Access Guide
Getting To The Airport
- Kirkwall Airport is located approximately 5.8km (3.6 miles) south-east of Kirkwall on the A960 Kirkwall to Deerness Road.
- There is a pay on departure car park in front of the terminal.
- There is free drop-off and Blue Badge parking. Blue Badge holders should obtain a free exit ticket from the information desk prior to exit.
- Parking is also free for hospital visit customers. Please obtain a free exit ticket from the information desk on production of an appointment letter.
- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- There is an airport bus stop in front of the terminal, served by bus routes 3 and 4.
- Route 3 runs between Kirkwall Town Centre and Deerness via Tankerness.
- Route 4 runs as a shuttle between Kirkwall Town Centre and the airport.
- At times of the day this service may be operated by a minibus.
- For more information on Stagecoach bus services please click here (opens new tab).
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Useful Links
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- The airport is served by flights operated by Loganair. Please click here for more details of Loganair flights.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The Isles of Orkney area is also served by the Inter Island Air Service operated by Loganair. Please click here for more details of Loganair Inter Island flights.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Assistance and Accessibility
- For details of special assistance at Kirkwall Airport please click here (new tab).
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
- There is seating available.
- You can borrow or hire the following equipment: wheelchairs and walking sticks. It is highly recommended that these are booked in advance.
- There is a quiet space or reflection space.
- British Sign Language interpreters are not available.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; large print on request and different languages on request.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
- There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
- Toilets with adaptations are located in the main concourse and the departure lounge.
- The transfer space within the toilets with adaptations varies between left and right.
- Step-free male and female standard toilet facilities are located in the main concourse.
- Step-free male and female standard toilet facilities are located in the Departure Lounge.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the main concourse, and in the Departure Lounge toilet with adaptations cubicle.
- The key to the baby changing facility is available from the information desk.
Airport Parking
- The car park is located in front of the terminal building off the A960 Kirkwall to Deerness Road.
- This is an open air car park with a tarmac surface.
- The car park has a ticket and an automatic number plate recognition barrier control system.
- There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- Blue Badge parking is clearly marked and signposted.
- The Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm x 480cm.
- There is a marked zone on both sides but not to the rear.
- The marked zone is under 120cm wide.
- There are no help points available.
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Paying and Booking
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- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for pick up and drop off.
- Free pick-up and drop-off is limited to 120 minutes.
- Clearly presented payment terms signs are provided.
- Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park, at the payment machines in the car park and at the payment machines in the building.
- Payment machines are located next to the exit from the car park and in the terminal building.
- There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
- For information about booking airport parking please click here.
- If parking has not been pre booked payment is due when exiting the car park.
- Blue Badge holders should present their Blue Badge or evidence at the Information Desk to obtain free parking.
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Getting to the Terminal
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- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking to the terminal building has step-free level access, slight ramps/slopes, dropped kerbs with tactile paving, dropped kerbs without tactile paving and bollards.
- There is a pedestrian crossing between the car park and the terminal.
- The accessible route to the terminal is via the pedestrian crossing to the left, and via the left main entrance.
- The accessible route from the terminal to the car park is via the main exit on the right.
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Exiting the Car Park by Car
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- The car park has a ticket and an automatic number plate recognition barrier control system at the exit.
Pick Up and Drop Off
- There are clearly marked pick up and drop off points available.
- The drop-off point is located at the rear of the car park opposite the terminal.
- The drop-off point is limited to 5 minutes for free.
- The most accessible route from the drop-off point to the terminal has step-free level access, dropped kerbs with tactile paving, dropped kerbs without tactile paving and bollards.
- There is free parking for up to 2 hours in standard bays within the car park.
Main Entrance
- This entrance is located at the front of the terminal building.
- The most accessible entrance door is on the left of the entrance lobby as you approach the terminal.
- The entrance door on the right is approached by a slight ramp.
- There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There are no help points available.
- There are double automatic doors which open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 182cm.
- There is an oversized threshold at the opening.
- The doors have a high visual contrast.
- There are similar doors on the right side of the entrance lobby.
- There is a second set of automatic doors which open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 181cm.
- The second doors have a low visual contrast.
- There are single manual doors to either side of the second doors.
Information Desk
- The counter is located in the main concourse, opposite the main entrance/exit.
- The counter is approximately 10m from the main entrance / exit.
- The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 110cm.
- The lowered section of the counter is at a height of 73cm.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
- The counter has patterned backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is step-free level access in this area.
- There is not designated seating available for people who require assistance.
Check-In Desks (National Departures)
- The check-in desks are located on the right as you enter.
- There is step-free level access to the check-in desks.
- The height of the check-in desk is 124cm.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is a member of staff available to assist with bags at the check-in desk.
- The oversize baggage check-in is located in the Baggage Reconciliation room on the left.
- The oversize baggage check-in is staffed.
Baggage Reconciliation Entrance
- This entrance is located on the left of the National check-in desks.
- This area is also used for over-sized baggage check-in.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is a single manual door which opens away from you.
- The width of the opening is 77cm.
- The door has a high visual contrast.
- The door may be difficult for some people to open.
Baggage Reconciliation Counter
- The counter is located on the left of the National check-in desks.
- The counter is approximately 25m from the main entrance / exit.
- The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 67cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
- Lighting levels are bright.
- There is step-free level access in this area.
- There is not designated seating available for people who require assistance.
- There is not space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- There are chairs without armrests available in this area.
Main Concourse
- There is step-free level access in this area.
- Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- Departures and arrivals information boards are available.
- All of the directional display screens can be used to provide disruption related information.
- There are audible announcements for flight information in this area.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
- Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
- The contrast between the walls and floor varies between high visual contrast and low visual contrast.
- Lighting levels are varied.
Café / Bar
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the café/bar.
- The café/bar is located at the side of the main concourse, opposite the check-in area.
- There is step-free access to the café/bar.
- There is a separate café and bar counter.
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Service and Menus
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- Tables cannot be booked in advance.
- There is a bar where drinks can be ordered, a counter where food and drink can be ordered and table service (on request only).
- Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
- Menu types include: written wall menus.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Adapted cups are not available.
- Adapted cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- This area does not play background music.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 05/02/2026.
- The hearing loop was not fully functional at the time of testing.
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Service Counter(s)
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- The height of the counter is 89cm.
- The height of the tray counter/rail is 85cm.
- There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a separate bar counter. It is 108cm high. There is a bell on the counter to attract attention.
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Tables and Seating
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- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
- The height between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 70cm.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 71cm.
- The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 70cm.
- The surface height of the lowest table is 45cm.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests on both sides.
- In this area there are coffee tables and sofas.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are varied.
Shop
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Circulation
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- The majority of aisle widths are not 150cm+.
- The type of flooring is vinyl.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Payment is made at the café / bar adjacent.
Main Concourse Seating Area
- The seating area is located between the arrivals gate and Gate 3.
- There is step-free level access in this area.
- There is not designated seating available for people who require assistance.
- There is some space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- There are a mixture of chairs with and without armrests and coffee tables available in this area.
- There may be background noise.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Lighting levels are varied.
Toilet with Adaptations (Main Concourse - Left Hand Transfer)
- This toilet is located in the main concourse, on the left of the café.
- This toilet is approximately 15m from the main entrance / exit.
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Access
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- There is step-free level access into the toilet.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
- The door to enter opens outwards and has a high visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the toilet door opening is 87cm.
- The door has a twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 157cm x 268cm and it has a turning space of at least 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left of the seat.
- The lateral transfer space is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- There is a lever flush on the non transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 50cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- The vertical grab rail is on the left of the wash basin as you look at it.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 86cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 109cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm at a recommended height (within 10cm from the floor).
- There is a mirror.
- There is an unobstructed shelf.
- The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
- The cubicle has a waste bin.
- There are two coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 141cm and 141cm from the floor.
- There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor.
- Lighting levels are bright.
- There is a drop-down child seat available.
Baby Change
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- The door to enter opens inwards and has a high visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the door opening is 77cm.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- The baby change facility when in use is at a height of 82cm from the floor.
- The wash basin tap type is twist/turn.
- There are no seats available in this room.
- There is a toilet in the parent and baby room.
- The room has a waste bin.
- There is a second door to access the toilet and baby change table. It is 61cm wide.
- There isn't a 150cm x 150cm turning space for a wheelchair within the room.
First Aid / Quiet Room
- The room is located in the main concourse, on the right of the check-in desks.
- The room is clearly signed.
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- The door to enter opens inwards and has a high visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the door opening is 77cm.
- There is step-free level access in the room.
- There is space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room (150cm x 150cm).
- There are a mixture of chairs with and without armrests, armchairs and coffee tables available in this area.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is not a speaker system in this room.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a freestanding treatment bench 183cm long, with a fixed height of 77cm.
- There is a wash basin 75cm high with twist and turn taps.
- Privacy screens are available in the room.
- Access to the room is by key, obtainable from the information desk.
Check-In Desks (Inter-Island)
- The check-in desk is located to the rear left of the main concourse.
- There is step-free level access to the check-in desk.
- The height of the check-in desk is 115cm.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the lowered sections of the check-in desks.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is a member of staff available to assist with bags at the check-in desk.
Inter-Island Departure Gate
- The departure gate(s) in this area are Gate 3.
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Departure Gate Details
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- There is clear signage to the departure gates.
- The height of the documentation check desk is very high (111cm+).
- There is ramped/sloped access to Gate 3.
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Boarding
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- There is ramped/sloped access to the aircraft via Gate 3 from the tarmac.
- There is not an Ambulift available.
- The route to the aircraft from the departure gates is by a concrete path with a slight ramp and dropped kerb without tactile paving.
- The route across the apron is level with tarmac paving. Access to the aircraft may be by airstair.
- Wheelchair users and those with mobility problems may transfer to a stair climber or aisle chair (type may vary) as required for assisted access to the aircraft.
Security Entrance
- This entrance is located straight ahead as you enter beyond the information desk.
- The approach to the entrance has posts.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There are no help points available.
- There are double manual doors (with one door locked) which is permanently open.
- The width of the opening is 80cm.
- The doors have a high visual contrast.
Security
- The most accessible route from Check-In to Security has step-free level access.
- The gate opening width is 72cm.
- The accessible gate opening width is 87cm.
- The minimum width of the queuing lane is 125cm.
- All passengers must pass through a security check before reaching the departure lounge.
- Wheelchair users may be asked to transfer to an airport wheelchair, or may be asked to use a wooden walking stick.
- To make transit through the airport comfortable for persons with reduced mobility, searches may be carried out by hand or by using hand-held detectors.
- If required, a private search area away from the main area can be provided.
- The width of the security barriers is 151cm.
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Departure Lounge Entrance
- This entrance is located on the left as you exit Security.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There are no help points available.
- There are double manual doors which are permanently open.
- The width of the opening is 156cm.
- The doors have a high visual contrast.
Departure Lounge
- There is step-free access throughout.
- The contrast between the walls and floor varies between high visual contrast and low visual contrast.
- Lighting levels are varied.
- Departures information boards are available.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the area.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There are audible announcements in this area.
- There may be background noise.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Departure Lounge Seating
- The seating area is located in the Departure Lounge.
- There is step-free level access in this area.
- There is designated seating available for people who require assistance.
- There is some space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- There are a mixture of chairs with and without armrests and coffee tables available in this area.
- There is background noise.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Lighting levels are varied.
Toilet with Adaptations (Departure Lounge - Right Hand Transfer)
- This toilet is located in the Departure Lounge on the right as you enter the Departure Lounge.
- This toilet is approximately 5m from the Departure Lounge entrance.
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Access
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- There is step-free level access into the toilet.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door to enter opens outwards and has a high visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the toilet door opening is 87cm.
- The door has a twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm x 234cm and it has a turning space of at least 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right of the seat but it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 72cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 54cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- The vertical grab rail is on the right of the wash basin as you look at it.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 110cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it is not at a recommended height (within 10cm from the floor).
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a waste bin.
- There are no coat hooks.
- The baby change facility when in use is at a height of 84cm from the floor.
- There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor.
- Lighting levels are bright.
National Departure Gates 1 and 2
- The departure gate(s) in this area are Gates 1 and 2.
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Departure Gate Details
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- There is clear signage to the departure gates.
- The height of the documentation check desk is very high (111cm+).
- There is a lowered section of the documentation check desk available at the combined check desk.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the documentation check desk at the combined check desk.
- There is ramped/sloped access to Gates 1 and 2.
- Gates 1 and 2 share the same check-in desk and sloped path to the tarmac.
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Boarding
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- There is ramped/sloped access to the aircraft via Gates 1 and 2 from the tarmac.
- There is not an Ambulift available.
- The accessibility of the individual aircraft varies depending on the provider. Please contact your airline company prior to booking for more information.
- The route to the aircraft from the departure gates is by a concrete path with a slight ramp and dropped kerb without tactile paving.
- The route across the apron is level with tarmac paving.
- The accessibility of the aircraft varies according to the individual aircraft. Please contact the airline prior to booking for more information.
- Access to the aircraft may be by airstair and steps for smaller aircraft or via mobile ramp (Aviramp) for larger aircraft, depending upon individual needs, aircraft type, or wind and weather conditions.
- Wheelchair users and those with mobility problems may transfer to a stair climber or aisle chair (type may vary) as required for assisted access to the aircraft.
