Barra: The Only Beach Airport with Tidal Flight Schedules

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 19, 2024 23:30 PMNews
Share:
View of Ythan Estuary and the Sands of Forvie from Newburgh Beach, Aberdeenshire
View of Ythan Estuary and the Sands of Forvie from Newburgh Beach, Aberdeenshire. Source: unsplash

Barra Airport, located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, is renowned for its unique runway situated on a beach, making it the only airport in the world where scheduled passenger flights land on sand. The airport's operations, which began in 1978, are governed by the tides, with flights scheduled around high and low tide times.

Barra Airport serves approximately 14,800 passengers annually, managing around 1,400 aircraft movements per year. The airport features two DHC-6 Twin Otter airplanes, each with a 19-passenger capacity, offering passengers a view of the cockpit and the stunning highland scenery during their flight.

The airport's operations are run by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, which describes it as one of the world's most distinctive airports. Flights to and from Glasgow are scheduled in accordance with the tidal patterns, halting operations during high tide when the runway is submerged under water.

The tide significantly impacts Barra Airport's daily operations. During high tide, when the North Atlantic Ocean's waters cover the runway, flights cannot land or take off. The difference in water level between high and low tide can exceed three meters, making precise scheduling essential. This natural phenomenon means pilots cannot use autopilot during approach and the airport is not licensed for night operations, though exceptions are made for emergencies.

Barra Airport features three runways arranged in a triangle, with wooden poles marking their ends. A sign warns visitors to stay off the beach when the wind sock is flying, indicating airport activity. The unique landing experience at Barra has earned it a reputation among avgeeks and travelers, being nominated for the best approach in a 2011 poll by PrivateFly.com.

In 2023, Barra Airport underwent a $1.95 million refurbishment to enhance its terminal and visitor facilities, including the addition of a café. The café aims to cater to tourists, locals, and passengers, providing a space to enjoy refreshments while watching planes land on the beach.

Barra's distinctive operations and picturesque setting make it a notable destination for aviation enthusiasts and travelers seeking unique experiences. Despite differing opinions on the best airport approaches, Barra's charm is universally recognized by those who visit.

Top Articles
Discover the Best Escape Rooms in San Francisco: Adventure Awaits!

Discover the Best Escape Rooms in San Francisco: Adventure Awaits!

Oct 29, 2024 23:12 PM
Best Places for Bowling in Los Angeles: A Guide to Fun Activities

Best Places for Bowling in Los Angeles: A Guide to Fun Activities

Oct 28, 2024 22:26 PM

Discover the Best Rooftop Bars in Los Angeles for Amazing Views

Oct 27, 2024 23:42 PM

Exploring the Best Parks in Los Angeles for Nature Lovers

Oct 26, 2024 22:59 PM
More News
Man sitting on the floor with a laptop and backpack in an airport

New Regulations for Air Passengers: How to Claim Compensation for Canceled and Delayed Flights

Oct 30, 2024 19:35 PM
Etihad Airways aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky

Etihad Airways Unveils New Route to Al Alamein, Egypt

Oct 30, 2024 18:31 PM

Turbulence in the Air Travel Market: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Oct 30, 2024 17:35 PM

The Bergen Line: A Cozy Night Train Adventure Across Norway

Oct 30, 2024 16:38 PM
Person wading through floodwater in a green field

Floods in Spain: Residents and Tourists Caught in the Midst of the Disaster

Oct 30, 2024 15:35 PM
Budapest, Hungary

Celebrating Halloween in Budapest: A Fusion of Folklore and Modern Festivities

Oct 30, 2024 14:42 PM
red brick house at dusk

Exploring the UK's Most Haunted Destinations: A Journey Through Ghostly History

Oct 30, 2024 12:46 PM
Piarco, Trinidad and Tobago

Exploring the World’s Most Remarkable Airline Routes

Oct 30, 2024 10:31 AM
ITA Airways plane on the runway under a clear sky

ITA Airways Initiates Direct Flights from Dubai to Rome

Oct 30, 2024 08:30 AM

Direct Flights Between Penang and Shenzhen Provide New Travel Opportunities

Oct 30, 2024 06:30 AM

India Enhances Golden Triangle Travel Experience

Oct 30, 2024 04:30 AM
A WestJet Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky with mountains in the background

WestJet Enhances Services During Fleet Expansion

Oct 30, 2024 02:30 AM
A red and white AirAsia airplane flying against a cloudy sky

AirAsia Philippines Launches November Discount for Future Trips

Oct 30, 2024 00:30 AM
An easyJet aircraft on the runway preparing for takeoff at an airport, surrounded by green landscape and a partly cloudy sky

New Arctic Flight Connections from Manchester Ready to Start

Oct 29, 2024 22:30 PM
Blurred motion of a double-decker bus at night in a busy city street

UK Government Extends Bus Fare Cap and Invests in Bus Network

Oct 29, 2024 20:30 PM

Lufthansa Reduces Flights and Faces Increased Competition: What This Means for Travelers

Oct 29, 2024 19:35 PM

Half-Term Getaways Made Easier by Bus Travel

Oct 29, 2024 18:30 PM
Airplane flying through a clear sky

European Airlines Cut Routes to China: Reasons and Implications

Oct 29, 2024 17:35 PM
A Great Western Railway (GWR) train stopped at Bradford on Avon station

Football Clubs Shift to Sustainable Rail Travel

Oct 29, 2024 16:30 PM
Piece of ice on a black sand beach with ocean waves in the background

Iceland's Volcanoes: How Climate Change Could Speed Up Their Eruptions

Oct 29, 2024 15:34 PM
Euston Station building sign with train and London Underground symbols

Euston Station Introduces Early Boarding to Enhance Travel Experience

Oct 29, 2024 14:30 PM
Fiery Lake, New England, USA

A Journey Through New England: Tips for an Enriching Adventure

Oct 29, 2024 12:30 PM

Exploring Broome’s Mangroves: A Foraging Journey with Aboriginal Guides

Oct 29, 2024 10:30 AM

Exploring Egypt's Valley of the Whales: A Journey into Wadi Al-Hitan

Oct 29, 2024 08:30 AM
A Halloween-themed sign reading "Eat, Drink, and Be Scary" placed beside a straw broom on steps

Halloween 2024: Global Events Kick Off with Thrilling Celebrations

Oct 29, 2024 07:30 AM
Aer Lingus Lounge Dublin Airport, Corballis, Dublin Airport, County Dublin, Ireland

Accessing Airline Lounges in the U.S.: A Look at Pay-to-Enter Options

Oct 29, 2024 06:30 AM