How long is the shortest flight ever?

The Loganair Westray to Papa Westray route is the shortest scheduled passenger flight in the world. Flights on the route are scheduled for one and a half minutes, and actual flying time is closer to one minute. The record for the fastest flight is 53 seconds.



The shortest regularly scheduled commercial flight in the world is the Loganair Westray to Papa Westray route in Scotland’s Orkney Islands.

  • Distance: Approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
  • Scheduled Flight Time: 1.5 to 2 minutes (depending on wind direction)
  • Record for Fastest Flight: The record for the fastest completed flight is 53 seconds.

Key Details: Aircraft: It’s flown using a Britten-Norman Islander, a small 8-seater plane. Purpose: It’s an essential lifeline service, connecting the two small islands for residents, postal mail, and supplies. The alternative is a 20-minute ferry ride (which involves a long drive to the ferry terminal on each island). Fun Fact: The same pilot often flies the route multiple times a day. Passengers often don’t even have time to fasten their seatbelts before it’s time to prepare for landing.

Other Notable Short Flights: St. Gallen-Altenrhein (Switzerland) to Friedrichshafen (Germany): About 8 minutes across Lake Constance. Caye Caulker to San Pedro (Belize): A popular 5-minute tourist hop between islands.

So, while ultra-short test or charter flights can be shorter, the shortest regular scheduled passenger flight is reliably under two minutes.

People Also Ask

Westray and Papa Westray, Scotland
The flight, operated by LoganAir has been in use for over 50 years and only takes 2 minutes which makes it the shortest flight in the world. In good weather conditions, you can reach Papa Westray in 47 seconds! The route is mainly used by island residents and tourists.

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If you're looking for an experience that's unique and unforgettable, then look no further than the world's shortest commercial flight—the two minute journey from Orkney Islands – Westray to Papa Westray in Northern Scotland.

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The shortest commercial flight in the world is a 1.7-mile route between two Scottish islands. The flight between Westray and Papa Westray near the mainland of Orkney lasts just 57 seconds. It is used by local islanders and even the local banker.

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