In a world where flights are synonymous with long queues and endless hours in the air, a solitary flight from Scotland takes travellers on a journey that lasts just 90 seconds. Connecting the Orkney islands of Westray and Papa Westray, this incredibly short Loganair flight is a local lifeline and a global tourist attraction.
A viral video of the flight's route has resurfaced on social media, drawing curious commenters on Instagram.
Clocking an average time of just 1 minute and 14 seconds, this flight stands as the shortest scheduled commercial flight in the world. However, in favourable weather conditions, it can be even shorter—just around 47 seconds to cover the 2.7 km distance - the same length as the runway at Edinburgh Airport.
For the residents of Westray and Papa Westray, the flight serves as a vital mode of transportation, linking the two remote islands in a manner that is faster than any boat ride.
Teachers, doctors, police officers, and even students rely on this daily service to commute between the islands, making the flight an essential part of the community.
Despite its brief duration, the flight has a growing appeal for adventurous travellers looking to experience this unique trip. There are no meals on the flight and the flight is likely to land even before cabin crew finishes with safety instructions.
For £45 (nearly Rs 5,000), tourists can purchase a "sightseer fare" and embark on what many describe as the shortest yet most thrilling flight of their lives. Tickets are usually priced between £30 to £40 but it is likely cheaper for the locals and regulars. The flight burns only 10 kg of fuel, costing approximately £15.
The service is operated by Loganair, Scotland's only major airline, using two eight-seater Britten-Norman Islanders.
Despite the short distance, the flight’s efficiency can often be disrupted by the unpredictable weather in the Orkney Islands, leading to delays that frustrate both locals and tourists alike.
The record for the fastest journey on the route was set by retired pilot Stuart Linklater, who completed the route in just 53 seconds, a feat that remains unbeaten. Linklater, who flew this route more than 12,000 times before retiring in 2013, remains a legend in the region.
Launched in 1967, this route has continued to fascinate people for decades, remaining one of the world’s most distinctive flights. The service operates daily in both directions, except on Saturdays.
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