RAF Mount Pleasant (MPN) Falkland Islands
RAF Mount Pleasant, commonly called Mount Pleasant Airport, Mount Pleasant Complex (MPC) or MPA, is a Royal Air Force station on East Falkland, Falkland Islands. It serves a dual role as a major British military airfield and the Falkland Islands’ principal international airport. Its airport codes are IATA: MPN and ICAO: EGYP.
RAF Mount Pleasant Airport — Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | RAF Mount Pleasant / Mount Pleasant Complex |
| Common airport name | Mount Pleasant Airport |
| IATA code | MPN |
| ICAO code | EGYP |
| Location | East Falkland, Falkland Islands |
| Nearest major settlement | Stanley |
| Airport type | Military aerodrome with international civilian passenger operations |
| Operator | Royal Air Force / UK Ministry of Defence |
| Military command | British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) |
| Opened | 1985 |
| Primary role | Falkland Islands air defence, military transport and international air connectivity |
| International status | One of the two Falkland Islands airports permitted to handle international flights |
| Wikipedia | RAF Mount Pleasant — Wikipedia |
| Official airport/RAF page | RAF Mount Pleasant Complex |
The Falkland Islands Government’s current Aeronautical Information Publication identifies Mount Pleasant (EGYP) as a military aerodrome and the main international aerodrome in the Falkland Islands. International flights may operate through Mount Pleasant or Stanley Airport.
Important Airport Contact Numbers
| Department / purpose | Telephone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant Airport / ATC | +500 73661 | Main aviation contact published by Falkland Islands Civil Aviation |
| Mount Pleasant ATC alternate | +500 56941 | Alternate number if ATC 73661 does not answer |
| Mount Pleasant Airport flight-plan contacts | +500 75406 / +500 74030 | Published for flight-plan/aviation operational matters |
| MPC Passes & Permits Office | +500 76330 | Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00 |
| Meteorological Office, Mount Pleasant | +500 73557 | Airport meteorological service |
| Falkland Islands Civil Aviation Department | +500 27305 | National civil aviation authority |
| Royal Falkland Islands Police — emergency | 999 | Police emergency |
| Fire & Rescue — emergency | 999 | Fire/rescue emergency |
| Medical emergency / ambulance | 999 | General emergency number |
| KEMH casualty nurse, out of hours | +500 28052 | Emergency medical/ambulance support outside A&E hours |
| KEMH hospital | +500 28000 | King Edward VII Memorial Hospital |
| Fire & Rescue — non-emergency | +500 27333 | General Fire & Rescue contact |
| Royal Falkland Islands Police — general | +500 28100 | Non-emergency enquiries |
Official Websites and Reference Pages
| Resource | Official / reference page |
|---|---|
| RAF Mount Pleasant — official | RAF Mount Pleasant Complex |
| RAF passenger information | Mount Pleasant Passenger Information |
| RAF access and security information | Access to Mount Pleasant Complex |
| Falkland Islands Civil Aviation | Falkland Islands Civil Aviation |
| Aviation organisations/contact directory | Falkland Islands Aviation Organisations |
| Falkland Islands AIP | Falkland Islands Aeronautical Information Publication |
| Wikipedia | RAF Mount Pleasant — Wikipedia |
Runways and Airfield
RAF Mount Pleasant has two paved runways. Publicly available airport data identifies:
| Runway | Approx. length | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| 10/28 | 2,589–2,590 m | Asphalt/concrete |
| 05/23 | 1,525 m | Asphalt |
Security and Photography
Because RAF Mount Pleasant is an active military installation:
- Security checks can be conducted at the gate and elsewhere on the complex.
- Firearms are prohibited on the base.
- Photography on the airfield is prohibited under Station Commander rules.
- Visitors/passengers must comply with RAF Police and security directions.
- Access can be restricted for operational or security reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the airport code for RAF Mount Pleasant?
The airport codes are MPN (IATA) and EGYP (ICAO).
2. Is Mount Pleasant Airport a civilian airport?
It has civilian passenger operations, but it is fundamentally a military aerodrome operated by the Ministry of Defence/Royal Air Force. It is also the Falkland Islands’ principal international aerodrome.
3. Does RAF Mount Pleasant have multiple passenger terminals?
No. It has an air terminal within the military complex, rather than the multi-terminal arrangement found at large commercial airports.
4. Can anyone enter the airport terminal?
No. Access is controlled because the airport is located within an active military establishment. Passengers must comply with the applicable manifest, identification and escort/pass requirements.
5. Does the terminal sell flight tickets?
No. The RAF explicitly states that the RAF Mount Pleasant Air Terminal cannot create bookings. Passengers must use the appropriate booking office or travel cell.
6. What is the Mount Pleasant Airport phone number?
The Falkland Islands Government aviation directory lists +500 73661 for Mount Pleasant Airport.
7. What should I call if Mount Pleasant ATC does not answer?
The current Falkland Islands Civil Aviation direction gives +500 56941 as the alternate Mount Pleasant ATC number.
8. What is the emergency number at Mount Pleasant?
For a genuine emergency in the Falkland Islands, call 999. This covers emergency police, fire/rescue and medical assistance.
9. Can I take photographs at RAF Mount Pleasant?
Photography on the airfield is prohibited. Because Mount Pleasant is an active military base, visitors should follow all photography and security restrictions.
10. Is Mount Pleasant Airport open 24 hours?
The published normal airport operating period is 11:30–20:30 UTC, but the aerodrome has the capability to accept flights 24 hours a day when required. Passenger terminal access remains dependent on scheduled flight/check-in arrangements.
11. What is the nearest major town?
Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, is the principal population centre served by Mount Pleasant.
12. Can cruise passengers use Mount Pleasant?
Yes. The RAF states that cruise passengers can use the terminal for international or FIGAS flights, provided they satisfy the applicable escorted-access requirements.
13. Can I fly a drone near Mount Pleasant?
Drone/SUA operations require particular caution because Mount Pleasant monitors aircraft activity across the Falkland Islands and operates military aircraft. The current Civil Aviation direction requires drone pilots to contact Mount Pleasant ATC at +500 73661; if unanswered, +500 56941.
14. What is the official website for RAF Mount Pleasant?
The official source is the Royal Air Force’s Mount Pleasant Complex page, rather than a separate commercial airport website.