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. This means that almost always the
DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft that serve the airport can land into the wind. At high tide, these runways are under the sea; flight times vary with the tide. Emergency flights occasionally operate at night from the airport, with vehicle lights used to illuminate the runway and reflective strips laid along the beach. Barra Airport also has a
Civil Aviation Authority Ordinary Licence (Number P792) that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction as authorised by the licensee (Highlands & Islands Airports Limited). The
aerodrome is not licensed for night use. 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. Upon arrival at Glasgow, passengers connecting to other flights must go through security there. In 2024, the HIAL invested £1.5 million for Barra Airport refurbishment, which included the installation of
external wall insulation, paving, decking, and modernising the café and lobby. ==Airlines and destinations==