Inside world's shortest flight as 53-second Scots journey is still popular today
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SCOTLAND is home to the world's shortest commercial flight - and it only takes about a minute to reach your final destination.
Running between the Orkney islands of Westray and Papa Westray, this flight serves as a crucial link between the two.
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The speedy flight operates daily, with fares starting as low as £8
Credit: Alamy
The entire journey lasts a total of 90 seconds from takeoff to landing, with just 53 seconds spent in the air.
Operated by Loganair and Flybe, the Britten-Norman BN2B-26 Islander aircraft accommodates only ten passengers on the 1.7-mile route.
The rapid flight operates daily, with fares starting as low as £8.
For residents of both islands, there is no more affordable or convenient alternative.
While a ferry does operate between Westray and Papa Westray, it takes significantly longer, with a journey time of 25 minutes.
There is no bridge to connect the two islands, so you can't walk or drive either.
Having been in operation since 1967, the aircraft celebrated its one millionth passenger milestone in 2016.
With a record flight time of just 47 seconds, this route has been recognised as the shortest scheduled passenger flight by the Guinness World Records.
Passengers aren't required to arrive at the airport two hours in advance, as is standard for most flights.
Instead, it's recommended to arrive just ten minutes prior.
I grew up on a tiny island in Scotland - it's home to the shortest flight in the world & Billy Connolly ran around naked-
As for hand luggage, even small carry-ons must be placed in the cargo compartment.
The journey is primarily used by teachers and students visiting archaeological sites but is also utilised by health professionals who provide care to patients on both islands.
According to The Points Guy's Daniel Ross, the sea route is aboard a "fisherman-like boat."
He said: "The boat rocked so violently from side to side that I was sure we were going to capsize. Spending 20 minutes on that boat on a 'calm day' was enough to make me never want to set foot on another boat again."
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