Oban Airport (OBN)

Oban Airport (OBN), located in the village of North Connel, is a small but essential regional airfield serving Oban and the surrounding Argyll and Bute region of Scotland. Its primary role is not as a major tourist gateway but as a vital lifeline, providing scheduled air services to several remote Hebridean islands. The airport is owned and operated by the Argyll and Bute Council, facilitating crucial transport for local residents, essential services, and a modest number of tourists seeking direct access to the islands.

The airport has a significant history, originating as RAF Connel during World War II. Opened in 1938, it served as a base for RAF Coastal Command, with squadrons flying missions to protect Atlantic convoys from enemy attack. After the war, the airfield was decommissioned and later re-established for civilian use, continuing its legacy as a key transport hub for this coastal region. Its strategic importance has since shifted from military defence to providing essential civil connectivity.

Situated approximately 5.8 miles (9.3 km) northeast of Oban, the airport is easily accessible via the A828 road. The drive from Oban’s town centre typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. There is no direct public bus service to the terminal, so travel is primarily by private car or taxi. The nearest railway station is Connel Ferry, about a mile away, but it requires a subsequent taxi journey to reach the airport itself.

Operations at Oban Airport are exclusively domestic. There are no international flights. Scheduled services are operated by Hebridean Air Services, connecting the mainland with the islands of Coll, Colonsay, Islay, and Tiree. Passenger volume is low, typically numbering a few thousand travellers annually. In addition to scheduled flights, the airport handles private charters and air ambulance services.

Facilities for passengers are basic and reflect the airport’s small scale. A single, modest terminal building houses a check-in desk, a small waiting area, and toilet facilities. There are no retail shops, restaurants, or executive lounges. Free on-site parking is available close to the terminal entrance.

For those travelling through Oban Airport, it is advisable to pre-book a taxi for transport to or from Oban, as they do not typically wait at the terminal. Due to the small size of the operation, check-in procedures are quick, and arriving 45 to 60 minutes before departure is generally sufficient, though passengers should always confirm with their airline. For travellers connecting to ferry services from Oban's port, ample time should be allocated for the taxi journey and subsequent check-in at the ferry terminal.