We provide Air Traffic Control (ATC) services at 13 UK airports. At Aberdeen
Airport we provide Tower, Approach, Ground and Offshore ATC services.
Tower Services
This is an ATC service provided in and around the
airport. The controllers will look out of the tower
windows, as well as at the ATC equipment, to help aircraft taxi, take-off and land.
Approach
This is a radar based control service located in
the lower part of the tower. Incoming aircraft are
managed from approximately 55 miles away from
the aerodrome, generally under 10,000ft.
Offshore
Offshore ATC services to helicopters operating
in support of the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Also Approach Radar service is provided for
Sumburgh Airport on Shetland.
The Operation: 2018
The current tower was opened in 1977. NATS has
been providing an ATC service at Aberdeen airport
since 1972.
As well as business and leisure flights, Aberdeen
airport is a major centre for helicopter activities
linking oil rigs to the mainland.
Furthest direct route travelled to: Dalaman (Turkey)
Most travelled to destination: London, Heathrow
Airports served: 43
The Airport
Aberdeen, the world's busiest commercial heliport, has become the first air traffic control unit in the UK to be using ADS-B only to provide radar services.