One of the world’s most distinctive airports lies here in the UK and its runway is made out of sand.
People who land at Barra Airport in Scotland can only do so on a tiny light aircraft which touches down on one of the world’s only beach landing strips.
It is the only airport in the world where scheduled flights use a tidal beach as the runway.
The unique airport is located at Eoligarry, in the north part of the island, and its beach is called Traigh Mhor.
The tiny islet is home to just 1,300 people and its airport provides lifeline services to Barra, while also being a popular visitor attraction.
Although it resembles a tropical island with its rolling hills, stunning beaches and unspoilt landscape, Barra is not overrun with tourists.
And those who have been to the unique island will understand why.
The airport sees around 14,000 passengers flying in and out each year, carried in approximately 1,400 aircraft. However, travellers don’t have a whole lot of choice when it comes to destinations, as planes only fly to and from Glasgow.
Only Loganair flies to Barra and due to the constant unstable weather conditions, the arrival and departure times of the flights can vary.
The beach means planes can only take off and land at low tide, patterns are governed by a lone control tower, and all passengers arrive or depart by one tiny terminal.
Andrew Menzies, a First Office for Loganair familiar with the route, told CNN: “There’s an element of concentration as we get a little bit closer because there’s no autopilot at all. It’s all manual.
He added: “There’s no guidance for landing, no airfield lighting, [the two pilots] are looking out for each other.”
Despite the airport only being open from Monday to Friday for a couple of hours, passenger numbers have almost doubled from around 7,500 in the late 70s to about 14,800 pre Covid-19.
It is well worth visiting Barra Airport to watch the flights land on the beach and there is a cafe to have a cuppa while you wait.
Car parking is free of charge and includes disabled bays, a pick up/drop area and is situated adjacent to the airport.
In 2011, Barra Airport was voted No.1 in the world’s top airport approaches by a poll conducted by PrivateFly.com.
