Introduction and History - Aberdeen Airport is one
of Scotland's major air hubs and is also the world's largest commercial
heliport, connecting the North Sea Oil Fields with the mainland. Aberdeen
airport, situated seven miles northwest of the city centre, is one of the
principle gateways to Scotland, with links to the Northern Isles, Scandinavia
and most major cities in the British Isles. Aberdeen is the largest
oil-related centre in Europe and the airport is the worlds largest commercial
heliport, with more than 37,000 rotary wing movements serving around 468,000
passengers each year. In total, there are around 2.5 million passengers using
Aberdeen Airport. The airport is the world's largest commercial heliport. The
majority of the through- traffic consists of helicopter flights to and from
the North Sea oil rigs. Aberdeen airport came into being in 1931 when a piece
of land in Dyce, near Aberdeen, was acquired with the intention of being used
as a public aerodrome. It was initially used for shuttles between the Scottish
northern isles and London. World War Two had a significant impact on the role
of the airport, as it became primarily used as a military base. After the war,
the principal purpose of the airport returned to that of civil aviation, with
the airport joining the British Airports Authority in 1947. In 1967, the
airport's first oil-related helicopter movements took place. In 1987 Aberdeen
airport was privatised as it became part of BAA plc. To this day, Aberdeen
airport is the world's busiest heliport, with over 35,000 rotary wing
movements every year. Located 11km northwest of Aberdeen on the east coast of
Scotland and Shetland Islands.
Facilities - There is a left luggage facility, baby
change room, located in the terminal building, near the information desk.
Arrivals and Check-in both situated on the ground floor. Ticket sales &
collection are directly opposite check-in desks. Baggage reclaim is next to
the arrivals hall on the right of the building. . Wireless Internet is
available in the Departures lounge. Game Zone Entertainment Area - an arcade
area with video games. Car hire is available from the airport. There is also a
petrol station in the airport grounds. . Operated by Travelex opposite the
information desk, before security - cash dispensers throughout the building
accepting major bank and credit cards - a bureau de change selling holiday and
travel insurance is also available.. Hearing (T symbol) induction loops are
located around the building supplemented with announcements. Black and yellow
signs assist particularly sighted people; Guide dogs are allowed. Reserved
seating is located near the departures entrance. Limited number of disabled
parking spaces in the short-stay car park, (for badge holders use). Reserved
seating area. Unisex, wheelchair disabled toilets available in the terminal. .
.
Food - the main food outlets inside the airport are
as follows: - Cafes and restaurants are open every day - the pub opens with
drinks & pub food. After security a licenced bar serves alcoholic and soft
drinks Sandwiches and pastries and snacks.
Shops - the main shops inside the airport are as
follows: Duty free goods available to international (outside the EU)
passengers after security including Books Plus, Christian Scott (knitwear,
Scottish gifts), The Whisky Shop, Box of Delights (confectionary) and a good
selection of airside duty-free outlets.
Connecting Airlines - the main airlines that fly to
and from this airport are Klmuk, Eastern Airways, Wideroe, British Airways,
BA, Air Wales, Sas, Ryanair, Bmi British Midland, Atlantic Airways, Easyjet,
Air France, Braathens, Air France, Airtours, Airways Holidays, Atlantic
Holidays, Balkan Holidays, BMI, Braathens, British Airways, Club 18-30, Club
Freestyle, Direct Holidays, Discover Jersey, Eastern Airways, easyJet,
Escapades, Holidays for Less, JMC, KLM UK, Las Palmas, Lewis Travel,
Newmarket/P&J, Portland Direct, Ryanair, Skytours, Spanair, Sunset Holidays,
Thomas Cook, Thomson, Transun, Wideroe Air UK (UK) British Airways (BA)
Business Air (II) Easyjet (EZY) Gill Air (GX) S.A.S (SK) Air Europa (AEA/UX)
Airtours (AIH) Air 2000 (AMM) The majority of flights at Aberdeen are provided
by British Airways or its franchise subsidiaries. In addition to the
twice-daily EasyJet subtle shuttle to Luton, BMI British Midland operate to a
number of domestic destinations, and Ryanair have just started operations to
Dublin. Air France flies to Paris, and KLM fly to Amsterdam. A number of
smaller airlines serve oil related traffic, and Aberdeen is also the busiest
heliport in the World.
Car Parking - The short-term car park is next to the
terminal building - the long-term car park is on Forties rd which has a
courtesy bus to the terminal building.
Business Travellers - Aberdeen Airport Executive
Lounge Get away from it all - not just for business class passengers. Relax in
first class comfort and escape the hustle and bustle of the airport for up to
3 hours before your flight. All drinks and snacks are included (except
champagne). The Servisair Lounge is located in the departure lounge. Lounges
in the departures areas. BA Executive Lounge in the airport with facilities
for frequent flyers. Wireless broadband internet access (WiFi) available in
departures - pre-pay vouchers available at the airport - servisair Executive
Lounge after security in the departures area (contains telephone, fax and
Internet capability).
Getting There and Local Travel Connections - getting
there by road is simple... Take the A96 road towards Inverness, the airport is
signposted. The airport is situated on the A96 Aberdeen-to-Inverness road,
airport being signposted from the main road . The main train connections are
as follows: Dyce train station is located next to the airport - trains run
frequently from Aberdeen to Dyce, taking 10 minutes, then take a taxi to the
airport. . To reach the airport by taxi Available from the terminal forecourt,
operated by Rainbow Airport Taxis - central reservation office is opposite the
main terminal building, (all are metered) . A meet-and-greet service and
executive cars are also available. . To use either bus or coach to get there
Bus 27 runs on weekdays from Guild Street in the Aberdeen to the Airport -
National Express start coach journeys from the centre to locations across the
UK - Al other bus' run from Aberdeen city centre Bus Station.
Local Tourist Attractions Near to Aberdeen Dyce Airport
- This region of Scotland is blessed with outstanding scenery - the
magnificent Grampian Mountains dominate the skyline to the West, whilst miles
of unspoiled and often spectacular coastline frame the area in the east.
Discover magnificent castles and gardens, wildlife galore, museums,
distilleries, art galleries and championship golf courses... with bustling
shopping centres, a wide variety of entertainment and leisure facilities, and
a vibrant arts scene. Aberdeen is a major retail, leisure and cultural centre.
.... Malt Whisky Trail - The world's only whisky trail. Take this tour of
Scottish Whisky distilleries, learning about the distillation process and
sampling the finished products. Balmoral Castle - One of Scotland's most
famous castles, and one of the Queen's Scottish homes. Cairngorms National
Park - This scenic park in the Grampians is an ideal visit for those wishing
to get away from it all. Gordon Highlanders Museum - The Gordon Highlanders'
museum contains information and artefacts relating to this famous regiment of
the British Army. There are interactive computer displays and opportunities
for hands on experiences of the uniforms and other items. St Machar's
Cathedral - St Machar's is Aberdeen's beautiful 1500 year old cathedral. There
are still regular church services here, and regular choir meetings.
Airport Contact Details - the website address is
http://www.baa.co.uk/main/airports/aberdeen and you can call them on (Tel:
0870 0400006 ). Aberdeen Airport - Official Aberdeen Airport website - live
flight arrivals, timetable, travel information, services and company
information.. The address of the airport is Aberdeen Airport Dyce , Aberdeen,
Aberdeenshire , AB21 7DU . The airport codes are ICAO Code:EGPD and the IATA
Code:ABZ
Guide to Aberdeen Dyce Airport