The airport has runways that disappear twice a day

SCOTLANDAt Barra Airport in the Outer Hebrides, pilots have to get used to the fact that the runway can disappear every day.

Located on the island of Barra in the Outler Hebrides archipelago more than 64 km from the west coast of Scotland is the airport of the same name. For many years, Barra Airport has always been on the list of the most unusual airports in the world because of the phenomenon of runways often disappearing.

Nicky Kelvinm, travel expert of The Points Guy, a website specializing in the aviation industry, said the runway is located on a beach. public sea. When the tide rises, the runway is submerged by water. When the tide recedes, the runway is exposed again on the sand.

To experience landing where the runway suddenly disappeared, Nicky booked a flight from Glasgow Airport, Scotland, to the island of Barra. The airline operating flights to the island is Loganair, using Twin Otter light aircraft that can take off and land on short runways. Captain Laura Roper said "no lights or instructions" for landing at Barra. It's all done based on the pilot's judgment. Roper added that the advantage of the runway being on the beach is that the sand makes the landing less bumpy.

However, airlines must carefully plan flight times to ensure pilots have enough space on the beach for the plane to take off and land safely.

Barra Island seen from above. Photo: Visit Outler Hebrides

Steve Wilson, who works at Barra airport, said he regularly checks the beach and prevents people from going to the runway to pick up clams to ensure plane safety. "One of the most interesting things at the airport is that employees hold many roles at the same time, such as check-in procedures, security checks, firefighters and baggage handlers, and air traffic controllers," Wilson said. .

The Outler Hebrides archipelago consists of more than 70 small islands, with white sand beaches, strong waves, wildlife ecosystems and ancient indigenous culture. Barra is one of the islands that exploits tourism and welcomes visitors. According to Visit Scotland, the website of the National Tourism Council, Barra has long been famous for its majestic, wild natural beauty.

Airport on the island. Photo: Visit Scotland

In addition to reaching the island by plane, visitors can access it by ferry. Guests can take a 5-minute boat trip from the main settlement on Castlebay to the medieval sea castle of Kisimul, located on a rocky island in the bay.

Other experiences on the island include strolling along the white sand beaches, cycling or wandering around the island, kayaking, and exploring local culture and history at the Heritage center.