Barra Airport – Scotland – An Airport on the Beach
UK – Barra Airport (BRR) is located on the northern tip of Barra island in the bay of Traigh Mhòr just south of Eoligarry. It is world renowned because it is the only airport where airplanes land on the beach. It’s owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, which owns 11 airports throughout Scotland and the outlying islands.
Barra Airport’s History
The island of Barra is known for its natural scenery and history. For example, visitors can view Kisimal Castle in the bay and ancient standing stones and watch planes land at Barra Airport. Barra Airport is a small STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) Airport. Airplanes first started using the beach as a runway in 1933, and it was officially declared an airport in 1974. Today, it has a control tower, a visitors’ center, and a terminal. However, the terminal is currently under construction.
Barra Airport’s Runways
Barra Airport has three runways, including Runway 07/25, Runway 11/29 and Runway 15/33. These runways form a triangle on the beach. Runway 07/25 is 2,621 feet long. Runway 11/29 is 2,231 feet long, and Runway 15/33 is 2,776 feet long. The runways are marked via wooden poles set into the beach. Other than the poles, the runways do not contain any markings or lights. This means that if an emergency flight needs to land at night, the runway must be illuminated by vehicle headlights.
Barra Airport Operations
Barra Airport operates two flights a day from Glasgow to Barra and two flights a day from Barra to Glasgow. The flights are about an hour long and are considered vital to the island. In fact, they are classified as a lifeline service.
Before landing, each flight must contact the tower about 30 miles from the beach. This is so that the airplane crew can get updated weather information and information on the condition of the beach. Even if the tide is past the buoys, there may still be puddles on the beach. Pilots need this information to land safely or decide to turn around and fly back to Glasgow. It’s not uncommon for a flight to depart from Glasgow and have to turn around due to sudden inclement weather at Barra.
The biggest operational obstacle to Barra Airport’s operations is the tides because as the tides come in, they cover the beach and the runways. It also means that Barra Airport’s opening times can change due to the water levels on the beach. Officially, BRR opens around 10:30 AM Monday through Saturday and at 11 AM on Sunday.
Landing at Barra Requires Receiving Prior Permission
To land at Barra Airport, pilots must request and receive prior permission. The previous permission form can be filled out online and needs to include the pilot’s name, email address, phone number, and physical address. The form also asks which airport the pilot intends to land at and details about the aircraft.
The scheduled flights that land at Barra are performed in Twin Otters, and any aircraft that intends to land at Barra should be a STOL aircraft. It’s important to note that requesting permission to land at Barra differs from receiving permission to land. Once the form is filled out, pilots should wait for approval to land before departing for the island.
Why Does Barra Need to Know You’re Coming?
The staff at Barra need to know of each plane’s arrival to check the beach. Before each landing, crews drive the beach to determine its condition and ensure that no one has accidentally meandered onto the runways.
How Does Everyone Know When the Airport is Open or Closed?
The airport is open when the windsock is flying. It is closed when the windsock is removed from its pole. When the windsock is down, the beach of Barra Airport reverts to public use. This means the locals and tourists can walk the beach, boat, surf, or swim.
Barra Airport is a unique flying experience for both pilots and passengers. The island is beautiful and charming, with a sense of community. Visitors can take a boat ride to the castle in the bay, biking and hiking. There are also plenty of places to eat on the island, including Cafe Kisimul, Ardmhor Cafe, and a seafood bistro at the Heathbank Hotel. There are also plenty of places to stay, including the Isle of Barra Beach Hotel, Dunard Hostel and Lodge, and Tigh Grianach Bed and Breakfast. Barra is a unique place to visit.