehicle, parking is provided. Both short-term and long-term options are available. It is recommended to book a space online in advance to secure a better rate.

It is worth noting that Dundee Airport mainly serves domestic and some charter flights. For a wider choice of international destinations, travellers often use larger hubs. The nearest and most popular of these is Edinburgh Airport, which is approximately an hour's drive away. Other alternatives include airports in Aberdeen and Glasgow, which can be reached by train or bus.

Terminals and Map

Dundee Airport (DND) is a small and very convenient regional airport in the United Kingdom, distinguished by its compactness and simplicity. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of major aviation hubs, you will definitely like it here.

Dundee Airport has just one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal building is small, and its entire structure is intuitive. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where the check-in counters are located. Since there are few flights, long queues are rare here. Navigation is extremely simple—it is practically impossible to get lost.

The departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, just a few steps away from each other. After check-in, you pass through the single security checkpoint, which leads directly to the departure lounge. This lounge is small but cosy, with basic amenities. The arrival zone is equally compact: after disembarking the aircraft, you immediately enter the baggage claim hall and proceed to the airport exit. There are no transfers between terminals, as all operations are concentrated in one place.

The main advantage of Dundee Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Flight check-in and security screening usually take minimal time. As a rule, arriving at the airport 60-90 minutes before departure is sufficient to go through all formalities without rushing. This makes travelling through Dundee much less stressful compared to large airports.

Navigation recommendations are very simple: follow the few signs available. All key areas—from check-in counters to boarding gates—are within a one-to-two-minute walk. Airport staff are always ready to help, adding to the pleasant experience of your visit.

Airport History

The history of Dundee Airport (DND) is a fascinating tale of engineering thought and adaptation. The airport in its current form was officially opened in 1963. The uniqueness of its location lies in the fact that it was built on land reclaimed from the River Tay estuary. Initially, it had only a grass runway but quickly became an important transport hub for the region.

The commercial era for Dundee Airport began in 1966, when the airline Autair launched the first scheduled flights. In the 1970s, a significant stage of modernisation took place: the grass surface of the runway was replaced with asphalt concrete, allowing for the accommodation of more modern types of aircraft. During the same decade, management of the airport passed to the Tayside Regional Council, which facilitated its further development.

Significant changes occurred in the 1990s. In 1997, a new modern terminal was ceremoniously opened, significantly increasing comfort for passengers. The airport came under the ownership of Dundee Airport Ltd, a subsidiary of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), which manages the air harbour to this day. This restructuring allowed the airport to integrate into the wider network of regional airports in Scotland.

One of the most significant achievements in the airport's recent history was the establishment of a stable air link with London. The route to London City Airport has been key for many years, especially for business travellers, connecting Dundee with the financial heart of the UK. Although the airlines on this route have changed, its strategic importance has remained constant.

Among interesting facts about Dundee Airport, its runway is worth noting. It is one of the shortest in the UK used for commercial flights, which imposes certain restrictions on the types of aircraft it can accept. Furthermore, the approach for landing is considered one of the most picturesque in the country—planes fly over the famous rail bridge across the River Tay, offering passengers breathtaking views.

Services and Facilities

Dundee Airport (DND) is a compact regional hub offering passengers all essential amenities for a comfortable wait before their flight. Despite its small size, key services have been thought out to make the journey more pleasant.

Dining, Shopping, and Wi-Fi. The terminal features a café-bar where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase light refreshments and beverages. The selection of shops is limited, but you will be able to find travel essentials. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets.

Passenger Services. The airport is equipped for the comfortable movement of people with reduced mobility, and there are baby changing facilities for travellers with small children. Special assistance for boarding and disembarking should be booked in advance through your airline. There is no permanent medical centre at the airport, but in an emergency, staff are ready to provide first aid and call an ambulance.

Finance and Lounges. ATMs can be found within the terminal building. Please note that there are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points here, so it is recommended to arrange for cash in advance. A general waiting hall is open to all passengers; dedicated VIP areas or business lounges are not provided at Dundee Airport.

Accommodation. There are no hotels on the airport grounds themselves. However, a multitude of accommodation options to suit any taste and budget can be found in Dundee itself, which is just a few minutes' drive from the terminal.

Where to Eat

Dundee Airport (DND) is a compact regional airport, so dining options here are concentrated in one convenient location and are designed for passengers who need a quick and simple snack before departure. There is no separation of terminals; all services are located in one building.

The main and only place to eat and drink is the café-bar, located in the main hall of the terminal, in the public area (before security control). This establishment serves both departing passengers and those meeting them. Its opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule—the café opens before departures and closes after the last plane has left.

The establishment's menu offers a standard set for travellers:

  • For a quick snack: Sandwiches, pastries, crisps, chocolate, and other snacks.
  • For a substantial but simple meal: Hot breakfast rolls (for example, with bacon or sausage, which is a popular option in the United Kingdom), soups of the day, and light hot dishes.
  • Beverages: Coffee, tea, juices, carbonated drinks, as well as a selection of beverages including beer and wine.

Regarding dietary preferences, the choice may be limited. Usually, vegetarian sandwiches are available, but for more specific requirements (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal meals), it is best to check availability on-site or arrange for food in advance. Prices here correspond to the average level for airports—slightly higher than in the city.

Thus, the café at Dundee Airport is ideal for having a cup of coffee or a light snack before your flight. If you are counting on a more varied or substantial lunch, it is recommended to eat at one of the numerous establishments in the city of Dundee before arriving at the airport.

Tips for Travellers

Travelling through Dundee Airport (DND), a small regional airport in the United Kingdom, can be very comfortable if you know a few nuances. Here are some tips to help make your trip smooth and pleasant.

Arrival at the Airport. Thanks to its modest size, Dundee Airport does not require arrival many hours before departure. For domestic flights, it is sufficient to arrive 1.5-2 hours before take-off. This time is enough to calmly check in luggage, pass through security control, and walk to the boarding gate.

Check-in and Security. To save time, always use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Security checkpoints in small airports usually work faster, but standard security rules still apply. Prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100ml, packed in a transparent bag) and large electronic devices for separate scanning.

Seat Selection. Flights from Dundee are often operated by small turboprop aircraft. If you want to enjoy views of the River Tay and the coast, choose a window seat. Aisle seats are convenient if you need to get up during the flight. Note that on such aircraft, the wings may partially obstruct the view from certain rows.

Hand Luggage. Hand luggage standards in the UK are strict. Besides restrictions on liquids, it is forbidden to carry any sharp objects (knives, scissors with blades longer than 6cm), flammable substances, and other dangerous goods. Always check the current rules on your airline's website before flying.

Connecting Passengers. Dundee Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. Most often, passengers fly from here with a connection in larger hubs, for example, in London. In this case, ensure you have enough time between flights (at least 2-3 hours), and check with the airline whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transfer airport.

Customs Control. When arriving from outside the UK, you will have to pass through customs control. Use the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare, and the "Red Channel" if you are carrying goods exceeding established limits. Following Brexit, this rule also applies to flights from EU countries.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book parking and taxis online in advance. Take an empty water bottle with you—after passing security, you can refill it for free at drinking fountains. Since the choice of cafés in the airport is limited, you can bring snacks permitted for carriage with you.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, contact your airline representative for information. Familiarise yourself with your passenger rights (regulation UK 261 applies in the UK), which provides for compensation and assistance (food, drinks, accommodation) during long delays. Given the small size of the terminal, during a long wait, it may be more comfortable to remain in the main hall.

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