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With Only 2,700 Meters of Route, the Shortest Commercial Flight in the World Can Be Completed in Less Than a Minute, Being Fundamental for Local Transport.
In the height of Scottish summer, a flight of 2.7 kilometers offers more excitement than many long-distance journeys. The flight Loganair LM711, which connects the islands of Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney archipelago in northern Scotland, holds the title of the shortest in the world, as recorded by the Guinness World Records.
The journey is so quick that, on favorable days, the plane reaches the destination in only 53 seconds. However, don’t be fooled: despite the short duration, the flight offers an unforgettable experience for those who have the chance to embark on this journey.
The flight begins simply yet engagingly. The pilot, just a few centimeters from the passengers, starts the engines of the Britten Norman BN-2 Islander.
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The propellers start spinning, the roar of the engines is unmistakable, and the plane begins its journey over the gravel runway. The takeoff already brings a unique sensation, with the aircraft making a wide turn as it ascends, and soon the ground gives way to the vast blue ocean.
The Experience of the Shortest Flight in the World
Despite the record title, the experience aboard the flight is not the most comfortable. With only eight passengers on board, space is tight, resembling more of a van than a commercial airplane.
The sound of the engine is relentless, and the closeness to other passengers makes the environment feel somewhat claustrophobic. There is not much to do on board, and if the need to use the bathroom arises, the only option will be to hold it until the end.
It is impossible not to notice something special about this flight right in the first minutes. The trip is short, very short. Within two minutes, the plane can be just a few meters off the ground again.
The Location
This air service connects the islands of Westray and Papa Westray, both part of the Orkney archipelago. Papa Westray is a remote island, with only 80 inhabitants in an area of four square kilometers.
The flight is vital for the local population, especially during winter, when weather conditions can hinder transport. In summer, the service also attracts tourists seeking a unique experience, with many interested in making the record trip and exploring the island’s natural beauty.
The journey begins at Kirkwall airport, on the largest island of the archipelago, Mainland. There, passengers board a fifteen-minute flight to Westray before taking the final flight to Papa Westray.
The plane that operates this service, the Britten Norman BN-2 Islander, is a small and simple model but quite efficient for the task assigned to it.
At the start of the trip, passengers watch a brief safety demonstration from the pilot, and shortly after, the plane takes off with the characteristic sound of the engines and the spin of the propellers.
Along the route, passengers can enjoy the scenery, which in summer showcases the vibrant green of Orkney’s farmland, with the emerald sea in the background.
It is a view that blends tranquility with a sense of vastness, something that contrasts with the small scale of the journey they are undertaking. In just 15 minutes, the plane reaches Westray Island, where there is a brief pause before the final leg of the journey.
The distance covered is so short that, looking out the window, one can spot the airport of Papa Westray even before the plane begins to land.
The exact duration of the flight depends on factors such as wind, but on average, the trip lasts about 53 seconds. Even on a “longer” day, like the one recorded during our visit, the flight lasts at most two minutes and 40 seconds.
The Landing
The landing is as impressive as the takeoff. Upon touching down on the gravel runway of Papa Westray, passengers are treated to a stunning view of the island, which reveals itself in all its natural beauty.
The airport of Papa Westray is tiny, with landing strips covered in grass and wildflowers, used when wind conditions are not ideal for the main runway.
As the plane departs, the sound of the engines fades away, and the island returns to its usual silence, interrupted only by the sea breeze.
For visitors arriving on the island, the attraction goes far beyond the record flight. In Papa Westray, local resident Jonathan Ford is the one who guides tourists, sharing the island’s natural wonders.
Ford, known as the “Papay Ranger,” organizes boat trips, races, and artistic events, in addition to caring for local wildlife and keeping guides updated, especially during the long winters and the endless summer days.
Despite the small size of the island, Papa Westray is a place full of life and history. For tourists, the record flight is just the beginning of an experience that blends excitement, natural beauty, and a unique connection with the local community.
Although the flight’s cost is relatively low, around US$ 20 (approximately R$ 112), the true attraction of Papa Westray is its tranquility, stunning scenery, and the warmth of its residents.
With information from CNN.
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