Kirkwall Airport closes due to air traffic control staffing issues

Flights to and from Kirkwall Airport have been cancelled due to “unforeseen staffing issues” in air traffic control.

Loganair’s Kirkwall to Aberdeen flight was cancelled on Wednesday after the airport was forced to close early.

Further short closures are in place on Thursday, affecting a “limited” number of flights.

Wednesday evening’s Edinburgh-Kirkwall return service and Aberdeen–Kirkwall flight were cancelled due to the issues.

Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) has confirmed the closure is not expected to have any further impacts on passenger flights.

A HIAL spokesperson said: “Due to unforeseen staffing issues in air traffic control, Kirkwall Airport closed early on Wednesday, October 28. Further short closures are in place on Thursday, October 29.

“Wherever possible, we try to plan such closures around our flight schedule, but regrettably, this has not been possible on this occasion, and a limited number of flights are affected.

“Passengers should contact their airline directly for the latest information on their flight. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause.”

Loganair confirmed its services were affected, and said an additional Edinburgh-Kirkwall return service will depart from the capital at 3.30pm.

A Loganair spokesperson said: “We apologise for the inconvenience caused, which is outwith Loganair’s control, and thank our customers for their patience and understanding while we work to get them to their destinations. “