Flights are typically lengthy trips lasting many hours, involving pre-flight operations, takeoffs, climbs, altitude cruising, and descents. However, there is a 90-second scheduled flight in northern Scotland that is the shortest in the world. The service, run by Loganair Airlines, links Papa Westray and Westray, two Orkney islands. During its roughly 2.73-kilometer journey, passengers are treated to breath-taking views of the tiny Orkney Isles, rocky coastlines, and glittering waters. According to accounts, locals who depend on the route for commuting include teachers, doctors, and students.
Since the plane probably arrives before the cabin staff has finished the safety briefings, there are no meals served during the journey. Travelers can purchase a “sightseer fare” to take the shortest scheduled flight in the globe for about 45 pounds (about Rs 5,348). The cost of the tickets is between thirty and forty pounds (Rs 3,565 to Rs 4,754). Locals, however, probably pay less. At a cost of roughly 15 pounds, the flight uses only 10 kg of gasoline, which is incredibly fuel-efficient. The weather has a significant impact on the route, and erratic circumstances frequently result in delays.
Starting in 1967, the flight service runs every day except Saturdays. Ten people can be accommodated aboard the airline’s Britten-Norman BN2B-26 Islander aircraft. With a timing of 53 seconds, pilot Stuart Linklater is the record holder for the fastest time ever recorded on this trip. Linklater’s legendary position among residents and aviation enthusiasts was cemented when he completed an astonishing 12,000+ flights on this route prior to his retirement in 2013.
1. Minami-Daito and Kitadaito (Japan) – Around 3 minutes
Ryukyu Air Commuter offers the quickest trip between Minami-Daito and Kitadaito, which travels 11–12 km in around three minutes. Along with flights from Naha to Minami-Daito and ultimately to Kitadaito, the flight is part of the airline’s route.
2. Karpathos and Kasos (Greece) – Around 5 minutes
Just 20 kilometers, or around 12 miles, divide the two islands. Operators on this brief inter-island route include Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. Compared to the ferry, which takes more than an hour to traverse the same body of water, the flying offers a quicker option.
3. Connemara and Inishmaan (Ireland) – Around 7 minutes
At just seven minutes, the flight from Connemara Airport to Inis Meain (Inishmaan) is one of Ireland’s shortest. Aer Arann Islands, which utilizes a small Britten-Norman Islander aircraft with eight or ten seats, is operating the flight. It provides a clear view of the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher as it travels over the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Kegata and Apowo (Indonesia) – Around 10 minutes
The settlements of Kegata and Apowo are connected by a 10-minute flight. The two locations are visible from one another, but ground travel is practically difficult due to the steep mountains and deep, forested valley that separate them. Locals, educators, and medical personnel depend on this route to get to vital services.
5. Saint Barth’s and Saint Martin (Caribbean) – Around 15 minutes
There are flights from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) or Grand Case-Espérance Airport (SFG) on Saint Martin to St. Barts’ Gustaf III Airport (SBH). Small, propeller-driven aircraft are used by a number of smaller airlines to fly this route.
