Sumburgh Airport Guide
Sumburgh Airport lies at the southern tip of Shetland Mainland, in the parish of Dunrossness. It is the main airport serving the Shetland Islands and the base for the islands' air links to the Scottish mainland. Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) operates it.
The first flight landed on 3 June 1936, after Captain E. E. Fresson of Highland Airways surveyed the site. The airfield became RAF Sumburgh during the Second World War, and No. 404 Squadron flew Beaufighters from it on coastal strike missions. Two asphalt runways remain: 09/27 at 1,498 m and 15/33 at 1,424 m. A separate 544 m strip, 06/24, serves helicopters.
The A970 road crosses the western end of runway 09/27. Barriers close the road at a level crossing during each take-off and landing. Loganair is the main passenger and cargo carrier, with flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Kirkwall and Manchester, plus seasonal flights to Bergen. Helicopter operators including Bristow and Babcock use the airport for oil industry crew changes, and it hosts HM Coastguard search and rescue. It handled 282,595 passengers and 12,429 air transport movements in 2025.
Services
3 of 6 availableCompare 5 listed options at Sumburgh Airport, spanning parking, car rentals and hotels. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Sumburgh Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 283K passengers (2025)2 runwaysopened 1936
- Location
- 59.879, -1.296
- Operator
- Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL)
Terminals
1 terminalSumburgh Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Main Terminal, handling domestic flights for around 1 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Main TerminalDomestic
Loganair
Nearby cities
1 citySumburgh Airport is closest to Lerwick (40 km north). With 1 town or city within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Lerwick40 km north
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Sumburgh Airport?
What are the airport codes for Sumburgh Airport?
Where is Sumburgh Airport located?
Where is Sumburgh Airport located?
What services are available at Sumburgh Airport?
What services are available at Sumburgh Airport?
Help us improve this page
Found outdated information or know about a service we're missing? Let us know!
Suggest page updates →