Aberdeen update

What is effectively Europe’s busiest heliport, Aberdeen Airport (ABZ), is being affected by the COVID-19 crisis, but not in the way of similar airports.

A spokesman confirmed that helicopter operators are continuing to service North Sea production:  “It’s quite clear this is an extremely challenging time for the entire industry, however, we will ensure Aberdeen Airport remains open throughout."

It is the hub of the offshore oil industry and any closure of the airport would clearly have a bad effect for the whole nation.  It would isolate rig workers and eliminate crew changes.  Aberdeen is a major base for medical transfers from the northern isles, where Aberdeen Royal Infirmary takes emergency cases that cannot be dealt with locally.  Local hotels remain open.

The four main helicopter operators at Aberdeen are Bristows, CHC (Canadian), Babcock International and NHV (Belgium).

With scheduled operations British Airways, Eastern, easyJet, KLM and Loganair are offering much reduced services.  Within the airport Boots, WH Smith and World Duty Free are open, but the catering outlets are closed.

LNER has cut back on its schedule to London with revised stops, First Class lounges closed and no catering.

www.aberdeenairport.com

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