Residents, businesses and communities across Argyll and Bute are set to benefit from enhanced emergency response capabilities as essential upgrades get underway at Oban Airport. The improvements will create a direct connection between the airport runway and a new search and rescue helicopter base operated by Bristow Helicopters, alongside upgraded airfield lighting, helping to strengthen the region's ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies on the west coast and island communities.
The airport will temporarily close from 31 October to 7 November. The planned works are a key stage in strengthening emergency response infrastructure in the west of Scotland and have been scheduled ahead of winter weather conditions to ensure the new facilities can be brought into operation as quickly as possible. Following approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the works can now start.
Scheduled flights were only expected on the following dates 01/11, 04/11, 05/11 with only one passenger booked. Arrangements are in place for pupils who use the scheduled scholar flight on the Sunday to travel by ferry instead.
While the airport will be closed to normal operations during this period, emergency service helicopters will continue to operate from a section of the airport throughout the works.
Argyll and Bute Council, which operates Oban Airport, has worked closely with businesses and organisations based at the airport, including airlines, rescue services and the local flying club, to minimise disruption and ensure stakeholders are informed of arrangements.
The upgrade forms part of the council's wider investment in the development of Oban Business Park, a strategic project designed to support the growth of a regional aviation, engineering and logistics hub.
Located adjacent to Oban Airport, the business park will provide new infrastructure to attract investment, support business growth and create employment opportunities, while also housing a purpose-built search and rescue base for Bristow Helicopters.
Earlier this year, Oban Airport was confirmed as one of two seasonal helicopter Search and Rescue bases for Bristow Helicopters Ltd, supporting emergency response operations across the west coast and surrounding islands during peak months. The service started for a season from April to September earlier this year using a temporary base at the airport.
The new permanent base will enhance search and rescue capacity in one of Scotland's busiest coastal regions, improving response capability and helping to keep residents, visitors, mariners and those working in remote island communities safe. The project is due to complete in early December, allowing time for testing and final CAA approval before the Search and Rescue service becomes operational from the new base in April.
Funding for the new search and rescue base was secured by the council through the UK Government's Community Regeneration Partnership Fund.
