Look guys. For all the hand wringing about the operations into and out of Barra airport on the beach the plain fact is that it has been going on since the mid-1930s. Back then it was a daily service (except for Sundays due to strict religious observance of the Sabbath in that part of the world in those days. Try watching the old Ealing comedy "Whisky Galore" to get a feel for life there back in those days).
It is currently operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd along with many others in the region and is licensed by the CAA for such operations. Before the pandemic passenger numbers had built steadily to approx 15,000 per year, with 1,400 movements including some by private aircraft. It brings many tourists to the island. It also provides a vital link to the island for emergency medical flights.
It is not some simple strip of sand like some of you seem to believe. It is a broad and shallow bay. No palm trees, in fact no trees at all in that part of the world due to the winds!
Glasgow, in Scotland's Central Belt, to Barra by air takes about 1 hr 15mins on the Twin Otter. At least that is what the scheduled time is. But it could take longer! The options are double that time by ferry & car to the airport on Benbecula, but is only 32 miles away, which again dates back to pre-WW2 and which became a Coastal Command air base in WW2, when it was increased in size and given paved runways. The other alternative is a 5hr ferry trip to Oban on the mainland followed by another 2.5hrs by car to reach Glasgow.
Experience the trip in this video
And a few photos. It is a bit more than a "sandbar".