Security and Check-in: What to expect at our airport
The safety and security of everyone at our airport is our priority.
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) operate 11 regional airports, which vary in size and passenger numbers. Therefore, the safety processes at our airports may be slightly different to what you have come to expect when travelling through larger, busier airports.
Our airports follow the same UK regulations as every other airport. These regulations require us to have processes in place to make sure we operate in a safe and secure manner. The equipment and different types of security checks in place at each airport meets the regulatory security requirement for that size of that airport.
New Security Regulations
New regulations came into effect on 1 June 2024 which required UK airports to upgrade their X ray screening equipment for hand baggage to enhance the security experience for passengers.
Passengers should:
Body scanners will be used to screen passengers. Passengers are able to request an alternative search method.
Security requirements will vary depending on the equipment used and passengers should check the guidance for each airport through which they will travel on their journey.
As everyone gets used to the new security procedures, please allow extra time to pass through security.
Please note that restrictions on carrying liquids over 100ml in hand luggage were reintroduced at HIAL airports at 00.01 on Sunday 9 June 2024. The Department for Transport made the decision to allow changes to be made to the X ray screening equipment. Read more here
General Check-in information
Travel to the airport
For domestic flights, we would normally recommend arriving at the airport at least one hour before your flight departure time (at least two hours for international flights).
Please ensure that you check in online and download/print your boarding pass before arrival where possible.
We cannot accept responsibility for any passengers that miss their flight because they did not allow sufficient time for the checking in and security processes.
General security at the terminal
Never leave baggage or personal belongings unattended in or around the terminal, as they will be removed and may be destroyed. Please be sure baggage checked in or taken with you on your flight belongs only to you.
Do not accept parcels or packages that belong to others (even friends), unless you can check the contents yourself. When asked questions about your baggage, you must answer carefully and clearly. In the UK, it is now an offence to give false answers to such questions. Even the most casual remarks may be treated as a real threat and will brought to the attention of the police.
Please ensure you follow instructions from staff carefully and always have any relevant paperwork and valid passport/photographic ID with you.
Other items you intend to travel with
Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs
These will be carried in the cargo hold, but you will be able to use them up to the aircraft steps, when they will be taken to put in the hold of the aircraft. These items will be returned to you at the aircraft steps when you arrive at your destination.
As pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs have to be x-ray screened and searched, we ask all passengers to allow additional time for these procedures to be carried out.
Oversized Items
Any item of hand baggage larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm will not be allowed in the aircraft cabin. It must be checked in as hold baggage, with the exception of musical instruments.
Musical Instruments
If you plan on travelling with a large musical instrument, you should check you’re your airline before booking, as you may need to make special arrangements such as buying an extra seat. Any musical instrument you bring with you will need to be security screened separately