Parking charges to be introduced at Kirkwall Airport

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is to introduce parking charges at Kirkwall Airport.

Set to be introduced in early summer, there will be a charge of £3 per 24-hour period, while a free one-hour pick-up and drop-off period will operate.

A ticket waiver scheme will also allow passengers who have to travel to attend medical and hospital appointments to park for free.

Work is expected to begin soon on installing pay stations and barriers at the airport.

Blue badge holders will also be charged, with designated parking bays provided as close to the terminal as possible.

The changes, which will also occur at Sumburgh and Stornoway airports, is part of a long-term programme of sustainable improvement, with the £500,000 investment expected to be recouped within the first 12 months of operation.

Managing director Inglis Lyon said: “HIAL is committed to being open and transparent in its operations and our decision to increase charges has been taken in the best interests ensuring long-term sustainability of our airports.

“The new parking charges will raise revenue that will be reinvested into maintaining and continuously developing the airports in years to come.

“We have been mindful of the important role that air travel plays for those people who use healthcare facilities and receive medical treatment on the mainland and we are making provision to ensure they will be exempt from parking charges.”

Mr Lyon added: “We have no intention of introducing drop off charges at our airports. At Sumburgh, Kirkwall and Stornoway we will implement a one-hour pick up and drop off zone, which should mitigate against the vast majority of flight delays. Unlike other airports we do not charge for people to drop off and pick up.”