About Papa Westray
Papa Westray (PPW) is a small regional airport serving the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Located on the island of Papa Westray, this is one of the world’s shortest commercial flight routes and a gateway to the remote beauty of Scotland’s northern islands. Most travelers passing through PPW are connecting to or from Orkney Mainland or other Scottish destinations.
Before You Leave the Airport
| Visa Requirements | Check IATA Travel Centre for UK entry requirements based on your nationality. |
| Language | English is spoken throughout Scotland. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing. |
| Currency | British Pound (GBP). Use ATMs or a Wise card for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters. |
| Getting Around | PPW is a small airport with limited ground transport. Check with the airport directly for current transit options to Papa Westray village or connections to Orkney Mainland. |
Getting to the City
Papa Westray Airport is a small regional facility with limited commercial services. Most connections are to Orkney Mainland via ferry or connecting flights. For current transit information, contact the airport directly or check with your airline about ground arrangements.
If you’re exploring Papa Westray island itself, the airport is close to the main settlement. Walking or arranging local transport through your accommodation is typical for this remote location.
What to Do During Your Layover
At the Airport
PPW is a small airport with minimal amenities. There is no data available on lounges, food outlets, or retail services. Plan accordingly:
- Bring snacks and entertainment – pack a layover bag with food, water, and activities before arrival.
- Download offline content – airport WiFi may be unreliable; download maps, entertainment, and travel documents beforehand.
- Charge your devices – locate charging stations near seating areas.
Exploring Papa Westray Island
If your layover is long enough (6+ hours), you can explore the island:
- Prehistoric Sites – Papa Westray is home to ancient Orkney monuments and archaeological sites dating back thousands of years.
- Coastal Walks – the island offers scenic coastal paths with views of the North Sea and neighboring islands.
- Local Wildlife – birdwatching opportunities, particularly for seabirds and puffins (seasonal).
- Village Exploration – visit the small settlements and experience authentic island life.
Quick Layover Tips
- Factor in immigration + security time: Always add 1+ hour for UK immigration and security when calculating if you can leave the airport.
- For luggage storage: Use Bounce or Stasher if you need to store bags while exploring (typically £5-10/bag/day).
- Bring an empty water bottle: Fill it after security to stay hydrated and save money.
- Use a Wise or Revolut card: Get the best GBP exchange rates without airport markups.
- Share your location: If exploring solo, share your location with a trusted contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave PPW airport during a layover?
Yes, if you have valid UK entry credentials. However, factor in 1+ hour for UK immigration, 2-3 hours to return to the airport, and security time. For layovers under 4 hours, it’s safer to stay at the airport. For 6+ hours, you have time to explore Papa Westray island.
What is there to do at PPW during a layover?
At the airport, expect minimal amenities – bring your own snacks and entertainment. If you leave the airport, Papa Westray offers prehistoric archaeological sites, coastal walks, birdwatching, and village exploration. The island is small and remote, so plan activities accordingly.
How long of a layover do I need at PPW?
For a safe layover at PPW, allow at least 1.5-2 hours for domestic connections and 2.5-3 hours for international arrivals (including immigration and security). If you want to explore the island, plan for 6+ hours total layover time.
Are there lounges at PPW?
No lounge data is available for PPW. As a small regional airport, it likely has no airport lounges. Bring your own snacks, water, and entertainment for your layover.
Is there luggage storage at PPW?
No luggage storage data is available for PPW. Contact the airport directly to confirm. Alternatively, use Bounce or Stasher to find luggage storage options near the airport (typically £5-10/bag/day).
Plan Your Perfect Layover
Papa Westray is a unique, remote destination. Make the most of your layover by preparing in advance: download offline maps, bring snacks and entertainment, and check current transit options with the airport. Whether you stay at the airport or explore the island, use the Yopki layover calculator to plan your timing and activities.