The UK boasts the world’s shortest flight, which takes less time than whipping up a pot noodle. The Loganair Westray to Papa Westray route clocks in at just one and a half minutes, with the actual flying time often closer to one minute, making it the speediest flight on the planet.
The record for the fastest journey on this route is a mere 53 seconds. To put that into perspective, Pot Noodles require four minutes of cooking time to reach optimal flavour, as per the snack’s instructions.
Loganair, a Scottish regional airline servicing Scotland’s Highlands and islands, operates the route. The flight between the Orkney Islands of Westray and Papa Westray in northern Scotland is a subsidised public service obligation and forms part of a three-airport loop connecting Westray Airport, Papa Westray Airport, and Kirkwall Airport, reports the Mirror.
Flights commenced in 1967 and set the record for the world’s shortest scheduled flights. The journey runs daily in both directions, except for Saturdays, when only flights between Westray and Westray Papa are available, and Sundays, when flights operate solely from Papa Westray to Westray.
The trip spans just 1.7 miles, roughly equivalent to the length of the runway at Edinburgh Airport. According to Wikipedia, Pilot Stuart Linklater has completed the short hop over 12,000 times, more than any other pilot. Stuart retired in 2013 but still holds the record for the quickest flight time.
This unique air route primarily caters to students and teachers visiting Papa Westray to explore its 60 archaeological sites. Occasionally, healthcare professionals also use the service to attend to the island’s 90 residents. Over time, the brief flight has gained popularity among tourists.
The aircraft, which seats only eight passengers and has a single pilot, is a far cry from the typical planes seen at airports. According to Loganair’s chief executive, Jim Cameron, the plane is “robust” and “well suited to the vagaries of Scottish weather”, as stated on the Wikipedia page about this extremely short-haul flight.
Alternatively, travellers can opt for a passenger ferry, which runs multiple daily departures in both directions, covering a distance of approximately three miles in about 25 minutes. A car ferry service usually operates twice a week.
Located in the Orkney Islands, Westray and Papa Westray are havens for birdwatchers, coastal walkers, and history enthusiasts. The ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ site features a large chambered tomb, two ceremonial stone circles, and a settlement, making it a must-visit destination.
The islands boast hundreds of miles of stunning coastline, featuring picturesque white sand beaches, such as Rackwick in Hoy, with its towering sandstone cliffs. Loganair operates flights to six islands from Kirkwall Airport, with return fares from Westray to Papa Westray starting at £14.50 per person.