World’s Shortest Commercial Flight:
Westray → Papa Westray, Orkney Islands, Scotland
| Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) |
| Scheduled time: 1.5 minutes (90 seconds) |
| Record: 53 seconds (tailwind magic) |
| Alternative: 20 minute ferry in wild seas |
The world’s shortest commercial flight is a quirky, record-breaking gem operated by Loganair between the tiny Orkney Islands of Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland. This hop covers just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) — shorter than many big airport runways — and is scheduled for about 1.5 minutes (90 seconds). With a helpful tailwind, the record time drops to an astonishing 53 seconds! That’s quicker than brewing a cup of instant coffee or scrolling through a few memes.
Picture this: You board a cozy little Britten-Norman Islander, an 8-seater plane that’s basically a flying minivan. You buckle up, the pilot gives a quick hello (and maybe a cheeky safety briefing), the engines rev… and before you can say “in-flight snack,” you’re already hearing “prepare for landing”! Blink and you’ve crossed a stretch of the North Atlantic.
But here’s the fun twist — why fly at all?
The alternative is a ferry ride that can take 20+ minutes (or longer in rough seas) and those wild Orkney waters aren’t always forgiving. For the roughly 600 residents spread across these remote islands, this speedy aerial shortcut is a lifeline. It connects families, brings in doctors, teachers, groceries and keeps communities thriving without the drama of stormy boat trips.
The destinations?
- Papa Westray (often called “Papay”) boasts the incredible Knap of Howar — one of the oldest preserved stone houses in northern Europe, dating back over 5,000 years to around 3800 BC. Step inside these ancient farmsteads and feel like you’ve time-traveled to the Neolithic era. It’s like Orkney’s own mini Stonehenge, but cozier and right by the sea!
- Westray delivers epic drama with its dramatic cliffs, seabird colonies and prime puffin-watching spots. Head to the Castle o’ Burrian, a dramatic sea stack where hundreds of puffins nest between late April and early August. These colorful “sea parrots” waddle, flap and pose like they’re auditioning for a nature documentary — a photographer’s dream!
Even though the whole adventure is over in under two minutes, don’t think safety takes a holiday. Every single flight follows full commercial aviation rules: weight and balance checks, seatbelts fastened and professional pilots who treat this hop with the same seriousness as a transatlantic journey. Proof that every flight counts, no matter how short!
While the world’s shortest commercial flight might steal the spotlight with its blink-and-you-miss-it 90-second (or record-breaking 53-second) sprint between Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland’s Orkney Islands — aviation is full of other delightfully quick hops that prove short flights can be just as essential and entertaining!
These mini-adventures connect remote communities, dodge rough seas or long drives and often deliver stunning views in record time. Here are some of the other standout shortest commercial routes around the globe, packed with fun facts:
Karpathos to Kasos, Greece (Olympic Air / Aegean Airlines)
Distance: About 12 miles (19 km) Flight time: Around 5 minutes
These two Dodecanese islands are super close, making this one of the quickest island hops in the Mediterranean. Imagine buckling up, getting a quick wave from the pilot and already spotting your next Greek paradise below. Perfect for beach-hopping without the ferry wait!
St. Maarten to Anguilla (various operators like Anguilla Air Services)
Distance: Roughly 12–15 miles Flight time: About 10 minutes
Depart from the famous low-flying thrills of Princess Juliana International (SXM), soar over turquoise waters and land in laid-back Anguilla. It’s short enough that the “in-flight service” is basically a friendly hello — but long enough to enjoy epic Caribbean views!
Ho’olehua to Kalaupapa, Moloka’i, Hawaii (Mokulele Airlines)
Distance: Around 9–14 miles Flight time: 10 minutes or less
This tiny inter-island route on the same Hawaiian island connects the main airport to the remote, historic Kalaupapa Peninsula (a former leprosy settlement with breathtaking cliffs and beaches). It’s often called one of the shortest in the US — a scenic shortcut avoiding a tough mule ride or hike!
Brazzaville, Congo to Kinshasa, DR Congo
Distance: Just 15 miles (24 km) Flight time: Short (typically under 20 minutes, but the distance makes it ultra-quick)
The world’s shortest international flight! These two capitals sit right across the Congo River from each other. Why fly? The road/ferry combo can be chaotic and time-consuming — this quick jet hop (often on a Boeing 737 ) zips business travelers and locals across in style.
St. Martin (French side) to St. Barthélemy
Distance: About 19 miles (31 km) Flight time: Around 10–15 minutes
Another Caribbean gem — hop from St. Martin’s beaches to the ultra-luxe vibes of St. Barts. Tiny planes, stunning approaches over turquoise lagoons and arrivals that feel like landing on a postcard. Short, sweet, and seriously scenic!
Other honorable mentions for super-short hops include routes in Alaska (like some under 50 miles on Alaska Airlines’ “milk runs”), island connections in Ireland’s Aran Islands (under 10 minutes), or even quick Pacific territory flights like Saipan to Tinian (around 10 minutes).
These pint-sized flights remind us that aviation isn’t always about epic long-hauls — sometimes the magic happens in the shortest bursts. They keep isolated spots connected, offer jaw-dropping views and follow every safety rule just like their marathon cousins. Every takeoff counts, no matter how brief!
Which short hop would you love to try? Drop a comment — and safe (quick) travels! ✈️⏱️🌍
Safe skies ahead — and may your landings always equal your takeoffs!
—The US Aviation Agency Team