โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
St. Mary's Airport (ISC) is the primary aviation hub for the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago located approximately 45 kilometers off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, England. It serves as a vital transportation link for the island's residents and a key entry point for the thousands of tourists who visit annually to enjoy the islands' mild climate, white-sand beaches, and unique biodiversity. The airport features a single paved runway 14/32 extending 600 meters, specifically designed to handle specialized short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) aircraft like the De Havilland Twin Otter.
The terminal building at St. Mary's is modern, efficient, and reflects the welcoming atmosphere of Scillonian life. It provides essential services for domestic travelers, including streamlined check-in counters for Skybus, a security screening area, and a comfortable departure lounge with panoramic views of the airfield and the Atlantic Ocean. Amenities within the terminal include a small cafe offering local Cornish products and refreshments, a retail shop featuring island-made gifts, and essential traveler facilities such as charging stations and free high-speed Wi-Fi. The airport is owned and operated by the Council of the Isles of Scilly and is recognized for its professional and friendly service.
Ground transportation at ISC is well-organized, with several local taxi services and shuttle buses that connect the airport directly to Hugh Town, the islands' main settlement and ferry port. The airport's location on the southern part of St. Mary's provides a tranquil arrival experience, surrounded by scenic coastal paths and historic sites. For visitors exploring the natural wonders of the archipelago, including the neighboring off-islands, St. Mary's Airport offers a professional and highly accessible regional gateway, significantly reducing the travel time compared to the sea crossing from the mainland.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through St. Mary's Airport (ISC) is a straightforward and generally relaxed experience, as the facility handles a manageable volume of domestic traffic, primarily linked to Land's End (LEQ), Newquay (NQY), and Exeter (EXT). If you are traveling on a single ticket with Isles of Scilly Skybus, your checked baggage will typically be transferred automatically to your final destination, allowing you to remain in the secure departures lounge for your onward domestic flight. However, it is always wise to confirm this at your initial check-in point. For self-transfers or passengers traveling on separate tickets, it is recommended to allow between 60 and 90 minutes. This provides a sufficient buffer to collect your luggage from the single arrivals hall and proceed back to the departures level for re-check-in within the same terminal building. The airport's compact layout ensures that walking distances are minimal, making the transition between flights very quick. Security wait times are typically under 15 minutes, although it is always wise to allow extra time during the peak summer tourism season when the islands can experience higher visitor volumes. While waiting at the terminal, passengers can enjoy the quiet atmosphere and utilize the free Wi-Fi provided throughout the building. Several comfortable seating areas are available throughout the passenger zones. If you find yourself with a layover of more than four hours, a quick trip into Hugh Town to explore the local shops or walk along the historic Garrison walls is an excellent way to spend your time. Always keep your boarding pass and a valid identification easily accessible throughout your time in the airport. In the event of a flight delay or missed connection, the Skybus service counters are
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Leuchars Station Airfield (ADX), with ICAO code EGQL, located in Leuchars, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland, is primarily a British Army installation, known as Leuchars Station. It serves military operations, including acting as a diversion airfield for military aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth. While the airfield is fully operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it does not operate as a public commercial passenger airport.
As a military airfield, Leuchars does not have typical civilian terminal facilities. Any terminal areas are rudimentary and are not designed for general public access. Passenger amenities are extremely limited, with accommodation available only for service personnel. The layout is highly controlled and security-focused, with operations geared towards efficient, secure movements for authorized military personnel, VIPs, or specific charters.
Security procedures at ADX are exceptionally stringent, reflecting its critical military role. All personnel and baggage undergo thorough screening protocols that are far more extensive than typical commercial airport procedures. Access to the base and any terminal area is highly restricted, requiring proper authorization and identification. For any international flights (which are highly specialized and not public commercial), immigration and customs facilities would be handled discreetly and efficiently for authorized personnel within the secure environment of the base. There are no public immigration or customs services in the traditional commercial sense.
๐ Connection Tips
Leuchars Station Airfield (ADX), formerly RAF Leuchars, is an active British Army installation and RAF unit that does not host regularly scheduled commercial passenger flights. Consequently, the traditional concept of 'connecting' between airlines does not apply here for the general public. For authorized civilian flights, the airfield operates under a strict Prior Permission Required (PPR) mandate. Pilots must submit a PPR application at least seven business days in advance, providing a full schedule, accurate crew and passenger manifests, and proof of insurance. Changes to the manifest must be revised immediately to avoid significant security delays upon arrival. Additionally, a fee covering Crown Indemnity is required for all civilian operations at this military facility.\n\nAircraft usage is subject to specific weight limits, with private aircraft capped at 45.5 metric tons and charter flights at 10 tons. Routine flying hours are generally restricted to Monday through Friday, 09:00 to 17:00, and any activity outside these windows requires special advance approval from base command. Once on the ground, passengers must be met by pre-arranged transport, as there are no on-demand taxi ranks or ride-sharing services stationed within the secure perimeter of the base. It is essential to have valid government-issued identification or a passport ready for inspection at the main gate.\n\nFor those needing to connect to the wider UK transport network, the Leuchars railway station is located just outside the base in Leuchars village, a short taxi ride or a moderate walk from the main gate. This station is a major stop on the East Coast Main Line, providing frequent and direct rail connections to Dundee (10 minutes), Edinburgh (60 minutes), and Aberdeen. For scheduled commercial air travel, visitors typically use Edinburgh Airport (EDI) or Glasgow Airport (GLA), which are reachable via rail or a roughly 60-90 minute road transfer from Fife.
โ Back to St. Mary's Airport