Believe it or not, the world’s shortest scheduled flight takes less time than waiting in line for coffee!

Clocking in at around a minute (sometimes even faster!), the Loganair flight between Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland whisks passengers between two idyllic Orkney Islands in a blink.

This tiny hop trumps all other commercial flights for sheer brevity, making it a unique and speedy way to island hop.

Flight duration from Westray to Papa Westray

Forget marathons in the sky! The flight between Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland holds the record for the shortest scheduled commercial flight in the world.

This blink-and-you-miss-it journey covers a mere 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) and typically takes around 1 minute, with the record-breaking time being a whopping 53 seconds!

It’s a fantastic option for a quick island hop, offering stunning views of the Orkney archipelago in a flash.

Why take flights for this short distance.

While the Westray to Papa Westray flight in Scotland might seem like a novelty, it serves a vital purpose for the Orkney Islands.

Despite the tiny distance (just 1.7 miles!), the flight is a lifeline for residents.

The rough seas can make ferry journeys unreliable and unpleasant.

This quick flight ensures essential travel for islanders, whether it’s students attending classes on Papa Westray, medical patients needing mainland care, or simply residents visiting friends and family.

It’s a testament to how air travel, even in its shortest form, can be a vital link for island communities.

 

Hopping Between Islands: The Aircraft of the World’s Shortest Flight

The world’s shortest scheduled commercial flight, clocking in at around a minute, operates between the Scottish islands of Westray and Papa Westray.

While there might be some variation depending on maintenance needs, Loganair, the regional airline that serves the route, primarily uses two aircraft for this unique journey:

• Britten-Norman BN2B-26 Islander: This high-wing, twin-engine workhorse is a familiar sight in the skies of Scotland. Known for its robustness and ability to handle short runways, the Islander comfortably seats eight passengers and a pilot.

  

• DHC-6 Twin Otter: This larger twin-engine turboprop aircraft can also be used on the Westray to Papa Westray route.  Twin Otter still provides a quick and scenic island hop. It also provides transportation of cargos

  

Flight booking for the shortest flight in the world.

Believe it or not, a flight between Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland, the world’s shortest scheduled flight, might be lighter on your wallet than your morning coffee!

Tickets can start as low as $18, making this a super affordable way to island hop and experience this unique aviation feat.