When you arrive at Barra Airport, you don’t have to wade through security and baggage reclaim before finally hitting the beach. Why? Because you land on one.
The airport, on the Isle of Barra in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, is the only one in the world where scheduled flights land and take off from the beach.
At high tide twice a day, the airports three runways (each marked by a wooden pole) are submerged by the sea, so flight times vary depending on when the tide comes in and out.
And, there’s no long walk through the airport once you get off the plane. You step straight onto the sand.
The airport only has one domestic flight destination – a one hour and 10 minute flight to Glasgow. Flights operated by Logan Air operate daily.
And while nervous passengers might shudder at the thought of landing on a beach, it actually makes for a pretty smooth landing.
Speaking to YouTuber Tom Scott, airport manager Michael Galbraith explained: ‘The beach itself is actually a good surface.
‘Nine times out of 10, passengers don’t really feel that they’ve actually touched down, because the wheel gets absorbed into the sand so you don’t get that initial hard thud and skid.’
That being said, some private jets have got themselves in a spot of bother.
Unlike the commercial aircrafts used by Logan Air, adorably named the Twin Otter, which has wide tires, these private planes tend to have thinner tires which can get stuck.
‘We’ve had to go and respond and pull them out… with ropes and shovels and pushing and pulling,’ said Michael.
Passengers might be forgiven for thinking they’re actually landing in water at times though, as standing water on the beach can mean some pretty impressive spray action.
And when planes aren’t landing, it’s a public beach.
A windsock and strobe lights from the air traffic control tower warn tourists of an imminent plane arrival, but apart from that, you’re free to wander along the beach as you please.
Airport staff also carry out regular beach cleans to ensure there’s nothing in the way of landing planes.
Those who have been brave enough to take a flight to Barra have raved about the experience.
‘It’s absoloutely great fun… I loved every minute,’ wrote Reddit user Jim. While Andy added: ‘It was a clear day and relatively calm so I got some great views.’
Meanwhile, Kay, who pens the travel blog The Chaotic Scot, said: ‘I have never been so charmed by an airport in my life.’
And, despite Barra being less than 60km², once you arrive, there’s plenty to see and do.
It’s windswept landscapes are perfect for exploring, and you can go kayaking around the islands and bays.
The medieval Kisimul Castle is also a popular attraction. Dubbed the ‘Castle in the Sea’ it sits on a rock islet, and offers beautiful panoramic views.
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