The Airport Operator | Winter 2025
15 Dec 2025
Kirkwall Airport serves the Orkney islands, which is an archipelago to the north of mainland Scotland. Kirkwall itself is the most populous island settlement in Scotland, and its name comes from the Norse name Kirkjuvagr, meaning ‘church bay’. The strong links to Norse heritage are marked on the current airport terminal building, where runic symbols spell the word ‘Krimsitir’ or ‘Grimsetter’, which is the name of the bay close to the airfield.
The airfield at Kirkwall was originally built on farmland and commissioned as RAF
Grimsetter in 1940...Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) [took over control] in 1986.
“Kirkwall Airport plays a vital role for the local community, supporting access to the mainland for medical appointments, visiting friends and family and for business” says Jamie Conley, Airport Manager for Kirkwall. Having joined the Airport Fire Service at HIAL in 2014 at Dundee Airport, he has progressed through the ranks as Airport Fire & Operations Manager at Sumburgh and then to his current role, which he took up in November 2024. At present, he is also acting as Interim Airport Manager of Wick John O’Groats using the experience he has gained through his eleven-year career with the organisation.
