Sumburgh Airport
Airport Airport
Sumburgh Airport serves the Shetland Islands and is the main air link for Lerwick and southern Shetland. It is a single‑terminal regional airport handling domestic flights to the Scottish mainland and important offshore/servicing traffic.
Terminal Guide for Sumburgh Airport #
The terminal building is compact and straightforward: check‑in, security and departures are concentrated in a single area with a small arrivals hall. Passenger amenities include a café, basic retail and car‑rental desks; moving through the building is quick due to the compact layout. The airport handles both scheduled civilian flights and operations tied to offshore activities.
Getting to and From Sumburgh Airport #
Transport options include a scheduled bus to Lerwick, taxis and private cars; road transfer time to Lerwick is typically around 30-50 minutes depending on route and conditions. Taxis are the most flexible option, particularly for early/late flights. Parking is available at the airport for short and long stays.
Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Sumburgh Airport #
Facilities are modest but functional: a café or restaurant, toilets, an information desk and car‑rental counters. Free Wi‑Fi may be available for passengers but can be limited. Due to weather exposure, the airport provides passenger information on delays and cancellations; accessibility assistance should be requested in advance where needed.
Tips for Sumburgh Airport #
- Sumburgh is exposed to strong winds and fog; flights are commonly delayed or cancelled - monitor weather and flight status closely.
- There is a scheduled bus between Sumburgh and Lerwick but frequency is limited; taxis are reliable for point‑to‑point transfers.
- Book onward transport in advance if you arrive late, as local services reduce in the evening.
Weather & Climate near Sumburgh Airport #
Sumburgh Airport's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1120 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (138 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
