World's Shortest Commercial Flight!

If you thought your last flight was short, wait till you hear this: the world’s shortest commercial flight takes place between two Orkney Islands in Scotland - Westray and Papa Westray. They’re separated by a mere 1.7 miles, which is basically the same distance your dog drags you on a “quick” walk.

This legendary route is operated by Loganair, and while the official duration is two minutes, with a helpful tailwind you can touch down in just 47 seconds. Yes, that’s less than the time it takes to microwave popcorn.

Tickets cost about $30 per passenger, which sounds steep until you realize you’re paying for the bragging rights of saying, “I’ve taken a flight shorter than a TikTok video.” Naturally, there’s no in-flight entertainment - unless you count staring at the seat-belt sign turning off and then immediately back on.

About 30% of passengers are school staff and students shuttled around by the Orkney Islands Council, while the rest are health workers and patients from Scotland’s NHS. Papa Westray itself is tiny home to around 90 people and 60 archaeological sites. In other words, you’re more likely to bump into an ancient ruin than your neighbor.

Loganair has been operating this bite-sized route since the 1960s, proving that yes, people really do need a plane for what looks like a long swim. And in 2011, they made it even more fun: a summer tourist special where you can hop on the plane, zoom to Papa Westray, and fly straight back to the Orkney Mainland—because apparently some people just want the thrill of flying without the hassle of unpacking.

So next time your flight feels delayed, just remember - some lucky folks in Scotland finish theirs before you’ve even untangled your headphones.