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Eday Airport

About the Airport

Eday Airport is not just a runway, but the aerial gateway to one of the most picturesque northern islands of the Orkney archipelago in the United Kingdom. For travellers seeking seclusion and pristine nature, arriving here marks the beginning of a true adventure. This small airfield plays a key role in the life of the local community and offers guests a unique experience of flying over the rugged yet beautiful landscapes of Scotland. Landing in Eday is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of remote islands from the very first minute.

Eday Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
IATA Code EOI
ICAO Code EGED
City Eday
Distance to center approx. 1.5 km
Status Domestic
Passengers per year approx. 3,000
Popular Airlines Loganair

The main feature of Eday Airport lies in its scale and the role it fulfills. It is part of the famous Orkney Inter-Isles Air Service, which serves the smallest inhabited islands of the archipelago. Flights are operated on compact aircraft, which is an unforgettable attraction in itself — the windows offer breathtaking views of rocky shores, green meadows, and the waters of the North Sea.

The airport is more of a small airfield with basic infrastructure, which highlights its authenticity. There is none of the hustle and bustle of large aviation hubs here, and the boarding and departure process is quick and feels very welcoming. For tourists, this is not just a transport hub, but an integral part of the journey through the Orkney Islands, allowing one to feel like an explorer and enjoy a unique atmosphere of solitude and tranquility.

Contact Information

You can contact representatives of Eday Airport (EOI) or obtain additional information using the following details. Please note that the airport is small and handles local flights, so most administrative matters are resolved through the central hub in the Orkney Islands — Kirkwall Airport.

  • Official Website: Current information on airport operations and flight schedules is published on the official website of the Orkney Islands Council in the section dedicated to air transport.
  • Help Desk Phone: +44 (0)1856 872421. This is the number for the information desk at the main Kirkwall Airport, which manages inter-island flights.
  • Address: Eday Airport, Eday, Orkney, KW17 2AB, United Kingdom.
  • Email: The airport does not have a direct email address. For communication, it is recommended to use the telephone or contact forms on the Orkney Islands Council website.
  • Social Media: Such a small airport does not maintain its own social media pages.
  • Lost Baggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the airline operating the flight (Loganair) directly, or the baggage tracing service at Kirkwall Airport.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance or consultation, it is recommended to call the indicated help desk number or contact airline representatives.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Eday Airport (EOI), located on the island of the same name in the Orkney archipelago of the United Kingdom, is a task that requires advance planning. The island of Eday is small, and the transport infrastructure here corresponds to its secluded character. The distance from any point on the island to the airport is minimal, and the trip rarely takes more than 10–15 minutes.

Public transport on the island is generally represented by a community bus. This is not a regular city route, but rather a service operating on a flexible schedule or by request. It is strongly recommended to check the schedule and travel conditions in advance with local residents or at your place of accommodation. The cost of the trip is usually nominal. There are no trains or metro services on the island.

Taxi and private transfer is a more reliable, though more expensive method. There are no conventional taxi services with cars waiting at a stand on the island. You need to arrange a trip in advance with one of the local drivers providing private transport services. This is the most convenient option if you do not have your own vehicle. Contacts can usually be found in local guest houses or shops.

Car rental directly on the island of Eday is not possible. Tourists wishing to travel by car usually rent one on the main island of the archipelago, Mainland, for example, upon arrival at Kirkwall Airport, and transport it by ferry. If you are already on the island with a vehicle, getting to the airport will not be difficult. Parking at the airport consists of a small free area where a space can always be found.

Overall, given the compactness of the island and the specifics of the local air service that connects Eday with other small islands such as Papa Westray or Westray, the main advice for travellers is to resolve transport issues in advance. For those travelling light and staying nearby, a walk to the airport can also be a perfectly feasible option.

Terminals and Map

Eday Airport (EOI) is a small regional airfield serving mainly inter-community flights within the Orkney Islands. Its structure is distinguished by simplicity and compactness, making it very convenient for passengers unaccustomed to the hustle of large aviation hubs.

The airport operates with just one passenger terminal. This is a small building that combines all necessary zones for passenger service. Due to the modest size of the airport, there is no complex layout or confusing passageways. In fact, the departure and arrival areas are located in one common space, which completely eliminates the possibility of getting lost.

Flight check-in and security procedures at Eday Airport are completed extremely quickly. Thanks to the low passenger flow and the compactness of the terminal, all formalities take mere minutes. There are no long queues here, and the entire process is organized very efficiently. This allows for arrival at the airport shortly before departure, which is a great advantage for local residents and tourists.

Navigating the airport is extremely simple. All navigation comes down to moving within one small hall. Airport staff are always in the immediate vicinity and ready to help with any questions. Since there are no transfers between terminals, passengers only need to walk from the building entrance to the check-in counter and then to the boarding gate, which takes less than a minute.

Airport History

Eday Airport (EOI), located on the island of the same name in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland, has a history closely linked to the development of local air transport. It is not a giant international hub, but a vital transport artery for a small island community, and its history reflects this unique role.

The foundation of the airport and its modern history are inextricably linked with Loganair, which began operating flights between the islands of the Orkney archipelago under contract in 1967. It is from this moment that the regular and stable operation of the airfield as part of the Orkney Inter-Isle Air Service network can be counted. Before this, air connections were less formalized. The goal of creating such airfields was to ensure a reliable link with the main island of the archipelago, Mainland, for mail delivery, medical needs, and the movement of residents.

The main stages of Eday Airport's development focused not on massive expansion, but on maintaining and improving its functionality. Instead of building new terminals or extending runways, the airport's history is one of constant modernization to meet safety standards and ensure uninterrupted operation. Renovations mainly concerned the runway surface and updating navigation equipment to guarantee flights even in the difficult weather conditions characteristic of the region.

Although Eday Airport has not been the arena for loud historical events, its main contribution to history is decades of uninterrupted service. It has become part of the famous network of the world's shortest commercial flights. The most famous of these is the flight between Westray and Papa Westray islands, but flights involving Eday Airport also last only a few minutes. This fact in itself is a unique feature and the main "attraction" of the airport, drawing the attention of aviation enthusiasts from around the world.

Thus, the history of Eday Airport is not a tale of passenger traffic records or architectural delights. It is a story of how a small airfield became an indispensable part of the daily life of an entire island, ensuring its connection with the outside world and serving as a symbol of reliability and service to the local community.

Services and Amenities

Eday Airport (EOI) is a small regional air station serving mainly inter-island flights in the Orkney archipelago. Given its compact size, the range of services is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before a short flight. The terminal is a modest but functional waiting room where you can take shelter from the weather and wait for your flight.

There are no restaurants, cafes, or shops in the airport building. Passengers are advised to bring their own snacks and drinks, especially if there is some waiting time before departure. There are also no bank branches, currency exchange points, business centers, or conference rooms on the premises. All financial transactions are best completed in advance in larger settlements, for example, in Kirkwall.

Passengers should note that opportunities for charging electronic devices and access to Wi-Fi may be limited or unavailable. It is recommended to fully charge your gadgets before arriving at the airport. There are no specialized VIP halls or lounges for relaxation here.

For travellers with children, there are no separate play areas or mother and child rooms. Passengers with disabilities are provided with basic assistance for boarding, however, the need for special accompaniment should be notified to the airline in advance when booking a ticket so that all necessary measures can be taken in time.

There are no hotels in the immediate vicinity of Eday Airport. Accommodation options, such as guest houses and B&Bs, can be found in different parts of the island. If you plan to stay on Eday overnight, it is strongly recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during the tourist season.

Where to Eat

When planning a journey through Eday Airport (EOI), it is important to consider that this is a very small regional airfield serving the Orkney Islands. Its infrastructure differs significantly from major international airports, and dining options here are extremely limited.

There are no restaurants, cafes, or dining outlets within the Eday Airport premises. The terminal building is a small room for waiting for flights, and no catering points are provided here. Therefore, travellers should not count on the opportunity to have a full lunch or even a quick snack directly before departure or after arrival.

The best solution is to eat beforehand or bring snacks and drinks with you. If you have specific dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, Halal, and other options), please take care of food in advance. This is the most reliable way to avoid inconvenience.

Dining opportunities can be found on the island of Eday itself, but they are not within walking distance of the airfield. This might be a small local shop or a community cafe. However, their opening hours can be very limited, especially outside the tourist season. It is strongly recommended to check current information and opening hours in advance if you plan to visit one of these establishments on the island.

Tips for Travellers

Travelling through Eday Airport is a unique experience, very different from the hustle of major aviation hubs. To ensure your trip around the Orkney Islands goes as smoothly as possible, use our tips adapted to the features of this small and cosy airport in the city of Eday.

Arrival time at the airport: Forget the "three-hour" rule. For domestic flights from Eday Airport, arriving 30-45 minutes before departure is sufficient. This time is enough to go through all formalities without rushing.

Check-in and Security: Procedures here are simplified to the maximum and proceed very quickly. You will be met by friendly staff and a lack of long queues. Security screening is standard but takes mere minutes, making the start of the journey much calmer.

Seat selection on the plane: Flights are operated by small aircraft where there are often no pre-assigned seats. Passengers take seats upon arrival. Do not worry — from any seat you will be guaranteed a breathtaking view of the islands, so simply enjoy the flight.

Hand luggage: Pay special attention to baggage and hand luggage allowances. On small planes, they can be significantly stricter regarding weight and dimensions than on mainline flights. Standard restrictions on carrying liquids (in containers up to 100 ml) also apply. It is better to clarify your airline's requirements in advance.

Connecting passengers: If your route includes a transfer, it will most likely be in Kirkwall, the archipelago's main airport. Connections between island flights are usually fast and well-organized. Nevertheless, it is always useful to clarify details with airline staff at check-in.

Customs control: Eday Airport serves exclusively domestic flights within the United Kingdom. This means that passport and customs controls are absent here, which significantly simplifies and speeds up your journey.

Saving time and money: The main time saver is the format of the airport itself. To save money, try to book flight tickets in advance, especially if you plan a trip at the height of the tourist season. There are no unnecessary temptations for the wallet on the island and at the airport, which also helps to stay within budget.

In case of flight delay: The main reason for flight delays or cancellations in the Orkney Islands is unpredictable weather, especially fog and strong winds. We recommend having a book, a charged power bank, or a pre-downloaded movie with you. Always check the flight status on the airline's website and maintain contact with its representatives for current information.

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