Scotland is not just the land of lochs, mountains and green-hued vistas. Our country is also known for its white and golden sand beaches, spanning across most of the huge coastline. With an estimate of the coastline being 18,743 km in length, Scotland is also home to the first and only beach airport in the world. Landing at the Barra Airport is an experience in itself, as travellers have to touch down on an actual beach.
Barra Airport is as unique as it comes, with the runway being a tidal beach. Let us repeat that, A TIDAL BEACH! Located in Traigh Mhòr Bay in the North of Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, the airport is the only one of its kind to exist. When it is high tide, the beach runway is completely submerged underwater.
What is even more unusual, when the airport is closed, members of the public are allowed to walk on the runway. So, the concept of landside and airside does not exist on the Isle of Barra, defying most aviation security rules strictly present at other airports. Heck, you can even go surfing there if you fancy catching some waves.
However, beach-goers need to strictly observe the windsock, as there are around 60 private light aircraft on top of the scheduled flights every year. Barra Airport has four flights per day, two arriving from Glasgow, and two going back to Glasgow, operated by LoganAir. Since opening in 1936, the airport has been welcoming around 14,000 passengers every year with its bucket list beach runway. When travelling, guests should take into account that the cafe is currently closed while the airport finds another operator.
Barra Airport was also named the world’s best airport landing in 2011 by PrivateFly. Ever since, it has kept popping up on various lists for its unique infrastructure.