Overview
Sligo Airport sits at the tip of the Strandhill peninsula, just west of Sligo town. Although scheduled passenger services ended in 2011, the airfield thrives as a hub for flight training, private aviation and the Irish Coast Guard’s Search & Rescue (SAR) operations. The site is open year‑round, free to enter, and offers a small café with runway views, a Miniature World exhibition and ample free parking for cars and coaches.
History
The commercial story began on 4 July 1983 when Avair launched the first Sligo‑to‑Dublin service. Over the next two decades the route changed hands – Euroceltic, Aer Arann and a brief Loganair tender – before the final scheduled flight left on 21 July 2011. A 2007 €8.5 million runway‑extension grant was halted by the courts over environmental concerns.
Since 2004 the north‑west base of the Irish Coast Guard’s Sikorsky S‑92A (Rescue 118) has operated from Sligo, providing 24‑hour SAR coverage for cliffs, islands and remote coastal communities. The Sligo Aero Club, a Registered Training Facility, continues to teach aspiring pilots, while the airport also supports sky‑diving, charity jumps and occasional jet visits.
What to See & Do
Flight School & Aero Club
The Sligo Aero Club offers lessons on a modern fleet of Cessnas, Pipers and Beechcrafts – ideal for first‑time flyers or those working towards a private pilot licence.
Coast Guard SAR Base
The Sikorsky S‑92A, painted in the distinctive Irish Coast Guard livery, is on standby 24 hours a day, ready for cliff rescues, hospital transfers or island evacuations.
Café with Runway Views
The Blackbird Café (open daily 07:45–16:00) serves coffee, pastries and light meals. Large windows overlook the runway, making it a perfect spot to watch training flights and the occasional rescue helicopter.
Sligo Miniature World
An indoor attraction featuring model railways and detailed scale models of local landmarks. It is especially popular with families and younger children on rainy days.
Practical Information
Fuel & Services – Jet A1 and Avgas 100LL are available on the field. Fire services are Category 2 daily, up to Category 4 on request.
Runway – One asphalt runway (11/29), 1,200 m (3,933 ft) long, equipped with edge lighting, PAPI and RVR aids. Suitable for aircraft up to a BAe 146‑200.
Opening Hours – Airport: 08:00–21:30 year‑round. ATC: 08:00–12:30, 13:15–18:15, 19:00–21:30 (check NOTAM for temporary changes).
Contact & Booking – Email handling@sligoairport.com or call +353 71 916 8461. Pre‑flight permission (PPR) is mandatory; GAR forms must be submitted 12 hours before EU flights or 24 hours for non‑EU flights.
Accessibility – Fully accessible with guide‑dog permission, wheelchair‑friendly pathways and on‑site restrooms.
Technical Details for Pilots
- ICAO/IATA: EISG / SXL
- Elevation: 11 ft (3 m) AMSL; magnetic variation –6.2°
- Navigation Aids: NDB/DME SLG (027 kHz, 384 kHz identifier) located on the field.
- Communications: Ground, Tower & Information – 122.10 MHz (SLIGO)
- Runway Lighting: Edge lights, PAPI, RVR, REIL, STOP beacons.
- Parking: 200 long‑term spaces (free) plus coach bays.
- Terminal: One passenger terminal with 2 check‑in desks, 1 gate.
- Cargo: Capacity 6 tonnes.
- Fire Services: Category 2 daily, up to Category 4 on request.
Getting There
- By road – The airport is at the end of the R277. Free parking is available on‑site.
- Public transport – Bus S2 runs from Sligo town to Strandhill (≈15 min). Check the latest timetable for seasonal variations.
- Taxi – Local taxis can be booked via the airport’s website or on arrival.
- Car hire – Aer Arann Avis Car Hire operates from the terminal, offering a convenient way to explore the north‑west.
Recent News & Developments
- HEMS Base Proposal – County councillors have urged that Sligo Airport become the base for the new Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). The airport already hosts the Irish Coast Guard’s AW189 helicopter, which can be configured for medical transfers, making it the most suitable location for rapid emergency care across the north‑west.
- Firefighter Industrial Action Resolved – In April 2026 a brief strike by airport firefighters was settled, ensuring continued fire‑service coverage for the airfield.
- Preferred Site for North‑West Air Ambulance – The airport has been confirmed as the preferred site for the regional air‑ambulance service, reinforcing its strategic importance beyond aviation training.
Nearby Attractions
After a flight‑watching session, consider:
- A surf session or walk on Bunduff Strand, a Blue Flag beach just a short drive away.
- The iconic Benbulben and its forest loop trail.
- The ancient megalithic sites at Carrowmore and Carrowkeel.
- The Shannon‑Erne Waterway, ideal for a leisurely boat trip.
- The National Surf Centre and village of Strandhill for shops, restaurants and surf culture.
- The historic town of Ballymote for a quick cultural stop.
Safety & Regulations
Pilots must obtain pre‑flight permission (PPR) and submit the appropriate GAR forms. The runway sits on a narrow peninsula, leaving little margin for undershoots; the 2002 Fokker F‑27 overrun incident highlighted the need for precise approaches.
Further Reading – Learn more about the airport’s history on its Wikipedia page and view live flight information via the official County Sligo portal.