Summary
- Barra Airport is unique because it uses a tidal beach as its runway.
- The airport's picturesque location and stunning scenery draw in plane spotters who want to capture photos of aircraft landing on the sand runway.
- The only scheduled airline operating to Barra Island is Loganair, which exclusively uses DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft on this route.
Barra Airport (BRR) is a unique short-runway airport situated in Scotland's picturesque Traigh Mhòr Bay, found at the northern tip of the island of Barra. Operating two daily flights from Glasgow Airport (GLA), the airport now serves over 14,000 passengers annually, with around 1,400 aircraft movements and approximately 60 light jets visiting annually. With these statistics, one might wonder, what makes Barra Airport so popular among aviation enthusiasts?
1 Tidal beach runway
Barra Airport is unique, as it is the only airport in the world with scheduled flights using a tidal beach as the runway. This exceptional feature attracts aviation enthusiasts who flock to witness the spectacle, making it a bucket lists trip for many.
Fascinatingly, the runway is submerged during high tide, and flight times are adjusted accordingly to accommodate these changes. After landing, passengers make it to the terminal by strolling across the sand rather than using a jet bridge or a solid path, adding to the memorable experience. Passengers are even free to wander the beach when it is not in use as an airfield.
2 Beautiful scenery
Aside from the airport's exceptional runway, the location is renowned for its picturesque scenery. It attracts aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters who seek to capture stunning photographs of aircraft landing on the sand runway.
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Operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), Barra Airport is currently undergoing a £1.5 million ($1.9 million) refurbishment of the airport terminal and facilities. The development includes a new and extended Café Catering Concession, which the airport team believes can significantly support tourism on the island and attract avgeeks from around the world.
3 Flying on a DHC-6 Twin Otter
For those looking to visit the famous beach airport and experience a flight on the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, it is a perfect opportunity to hit two birds with one stone. The only scheduled airline operating to Barra island is the Scottish regional airline Loganair. It exclusively operates DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft on this route. According to ch-aviation.com data, the regional airline currently has just two active DHC-6 airplanes.
These aircraft have a capacity for only 19 passengers, and there is only a slight separation between the cockpit and the main cabin. In fact, passengers have a perfect view not only of the beautiful highlands of Scotland but also everything that goes on up front in the cockpit.
What are your thoughts on this truly unique airport? Have you ever visited Barra Airport and flown on the DHC-6 Twin Otter? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Sources: Barra Airport, ch-aviation.com