Description

The Island of Barra is located near the southern tip of the Western Isles. The Airport lies on the north east coast of the island. Washed by the tide twice a day it is the only beach airport in the world to handle scheduled airline services.

View map of area

Aircraft operations are supported by a Flight Information Service and an Airport Fire Service is provided on the basis of a Rescue and Fire Fighting category 2 airport as detailed in Civil Aviation Publication 168.

The beach is big enough for three runways, giving greater flexibility than most larger airports, and aircraft are always able to land more or less into wind. Runways are marked by posts, outside which the regular cockle gatherers are recommended to stay, but just to make sure a flashing light operated from the control tower warns them of imminent aircraft movements.

Many visitors enjoy the beach. Before they do they are asked to check whether the windsock is flying or not, which shows if the airport is open or closed.

For night air ambulance flights a runway is illuminated using portable lights with the centre line lit up by vehicle headlights. The airport team has devised an ingenious method of aiding the precise setting out of the flare path, using flexible reflective strips set into the beach.

The control tower looks out over the Sea of the Hebrides (The Minch) and also affords a view of an Atlantic beach a few hundred metres to the west. The Terminal building is modern and attractive, with one wall dedicated to seashell murals representing local wildlife. Another feature of Barra is the new mile-long causeway, linking Eriskay to Uist, which makes an impressive sight from the air.

As you can imagine a flight into or from Barra is one of those special air travel experiences. Where else would the FISO inspect the runways on a tractor or the Fire Crew be called to attend to stranded dolphins or seals? Many people come to Barra just for the experience of flying in the Twin Otter and landing on the sand. If you do, remember that wellies are advised in winter!

Facilities for the Disabled

Disabled person facilities exist within the terminal and staff are always available to assist.

Flights

The following destinations are served by scheduled flights from this airport.

Please contact the airline direct for timetable and fare information.

Opening Hours

All times subject to tide and by arrangement

Monday to Friday   0945 -1215 or 1400 -1630
Saturday                 1215 - 1330
Closed Sunday

Aircraft and Helicopter Charter

None listed

Car Hire

Details for car and van rental are available at the airport terminal

MacMillan Self Drive +44 (0) 1871 890366
Barra Car Hire +44 (0) 1871 890313
HMacNeil +44 (0) 1871 810262

Taxi Providers

Details are available at the airport terminal.

D Sinclair    +44 (0) 1871 890253
J Campbell  +44 (0) 1871 810216
Barra Taxis  +44 (0) 1871 810999

Public Transportation

The post bus which collects the mail from the aircraft will transport passengers to Castlebay.

Air Discount Scheme

The Scottish Executive's Air Discount Scheme (ADS) will provide a 40 per cent reduction on air fares between Scotland's remotest communities and Scottish cities. ADS applies to people whose main residence is any of the following: Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland, Islay and Jura, Caithness and North-west Sutherland. It includes students from these areas who are studying away from home.

For more information on ADS, eligibility criteria and application information please visit the www.airdiscountscheme.com website.