Most travellers associate flying with hours spent in the air, crossing oceans and continents. Yet while some flights stretch close to 19 hours, others are over almost as soon as they begin.
Around the world, a handful of commercial routes take less time than many airport taxi journeys. Some last just a few minutes, connecting remote communities where boats or road transport are impractical.
Here are some of the shortest scheduled flights currently operating.
Westray to Papa Westray, Scotland
The world's shortest scheduled flight is found much closer to home than many people realise.
Connecting the Orkney islands of Westray and Papa Westray, this service is operated by Loganair.
- Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
- Scheduled flight time: 2 minutes
- Fastest recorded flight: Around 53 seconds
The route exists because the islands are separated by water, making regular transport essential for residents, healthcare workers and school pupils.
Visitors heading to Scotland may also wish to explore:
- Hotels in Edinburgh: https://timmstravel.com/hotels/edinburgh
- Flights from London to Edinburgh: https://timmstravel.com/flights/lhr/edi/london-to-edinburgh
Karpathos to Kasos, Greece
Among Europe's shortest flights is the route between the Greek islands of Karpathos and Kasos.
- Distance: Approximately 12 miles
- Flight time: Around 5 minutes
The service provides an important transport link between islands in Greece that would otherwise require ferry services.
St Gallen to Friedrichshafen
Crossing the border between Switzerland and Germany, this tiny international route demonstrates that even international flights don't always need to be long.
- Distance: Around 13 miles
- Flight time: Approximately 8 minutes
Passengers spend almost as much time taxiing as they do in the air.
Connemara to Inishmore, Ireland
Off Ireland's west coast, Aer Arann serves the Aran Islands with several remarkably short routes.
- Distance: Roughly 14 miles
- Flight time: About 8 minutes
The flights offer spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline and provide a vital link for island communities.
Sint Maarten to Anguilla
In the Caribbean, this is one of the most popular ultra-short flights.
- Distance: Around 12 miles
- Flight time: 10 minutes
Many visitors use the route to avoid lengthy ferry connections while island hopping through the Caribbean.
Related travel planning:
- Find and book hotels: https://timmstravel.com/hotels/
Why Do These Flights Exist?
While they might appear unusual, most of the world's shortest routes exist for practical reasons:
- Remote island communities
- Limited ferry services
- Mountainous terrain
- Harsh weather conditions
- Medical and emergency access
For many residents, these flights are not tourist attractions but essential transport links.
One of the world's most dangerous airports is Lukla Airport, located in the Nepal mountains. It is often deemed the airport with no escape with a length of just 527 metres and sat at an altitude of 9,000 ft.
What's It Like Flying on One?
Short-haul flights of less than ten minutes are very different from traditional airline journeys.
On some routes:
- The aircraft reaches cruising altitude only briefly.
- Cabin crew may not provide any service.
- Seat belts remain fastened throughout.
- Take-off and landing account for most of the flight.
Passengers often joke that the aircraft begins descending almost immediately after becoming airborne.
From the World's Shortest to the World's Longest
The contrast between aviation's shortest and longest routes is remarkable.
While Singapore Airlines' Singapore to New York service can take almost 19 hours, the Orkney Islands flight between Westray and Papa Westray can be completed in under one minute under favourable conditions.
Both routes serve the same purpose: connecting people. Yet one crosses half the globe while the other barely leaves sight of departure.