Airport News

Plans for a multimillion-pound revamp of the northern isles’ key airport are about to take off in earnest.

The busy Sumburgh terminal – which is crucial to the oil and gas industry – is being given a £6.5million makeover.

And a contractor is now being sought to refurbish the facade of the complex at the south end of Shetland.

Roofs, windows and doors will be replaced on the terminal’s main building as well as its air traffic control tower and airfield fire service centre.

The overall scheme is Highlands and Islands Airports Limited’s biggest ever capital investment programme.

The latest phase of refurbishments will take place in 2016-17 and be financed by a second wave of Scottish Government funding after £1.3million was spent last year improving the international and oil-related helicopter arrivals and safety briefing areas.

Because of its strategic position for the offshore industry aircraft movements at Sumburgh doubled between 2010 and 2014.

Revamping the building’s interior will include removing the stairs in the middle of the main concourse and installing an eight-person passenger lift along with seven new check-in desks and a self service kiosk.

Existing security search areas will be improved and the departure lounge will be redecorated and incorporate new floor covering, ceilings, lighting and ventilation systems.

There will be improvements to toilet and baby changing facilities, and communications will be upgraded with the introduction of fibre optic internet throughout the building.

Andrew Gower, development manager at Sumburgh Airport, said: “The investment will ultimately deliver a better experience for our scheduled passengers, including improved check-in, security and baggage reclaim facilities and refurbishments to the main passenger departure lounge.

“Sumburgh is an airport of strategic importance to the Scottish economy and this investment, the company’s largest single capital investment project, reflects the importance that Hial attaches to its future success.”

Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland, said: “The airport at Sumburgh is now very old and some work is obviously necessary.

“As a tourist destination it’s important that our airport makes a good first impression on tourists.

“While this project is very welcome, the improvement that most people would rather like to see in the northern isles is in the reliability of the planes flying out of it.

“I would rather not wait at all than wait in a more comfortable airport terminal.”

Lerwick South councillor Peter Campbell said: “I see this as a very welcome investment. I think it is possibly overdue as well, as the building is very old.

“It has been on the cards for a while but it is certainly welcome piece of news for everyone in the islands.”

The deadline for parties interested in the latest contract is November 20, and the estimated award date is December 18.