Travellers passing through Aberdeen International Airport, located in Dyce, roughly 5.8 miles northwest of Aberdeen city centre, can expect a straightforward and pleasant journey. The airport, a key hub for Scotland’s north-east, serves around 1.9 million passengers annually and provides a compact yet efficient setup for both domestic and international flights. Its single main passenger terminal, complemented by dedicated helicopter terminals for North Sea oil and gas operations, ensures a focused experience for all users.
Getting to and from the airport is convenient, with multiple transport options available. The Stagecoach Jet Bus 727 runs frequently, connecting the airport to Aberdeen’s Union Square Bus Station in about 37 minutes, with adult single tickets starting at £3.80. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, offering an 11-minute ride to the city centre for approximately £27. For those driving, the airport is easily accessible via the A96, with a multi-storey short-stay car park just a two-minute walk from the terminal and long-stay options with shuttle services. Dyce railway station, two miles away, is reachable by taxi or bus, with a 10-minute train journey to central Aberdeen. However, no direct bus service links the station to the terminal, so planning ahead is advisable.
The airport’s layout is designed for ease of use. Check-in desks are located to the left upon entering, with baggage reclaim to the right near arrivals. Departure lounges are upstairs, accessible after security, which operates under strict regulations, including a temporary reintroduction of the 100ml liquid limit in cabin baggage due to updated security scanner requirements. Passengers are advised to check restrictions in advance to avoid delays at security checkpoints. The terminal’s compact design means short walking distances, with clear signage guiding travellers to key areas. Recent upgrades, including a £20 million investment, have expanded terminal spaces by 50%, improving security, retail, and lounge areas.
Dining and retail options cater to a range of preferences. Before security, The Granite City pub and restaurant offers local food and drink, while after security, The Distilling House bar and Bocco, an Italian cuisine and wine bar, provide additional choices. For shopping, World Duty Free stocks a variety of products, Boots supplies health and beauty essentials, and WHSmith offers newspapers, magazines, snacks, and books both before and after security. These options ensure passengers have access to necessities and leisure purchases without overwhelming choice.
Facilities are well-suited to passenger needs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and ATMs and Travelex currency exchange services are conveniently placed. Families benefit from baby care facilities and play areas, while those requiring assistance can access priority parking, a special assistance desk, and lanyards for hidden disabilities, available on request. The Northern Lights Executive Lounge, open daily from 4:00 AM, offers a comfortable space with food, drinks, and Wi-Fi, though public shower facilities and viewing areas are currently unavailable due to ongoing development.
On-time performance at Aberdeen Airport is generally reliable, though last year’s data showed departures averaging 13 minutes behind schedule. Potential causes of delays include weather conditions, particularly in winter, which can affect both fixed-wing and helicopter operations. Security checks, especially with evolving baggage regulations, may also contribute to hold-ups if passengers are unprepared. Technical issues, such as equipment problems or airline-specific delays, occasionally occur, as seen in past incidents like a Loganair emergency landing due to engine issues. Travellers are encouraged to arrive early—two hours for international flights and one and a half hours for domestic—to account for these possibilities.
For those making connections, Aberdeen’s single terminal simplifies transfers, with minimum connection times of 30 minutes for domestic flights and 45 minutes for international ones. Passengers self-transferring should allow at least two and a half hours to clear customs, reclaim luggage, and check in again, as not all airlines offer through-checked baggage. Airline desks are available for assistance if delays risk missed connections.
Aer Lingus typically operates from Terminal 1 at Aberdeen International Airport. Check-in desks are located in the main check-in area, but specific desk numbers are not consistently published and may vary. Passengers should look for Aer Lingus signage in the check-in hall. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure for European flights. Check-in can also be done online or via the Aer Lingus app 30 hours to 2 hours before departure.
Departure gates are assigned dynamically and not fixed for Aer Lingus. Passengers should check the airport’s flight information screens for real-time gate assignments. Aberdeen is a smaller airport, so gates are typically within a short walk from security.
Loganair also operates direct flights to Ireland (Dublin) from Aberdeen International Airport’s single terminal. Check-in is in the main departures hall at dedicated Loganair counters (e.g., desks 1-24 in departures, left side)
Check-in opens 2 hours before; closes 40 minutes prior. Online 2 hours to 40 minutes before; bag drop after. Self-kiosks available. Gates in main pier (e.g., 1-10 for UK/Ireland flights). Gates are displayed on screens; boarding 20-30 minutes before, closes 10 minutes prior; confirm via Loganair app.
