Fetlar Airstrip (FEA)

Fetlar Airstrip (FEA) is a remote, community-managed grass and gravel landing strip in the Shetland Islands, which no longer supports scheduled commercial flights. Reaching Fetlar today is a multi-stage adventure starting from the Shetland Mainland. Travelers typically fly into Sumburgh (LSI) or take a ferry to Lerwick, then drive north to Toft. From Toft, a 20-minute ferry reaches Yell, followed by a drive across the island to Gutcher for a second 25-minute ferry to Hamars Ness on Fetlar. Advance booking for these inter-island ferries via the Shetland Islands Council website is essential, especially during summer months.

At the Gutcher terminal, drivers must ensure they are in the correct lane (Lane 3 for booked, Lane 4 for unbooked) to avoid being sent to the neighboring island of Unst. The airstrip itself offers no terminal facilities, toilets, or waiting areas—only a basic weather shelter. For those arriving by private charter, the 481-meter runway is undulating and requires an overhead join for bird dispersal. Ground transport on the island is extremely limited; the "Dial-a-Ride" service is the primary option but must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. There is no car hire on Fetlar, so vehicles must be rented in Lerwick or at Sumburgh.

Crucially, there is no fuel (petrol or diesel) available on the island, so travelers must fill their tanks on the Mainland or Yell. While a small community shop and café exist in Houbie, their hours are restricted. Mobile signal is spotty, making offline maps and pre-downloaded ferry schedules vital. Despite its isolation, Fetlar is a haven for wildlife, but visitors must be entirely self-sufficient regarding transport and basic supplies.

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