Travel by Air

The Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) is the main form of transportation used by short stay visitors to the Islands, and Islanders themselves to places that are not easy to, or cannot be, reached by road.

Stanley Airport is the hub for the service and the origin of all flights as the day begins. Passengers are seated carefully to balance the weight-load of the plane, with pilots drawing up itineraries and seating plans on the day before travel. This means there is no published schedule but this adds to the excitement of the experience; read on for the practical details. Be prepared for a range of cargo which may include mail, fresh produce, vehicle spares, shearing equipment and even domestic animals!

With the exception of Stanley and Mount Pleasant, aircraft make landings on grass or all-weather airstrips. A ‘strip-run’ by vehicle ensures the area is safe for landing and the pilot can be heard in communication with those on the ground as the plane descends.

Falklands Helicopter Services offer unrivalled views of the Falklands from their helicopter.  Formed primarily to provide a short 25-minute flight to Volunteer Point it is possible to arrange bespoke charter flights to many areas in the Islands that are otherwise difficult to reach. Flights can be arranged through your agent or directly with the company itself.

Practical Points - How to Book flights with FIGAS

Tour operators usually take care of organising your inter-island flights, but independent travellers can book directly.

FIGAS is not a scheduled service provider but works instead as an air taxi service.  Their daily flights are determined by the requirements of those wishing to travel on the day.

To make a booking please contact the Operations Department at operations@figas.gov.fk, or call them on +500 27219, with your requirements.  You should include the dates of travel, number of travellers* (adults & children) and start/end destinations.  Bookings should be made by 10am the day before you wish to travel.

The flight schedule will be published the afternoon before your departure date, telling you what time to check in for your flight.  Your accommodation provider or travel agent will receive a copy of the schedule which is also published on the FIGAS Facebook and broadcast on the local radio station during the evening announcements.   

*If you haven’t travelled with FIGAS before, be prepared to provide body weights (fully dressed) for all individuals.  Please also notify FIGAS if you anticipate your baggage weight exceeding your personal allowance (14kg for Island residents, and 20kg for visitors).  Accurate weights for passengers and baggage will aid flight planning and help ensure that you can take any excess baggage with you.  Though they try their best, they cannot guarantee carriage of excess baggage that has not been booked in advance.