Barra Airport

About Barra Airport

The Island of Barra is located near the southern tip of the Western Isles. The Airport lies on the north east coast of the island. Washed by the tide twice a day it is the only beach airport in the world to handle scheduled airline services.

Aircraft operations are supported by a Flight Information Service and an Airport Fire Service is provided on the basis of a Rescue and Fire Fighting category 2 airport as detailed in Civil Aviation Publication 168.

The beach is big enough for three runways, giving greater flexibility than most larger airports, and aircraft are always able to land more or less into wind. Runways are marked by posts, outside which the regular cockle gatherers are recommended to stay, but just to make sure a flashing light operated from the control tower warns them of imminent aircraft movements.

Many visitors enjoy the beach. Before they do they are asked to check whether the windsock is flying or not, which shows if the airport is open or closed.

For night air ambulance flights a runway is illuminated using portable lights with the centre line lit up by vehicle headlights. The airport team has devised an ingenious method of aiding the precise setting out of the flare path, using flexible reflective strips set into the beach.

The control tower looks out over the Sea of the Hebrides (The Minch) and also affords a view of an Atlantic beach a few hundred metres to the west. The Terminal building is modern and attractive, with one wall dedicated to seashell murals representing local wildlife. Another feature of Barra is the new mile-long causeway, linking Eriskay to Uist, which makes an impressive sight from the air.

As you can imagine a flight into or from Barra is one of those special air travel experiences. Where else would the FISO inspect the runways on a tractor or the Fire Crew be called to attend to stranded dolphins or seals? Many people come to Barra just for the experience of flying in the Twin Otter and landing on the sand. If you do, remember that wellies are advised in winter!

Airport Information

Flights

The following destinations are served by scheduled flights from this airport. Contact the airline directly for timetable and fare information.

Car Hire
Details are available at the airport terminal

Taxi Providers
Details are available at the airport terminal.

Public Transportation
The post bus which collects the mail from the aircraft will transport passengers to Castlebay.

Hours of Operation