Scotland is home to a one-of-a-kind airport that is the only runway in the world where planes land on the beach. Here’s everything you need to know about it
If you’re dreaming of a beach getaway, consider flying from this airport where you’ll touch down directly onto the sands, bypassing the usual security and baggage claim hassle.
For those yearning for a seaside escape, Barra Airport in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides might just be your ideal destination. It boasts the unique distinction of being the only airport globally where scheduled flights land on a beach.
The timing of the flights at this remarkable airport is dictated by the tides, with high tide occurring twice daily, submerging the three beach runways, marked out by simple wooden poles.
Barra Airport offers a singular domestic flight route that operates twice daily – a 70-minute journey to Glasgow. Logan Air provides these daily services.
Caroline McQuistin recently flew this extraordinary route and shared her experience on social media.
Her video, which quickly amassed more than 191,600 views in just one day, captures Caroline’s awe as she gazes out of the plane window, her hand clasped over her mouth in wonder.
She captioned her viral video with the message: “This is your sign to take a flight to the only airport in the world where the plan lands on a beach!”
She then turned her camera towards the aeroplane’s window to share the breathtaking sight with her viewers. Below, as the aircraft made its descent, several isles could be seen dotting the vibrant aquamarine waters, looking as though they were plucked straight from the Bahamas.
The footage transitioned to a cockpit view, revealing the open door and the pilots’ perspective as they prepared for an unconventional approach to the sandy beach runway.
“The world’s only scheduled commercial flight where the runway is a beach!! And it’s just casually covered by the tide twice a day! What an experience!!” she said in her caption.
Next, she captured the tiny commuter aircraft soaring back into the clouds on its journey back to Glasgow Airport.
Her followers flocked to the comments section to express their awe of Caroline’s unique flight experience, with many voicing their envy and desire to go try the trip themselves.
One said: “Are you kidding? That’s so magical,” while another declared: “I need to go to Barra this summer, love it.”
Someone else shared: “I’ve heard people bring chairs out to watch the planes come in, we’re so blessed in Scotland with our incredible islands.”
Another added: “Scotland is just the best place on earth,” complemented by another who reminisced: ” Incredible! We went to Barra last week and watched the planes but dying to do the flight one day.”
