Wick Airport

Wick Airport (Wick John O' Groats Airport) is not merely an air harbour, but a strategic gateway to the northernmost corner of the Scottish mainland. Located in the county of Caithness, it serves as a starting point for exploring the rugged beauty of the Highlands and the famous North Coast 500 driving route. Despite its modest size, the airport possesses a rich history and offers passengers a calm and welcoming atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of major aviation hubs.

This compact air terminal is ideal for those who value time and comfort, and wish to begin their journey through one of the country's most picturesque regions without delay.

The main advantage of Wick Airport is its compactness and convenience. There are no long queues or exhausting transfers between terminals here. The check-in and security screening process is quick and conducted in a friendly environment, allowing travellers to save time and stress. Thanks to its location just a couple of kilometres from the centre of Wick, you can reach the city or your hotel in a matter of minutes by taxi or rental car.

The airport plays an important role in the region's transport system, servicing not only private aviation but also acting as a base for helicopter transport to offshore oil and gas platforms. For tourists, it remains a key access point to the northern coast of the United Kingdom, the Castle of Mey, Duncansby Head, and other iconic sites. Landing and taking off at Wick is a pleasure in itself, as the view from the window offers breathtaking views of the North Sea coast and the green expanses of the Highlands.

For your convenience, we have collected the main contact information for Wick Airport (WIC).

• Official Website: You can find the current schedule, rules, and news on the official website of HIAL Wick John O'Groats Airport.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call +44 (0)1955 602215.
• Airport Address: Wick John O'Groats Airport, Wick, Caithness, KW1 4QP, Scotland, UK.
• Email: To contact airport representatives, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: News and updates are published on the official social media pages of the airport operator, HIAL (Highlands and Islands Airports).
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general passenger support inquiries, you can contact the main airport phone number or use the feedback form on the website.

Wick Airport (WIC) is conveniently located just a couple of kilometres from the city centre of Wick, making the journey there quick and simple. Travellers can choose from several ways to reach the terminal, depending on their budget, amount of luggage, and preferences. A car journey from the city centre usually takes no more than 5-10 minutes.

Public transport is the most economical option. Local bus routes connect the airport with the centre of Wick and other settlements in the region. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the operator's website in advance, as the frequency of service may vary depending on the day of the week and the season. Wick Railway Station, the terminus of the picturesque Far North Line, is located in the city centre. From there, you can reach the airport by taxi or bus.

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is the ideal choice. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the terminal, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage or in a group. Although the cost of such a trip is higher than the bus, it ensures "door-to-door" delivery without unnecessary hassle. During the peak tourist season, it is recommended to book a car in advance.

If your plans include exploring the picturesque expanses of the northern coast of the United Kingdom, it is worth considering car rental. Several rental companies have representatives at the airport. A rented car will give you complete freedom of movement throughout this unique region. For travellers arriving in their own transport, both short-term and long-term parking services are available on the airport grounds.

Although Wick Airport is key for the region, travellers may also consider other air harbours located at some distance. Among them are Kirkwall Airport, serving the Orkney Islands, or RAF Lossiemouth further south, on the Moray Firth coast.

The airport in Wick (WIC) is a small regional airport in the north of the United Kingdom, and its structure is extremely simple and understandable for any traveller. It consists of one compact terminal that handles all flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to this, navigating here is very easy, and the risk of getting lost or confusing directions is practically non-existent.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in desks are located. Essential amenities are also situated here. Since there is only one building, no transfers between terminals are required — all zones are within walking distance of each other. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located within the same building.

After check-in, passengers pass through the single security checkpoint and enter a cosy departure lounge. The arrivals area is equally compact: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers immediately enter a small hall for baggage claim. The entire airport infrastructure is aimed at quick and comfortable service for a small flow of passengers.

Completing all formalities, such as flight check-in and security screening, usually takes significantly less time than in major airports. On average, the entire process from entering the building to the departure lounge can take just 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to go through all procedures without rushing. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs; there are few of them, but they are placed very logically. You will see almost everything you need as soon as you enter the terminal building.

The history of the airport in Wick (WIC) begins in 1933, when Captain Edmund Fresson, an aviation pioneer, opened a grass airfield here for his airline, Highland Airways. Initially, the airport served as an important link in the development of air communication in the north of the United Kingdom, connecting remote communities in Scotland.

With the outbreak of World War II, the fate of the airport changed dramatically. In 1939, it was transferred to the management of the Royal Air Force and became known as RAF Wick. Due to its strategic position, the airfield played a key role in the Battle of the Atlantic. Aircraft of the Coastal Command took off from here to patrol sea routes, protect convoys, and defend the naval base at Scapa Flow. During this period, concrete runways were built, which still form the basis of the airport today.

After the war, the airport returned to civil use. It became an important hub for British European Airways (BEA), which operated flights to other Scottish cities and islands. The airport received a significant boost in development in the 1970s and 80s during the North Sea oil boom. At that time, Wick became a base for helicopter transport to oil platforms, leading to an increase in passenger traffic and infrastructure modernisation.

Today, Wick Airport, managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), continues to play an important role in the region's transport system. Although transport volumes have changed over the years, it remains a vital link for the local community, supporting business and tourism travel. Its history is a vivid example of how a small regional airfield can become a key object of national importance in different historical eras.

It is important to note that regular commercial passenger service to Wick Airport (WIC) is currently suspended. The airport continues to function, primarily serving private aviation, helicopter flights (including for the energy sector), and general aviation. Services in the terminal are provided taking this status into account.

There is a café in the airport building where passengers and crew can have a snack or drink coffee. There is no selection of shops. For comfortable waiting, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, as well as charging stations for mobile devices. There are no specialised VIP lounges for passengers.

Financial services, such as currency exchange points, are not provided at the airport. It is recommended to exchange cash in advance at banks in the city of Wick or other settlements in the United Kingdom. Regarding medical services, first aid measures are provided at the airport, but there is no full-scale medical centre.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with children and has baby care rooms. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with the necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking. To receive this service, it is extremely important to notify in advance your air carrier or flight operator (at least 48 hours before departure).

There are no business centres or conference rooms directly in the terminal. If you require such services or need overnight accommodation, the nearest hotels and business facilities can be found in the city of Wick, which is a few minutes' drive from the airport.

The airport in Wick (WIC) is a small regional air terminal, so the choice of establishments here corresponds to its size. Passengers can count on a cosy café, ideal for a snack and a cup of coffee before departure, rather than a variety of restaurants as found in major hubs. The main dining point at the airport is the café located in the main terminal building.

The café is situated in the general area (landside), meaning before security control. This is convenient, as it can be used by departing passengers as well as those seeing them off or meeting them. Here you will be offered a standard range for a quick snack: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and chocolate. For a more substantial but simple lunch, you can order the soup of the day or hot snacks. The menu always includes hot drinks, such as tea and coffee, and soft drinks.

Although there are no fine dining restaurants at the airport, at the local café you can try classic Scottish treats, for example, traditional scones or home baking. regarding special dietary requirements, the choice may be limited. Vegetarians will likely find a cheese or vegetable sandwich. However, finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes may be challenging, so if you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring food with you.

The price range in the café can be described as moderate, typical for small airports in the United Kingdom. The establishment's opening hours are directly tied to the flight schedule: it opens well in advance of the first departure and closes after the last aircraft departs, so passengers can always count on a cup of hot drink and a snack.

Important Note: Regular passenger flights from the airport in the city of Wick are currently suspended. The airport continues to serve private aviation, charter, and helicopter flights. The tips below will be useful both for passengers on these flights and for travellers planning a trip after regular service resumes. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure to complete all necessary procedures without rushing.

Check-in and security control procedures at a small airport generally proceed faster than at major hubs. Nevertheless, to save time, check with your carrier about the possibility of online check-in. During screening, be prepared to present liquids (in containers up to 100 ml each) in a separate transparent bag and remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage in advance.

It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Remember that the total volume of liquids must not exceed 1 litre. Always check current carriage rules on your airline's website, as additional restrictions on the weight and size of hand luggage may apply.

When choosing a seat on a plane departing from Wick, it is worth noting that flights over northern Scotland can be very picturesque. If you want to enjoy views of the rugged coastline and hills, choose a window seat. For those who value comfort and the ability to stand up freely during the flight, an aisle seat is more suitable.

Wick Airport mainly serves direct flights, so transit transfers are rare here. Most flights are within the United Kingdom, so customs and passport control are not required for such flights. It is conducted only for international destinations, which are usually served by charters.

To save money, try to book tickets in advance once regular flights resume. Travelling light with only hand luggage will help avoid extra baggage fees. Since the choice of food and drinks in small airports can be limited and expensive, you can bring non-liquid snacks and an empty water bottle to fill after passing security control.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact a representative of your airline or charter operator. They will provide current information on the departure status and explain your rights to care (food, drinks) or compensation. Given the current status of the airport, the range of amenities in the terminal may be limited, but basic services, including Wi-Fi, are generally available.