The airport is unique, believed to be the only one in the world where scheduled flights use a tidal beach as the runway.

[6] The beach is set out with three runways in a triangle, marked by permanent wooden poles at their ends, in directions 07/25, 11/29, 15/33.

Emergency flights occasionally operate at night from the airport, with vehicle lights used to illuminate the runway and reflective strips laid on to the beach.

[8] Since 2017, passengers departing from Barra, as well as Campbeltown and Tiree, have not been subject to security checks, instead declaring that they do not have any prohibited items.

[9][10] In 2024 the HIAL invested £1.5 million into Barra Airport to receive a refurbishment which included the installation of external wall insulation, paving, decking, and made efforts to modernising the café and lobby.