What is the shortest flying?

The World’s Shortest Commercial Air Route

In the remote archipelago of the Orkney Islands, nestled off the coast of Scotland, lies a unique and extraordinary aviation milestone. The flight between the islands of Westray and Papa Westray holds the distinction of being the shortest scheduled commercial air route in the world.

Operated by Loganair, a regional airline serving the Scottish Highlands and Islands, this fleeting flight boasts an operational time of just one and a half minutes. The actual flight time, minus taxiing, clocks in at under a minute.

The distance between Westray and Papa Westray is a mere 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles). The tiny aircraft used for the route, the Islander BN-2, takes off from Westray Airport, an airstrip located on the western coast of the island. It then embarks on its brief journey, soaring over the sparkling waters of the Westray Firth.

Passengers aboard this unique flight experience a breathtaking glimpse of the rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and picturesque bays that define the Orkney Islands. The flight offers unparalleled views of the archipelago’s stunning natural beauty.

While the flight duration is remarkably short, the experience it provides is anything but ordinary. This unusual air route has become an iconic attraction for travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike. It serves as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of the aviation industry, connecting communities even in the most remote corners of the world.