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Loganair Barra & Benbecula Services

Boarding a Twin Otter at Glasgow Airport
Boarding a Twin Otter at Glasgow Airport
 

Since this page was written the service pattern has changed. Flights now operate separately from Glasgow Airport to Barra Airport and to Benbecula Airport, with no direct connection between the two. This means it is no longer possible to take the flights between them that are described on this page. Timetables for their services can be found on the Loganair website linked from the visitor information section of this page.

Scotland is home to what must be the world's most unique air service. At least six times each week a De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft leaves Glasgow bound for Barra Airport at the southern tip of the Western Isles, the world's only tidal airport.

Scotland is home to what must be the world's most unique air service. At least six times each week a De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft leaves Glasgow bound for Barra Airport at the southern tip of the Western Isles, the world's only tidal airport.

From Barra the aircraft then flies north to Benbecula Airport, before returning to Barra, then flying back to Glasgow.

A unique airport calls for a unique timetable, because the flights are subject to tidal conditions at Barra. As a result there is a morning schedule and an afternoon schedule, which apply on alternate weeks. When booking a flight it is important to know which schedule your flight will be following.

The weekday timetable means that sightseeing trips from Barra to Benbecula and back are possible. These can be taken on a standby basis (i.e. you fly if there's a seat available) at a very reasonable price: enquire at the check in desk at Barra Airport. The Twin Otter can seat 19 people, but in practice accommodation is limited by the need to carry the weight of both passengers and fuel, so a few less than this tends to be the limit. Nonetheless, sightseeing tickets are frequently available.

The flight from Barra to Benbecula and back takes just 25 minutes each way, and the aircraft flies at fairly low level to allow you the best view of South Uist as you pass over it. The scenic value of the flight between Glasgow and Barra is more a case of pot luck, depending on the weather and the crew you get.

One captain goes as far as producing an information sheet he distributes to passengers ahead of the flight, then providing a commentary as he flies over some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland at a height low enough to appreciate them. Another crew tends to take a less involved approach, flying much higher and offering minimum engagement with passengers. It has to be said that you get very much better value for the price of your ticket if you are lucky enough to be flown by the first of these crews and not the second.

The highlight of any trip, of course, is the arrival at and/or departure from Barra's unique beach airport. With significant improvements to the Sound of Barra Ferry to Eriskay, there had been a question mark over the future of the Barra air service. For the moment, however, it continues, to operate, which should be welcomed by all those who seek out unique experiences.

Following the Flight Crew to the Aircraft at Benbecula
Following the Flight Crew to the Aircraft at Benbecula
   
Clickable Index Map

Visitor Information

View Location on Map
Full details of current timetables and fares for all Loganair's services can be found on www.loganair.co.uk
Co Pilot and Cockpit
Co Pilot and Cockpit
Arrival at Barra
Arrival at Barra
Arrival at Benbecula
Arrival at Benbecula
Returning to Glasgow: the M8
Returning to Glasgow: the M8
 

Visitor Information

View Location on Map
Full details of current timetables and fares for all Loganair's services can be found on www.loganair.co.uk
Taxying for Take Off at Barra
Taxying for Take Off at Barra
Twin Otter Cabin, Looking Backwards
Twin Otter Cabin, Looking Backwards
Twin Otter Cabin, Looking Forwards
Twin Otter Cabin, Looking Forwards
Terminal at Benbecula
Terminal at Benbecula
Terminal at Barra
Terminal at Barra
 

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