In a remarkable feat of aviation efficiency, the world’s shortest scheduled commercial flight takes to the skies for less than a minute—just 53 seconds in the air. This unique flight connects the two remote Orkney Islands of Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland, covering a mere 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles).
Operated by Loganair, the tiny twin-engine aircraft carries up to 10 passengers and has become a lifeline for locals and a curiosity for global travelers. The total duration, including taxiing, is approximately 90 seconds—shorter than most announcements on regular commercial flights.
Despite its brevity, the route plays a crucial role in connecting the sparsely populated islands, serving residents, students, and healthcare workers. In operation since the 1960s, this micro-hop flight showcases how aviation adapts to the needs of isolated communities.
“It’s faster than boiling an egg,” joked a frequent flier, who commutes between the islands for work. The flight has become a bucket-list experience for aviation enthusiasts and holds the official Guinness World Record for the shortest scheduled airline service in the world.
This blink-and-you-miss-it journey proves that, sometimes, even the shortest trips can leave the longest impressions.
