Sumburgh is at the southern tip of Shetland, 26 miles from Lerwick, and it is the main airport for the islands. Private jet charter at Sumburgh Airport is realistic for light and midsize jets, with a usable take-off run of about 1,300 metres on a 1,498 metre runway, and larger types only with payload limits.
There is no separate general aviation terminal. Charter-A arranges the aircraft, the PPR and the handling, and confirms hours and customs with you at the quote stage, because the airfield closes early and out-of-hours operations are not permitted.
Flying privately from Sumburgh
The airfield is open Monday to Friday 0730 to 2000, Saturday 0745 to 1545 and Sunday 1130 to 1945. Out-of-hours operations are not permitted, though extensions can be requested from Sumburgh ATC and are charged per 30-minute segment. Customs is by arrangement.
There is no separate general aviation terminal, and handling is arranged in advance. Fuel, Jet A-1 and Avgas, comes from North Air. A public road crosses the runway 09 undershoot, and barriers close before every landing and departure. The Coastguard search-and-rescue helicopter based here has traffic priority.
Sumburgh airport guide
A one-page Charter-A information sheet to keep or pass to your driver: runway, hours, customs, handling and where to arrive.
Download the PDF (384 KB)Sumburgh Airport at a glance
| Location | Sumburgh Airport, Sumburgh, Shetland, ZE3 9JP |
|---|---|
| Codes | ICAO EGPB · IATA LSI |
| Region | Highlands & Islands (Shetland), Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Nearest city | Lerwick — approx. 40 min by car (26 miles) |
| Opening hours | Airfield Mon–Fri 07:30–20:00, Sat 07:45–15:45, Sun 11:30–19:45 (HIAL). Terminal Mon–Fri 06:30–20:15, Sat 06:30–16:00, Sun 10:15–20:00. Extensions on request to Sumburgh ATC (charged per 30-minute segment) |
| Customs & immigration | By arrangement / prior notice |
| Runway | 09/27 – 1,498 m × 44 m asphalt (grooved); secondary 15/33 – 1,424 m |
| Private jets | Yes — light and midsize jets realistic (usable TORA about 1,300 m); larger types with payload limits |
| Handling / FBO | Loganair Ground Handling (handling and de-icing by arrangement) · North Air (fuel – Jet A-1 and Avgas) – 01950 460367 |
| Private terminal | No separate GA terminal – single passenger terminal; GA handled by Loganair ground handling by arrangement |
| Prior permission | Required (PPR) — Charter-A arranges this for every flight |
| Airport website | hial.co.uk |
Details checked 29 September 2026 against the airport’s own published information (hial.co.uk, aurora.nats.co.uk). Hours, customs and handling are reconfirmed for every flight at booking.
Why fly to Lerwick
Sumburgh lies at the southern end of Shetland, and it is about 26 miles and 40 minutes by car from Lerwick. The island chain is known for its sea cliffs, wildlife and Viking heritage, and the airport is the main link for visitors and business travellers alike. The airport is also handy for Jarlshof and the south-mainland coast.
Private jet flight times from Sumburgh
| To | Distance | Light jet | Midsize or heavy jet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 670 nm · 1,240 km | 2 hr 10 min | 1 hr 50 min |
| Geneva | 860 nm · 1,590 km | 2 hr 40 min | 2 hr 20 min |
| Nice | 1,020 nm · 1,890 km | 3 hr 10 min | 2 hr 40 min |
| Palma de Mallorca | 1,230 nm · 2,280 km | 3 hr 45 min | 3 hr 10 min |
| Málaga | 1,400 nm · 2,590 km | 4 hr 15 min | 3 hr 35 min |
| London | 505 nm · 930 km | 1 hr 40 min | 1 hr 25 min |
Approximate airborne times in still air, worked out from the great-circle distance. Routing, winds and the aircraft chosen change them on the day; your quote gives the planned time for your flight.
Which aircraft?
Charter-A matches the aircraft to the runway, the number of passengers and how far you are flying. For UK and near-European sectors from Sumburgh that usually means one of the turboprops, very light jets or light jets; longer flights and larger groups step up to midsize jets and heavy jets. The runway here is 1,498 metres, so the aircraft type is checked against its performance before it is offered.
Sumburgh: your questions answered
Can a private jet land at Sumburgh Airport?
Light and midsize jets are realistic, with a usable take-off run of about 1,300 metres. Larger types may face payload limits. Charter-A checks your aircraft against the runway before quoting.
How far is Sumburgh Airport from Lerwick?
About 26 miles, roughly 40 minutes by car. Charter-A can help plan the ground transfer with your flight, so a car is waiting when you land.
Can Sumburgh Airport open out of hours?
Out-of-hours operations are not permitted, although extensions to published hours can be requested from Sumburgh ATC and are charged per 30-minute segment. We ask in advance for you.
How long is the flight from Sumburgh to Paris by private jet?
About 2 hr 10 min in a light jet and 1 hr 50 min in a midsize or heavy jet, over roughly 670 nautical miles. These are approximate airborne times; routing and winds change them on the day.
Is there an airport guide for Sumburgh Airport I can download?
Yes. Charter-A’s airport information sheet for Sumburgh Airport is free to download from this page as a PDF. It sets out the runway, opening hours, customs, handling agents and where to arrive for a private flight.
Planning a private flight
- How much does it cost to charter a private jet?
- How much notice do you need to charter a private jet?
- How early do you arrive for a private jet, and is there security?
- Which size of private jet do I need?
- How much luggage can you take on a private jet?
- Can I take my dog on a private jet?
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