Kirkwall Airport (KOI) is the main airport serving Scotland's Orkney Islands. The airport currently only flies to and from destinations within Scotland. However, you can still reach KOI from anywhere in the world with one or more layovers. Skyscanner's travel tools can help you find the best route from your hometown to Kirkwall Airport. Simply enter airport code KOI as your destination, choose your travel dates, and you'll be directed to a list of airlines and airfare costs for your specific trip.
Best Time to Book a Flight to Kirkwall
Kirkwall is a rainy city and experiences little sunshine. Most days are overcast, often with high winds. The winters in the city are generally mild, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing. From May to October, the weather ranges from cool to mild. Since there are no periods of extreme heat or extreme cold throughout the year, there's not a bad time to visit the city. If your travel dates are flexible, use Skyscanner's Cheapest Month Search Tool to find out which months offer the cheapest airfare prices to Kirkwall.
Airlines that Fly to Kirkwall Airport
There are two airlines that fly to and from Kirkwall Airport. The first, Flybe, only flies to Aberdeen, Scotland. The second, Loganair, also only flies to domestic locations. However, the selection is much more extensive, ranging from small towns like Eday and Papa Westray to large cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Arriving at the Airport
Kirkwall Airport consists of one passenger terminal. Once you've arrived at the airport, the town of Kirkwall is only less than 5 km away. Taxis are almost always waiting outside of arrivals. On the off chance that there are none outside, there is a payphone inside the terminal that can be used to call one of the city's five leading taxi services.
Avis and Europcar are two car rental companies with service counters at the airport. Kirkwall Airport advises passengers to book their car services in advance though cars can sometimes be arranged upon arrival. You can search and compare Kirkwall car rental services with Skyscanner before your flight.
Kirkwall Airport Facilities
Kirkwall Airport is a relatively small airport, with less than 200,000 passengers served per year. There is one café on site which serves a variety of cold and hot beverages, including alcohol, as well as light meals. Shopping is limited to newsstands and small souvenir and sundry shops. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the airport.
What to See and Do in Kirkwall
Kirkwall is perhaps best known for gorgeous landmarks like the St Magnus Cathedral and the Earl's Palace, two historic sites with incredible architecture. The Orkney Museum is another top tourist spot in the city. Entry to the museum is free of charge.
Since Kirkwall is located on an island, there is also plenty to do outdoors. You can swim or fish in the water, hike the length of the coast, or spot some of the native wildlife on a wilderness tour.
