Love travelling but despise long flight times? Check out the world’s shortest commercial flight, operate by Loganair, that whizzes you off to a stunning UK island dripping with history
You won’t even get through a single song on your headphones after buckling your seat belts. Flying can sometimes be the worse part about going on holiday. You start off in high-spirits, with a phone full of downloaded Netflix shows, podcasts, books, and a bunch of sweets. But, after a couple of hours the novelty wears off: your legs get cramp, and boredom kicks in.
For those wanting to jet off some place new without their time in the air dragging, you may want to book a ticket on what is often touted as the world’s shorted commercial flight. Even the little ones won’t have time to moan ‘are we there yet?’. Viral TikTok account Flights Around The World, which has amassed a whopping 118,000 followers online, recently shared a little-known flight operated by Loganair. It takes passengers from the two islands of Westray and papa Westray in the Orkney Islands, Scotland – but if you’re expecting a cup of coffee on board – you’ll be disappointed.
“The actual flight time averages around one minute and 14 seconds, and in good weather conditions the flight can be completed in just 47 seconds, making it the shortest commercial flight in the world,” the video states. “This route serves the local community, including the transportation of students, workers, doctors and residents between the two islands. Additionally, it attracts many tourists who want to experience the world’s shortest commercial flight.”
Ticket prices for the uber-short flight usually range between £20 -£31 each way, but it is reported locals can get a discount on their air fare. Due to its location, the famous flight still experiences delays because of weather conditions such as thick fog.
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Also known as ‘Papay’, Papa Westray is a stunning part of the Scottish Highlands renowned for its drastic landscapes and rich history. There’s stunning hikes around the island’s jagged cliffs and sweeping shores, and a designated RSPB reserve where you could spot a puffin (if you’re lucky). You can also soak in the culture by visiting Neolithic remains that are scattered around the island and visit the popular museum at Holland Farm.
“Papa Westray’s prime prehistoric site, the Knap of Howar, stands overlooking Westray,” Visit Scotland states. “Dating from around 3500 BC, this Neolithic farm building makes a fair claim to being the oldest-standing house in Europe. Half a mile to the north is St Boniface Kirk, a pre-Reformation church that has recently been restored. In the surrounding graveyard there’s a Viking hogback grave, decorated with carvings in imitation of the wooden shingles on the roof of a Viking longhouse.”
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