Oban Airport has been chosen as one of two new seasonal bases for HM Coastguard, strengthening search and rescue coverage along Scotland’s west coast.
Owned and operated by Argyll and Bute Council, the airport’s location makes it ideally suited to support emergency response and lifesaving operations across the mainland and islands.
The new base will enhance HM Coastguard’s search and rescue capability during the busy summer months, when thousands of visitors flock to Scotland’s coastal waters and remote communities.
The council has worked closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to bring the project to life and has confirmed that construction work is now underway on site.
Once operational, the base will host one helicopter between April and September, providing rapid response support to incidents across Argyll, the Inner Hebrides, and wider west coast.
A second seasonal base will be located in Carlisle, further strengthening HM Coastguard’s operational network.
Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads, Amenity and Transport Services, said the new base highlights both the strategic and humanitarian importance of Oban Airport.
“The presence of a seasonal base at Oban Airport reflects the strategic importance of Argyll and Bute and the vital role our airport plays in public service aviation and supporting emergency services,” he said.
“We look forward to working further with the MCA to ensure the success of this initiative and to help keep residents and visitors safe.”
Argyll and Bute Council said the new base demonstrates the strong partnership between local authorities and national agencies in improving safety and resilience across Scotland’s coastal regions.
The airport already serves as a hub for lifeline flights, medical transfers, and emergency operations, and the addition of the Coastguard base further cements its role as a key regional asset.
Work is expected to be completed ahead of the 2026 summer season.
