Flotta Isle Airstrip (FLH)

Flotta Isle Airstrip (FLH) is a specialized aviation facility on the island of Flotta in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It primarily serves the Flotta Oil Terminal, a major North Sea energy hub. Since scheduled commercial flights were discontinued in 1981, the airstrip is now used exclusively for emergency services, air ambulances, and industrial charters. The terminal is a minimalist building providing basic administrative space for authorized personnel; there are no public amenities such as shops, cafes, or restrooms on-site. Access to Flotta for the general public is primarily via the Orkney Ferries service from Houton on the Mainland or Lyness on Hoy.

The ferry pier is located west of the oil terminal, a significant walk from the airstrip. There are no taxis or public buses stationed at the airfield, so any island transport must be pre-arranged with local contacts or involve walking. The island is small enough to explore on foot, and the 'Flotta Island Explorer' path passes near the airstrip, offering views of the massive oil storage tanks and the waters of Scapa Flow. For those flying privately, the airstrip is operated by the Orkney Islands Council and requires Prior Permission Required (PPR). It features a single 760-meter asphalt runway and a helipad used for industrial transfers.

Visitors should be aware that the oil terminal is a high-security site with restricted zones. For commercial airline travel, the nearest hub is Kirkwall Airport (KOI) on the Mainland, from where you can take a bus to the ferry terminal. Weather in the Orkneys can be extreme, with high winds frequently affecting both flight and ferry operations. Travelers should always check the Orkney Ferries timetable, which varies significantly by season.

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