Explorer

This Is The World's Shortest Flight, Takes Less Time Than Boiling Noodles

The actual flying time is closer to one minute, making it the quickest flight on Earth.

Flight journeys often become tiring due to the long security procedures one has to follow. They sometimes become more difficult due to delays or some emergencies. But there is one route in the UK where it takes less than two minutes to travel. The Loganair Westray to Papa Westray route takes only one and a half minutes.

The route is flown by Loganair, a Scottish regional airline that serves Scotland's Highlands and islands. The actual flying time is closer to one minute, making it the quickest flight on Earth. The fastest flight on the route took 53 seconds, The Mirror reported.  The journey takes place daily in both directions, except on Saturdays.

Pilot Stuart Linklater flew the short hop more than 12,000 times, more than any other pilot, before he retired in 2013. Linklater set the record for the fastest flight between the islands at 53 seconds.

Mainly students and teachers travel on this route to study the 60 archaeological sites on Papa Westray. Sometimes it is also used by health professionals who need to provide assistance to one of the island's 90 residents. The trip has also become popular with tourists. The plane only holds eight passengers and has one pilot.

During the journey, engine noise is relentless. And there are no inflight facilities – if you need the toilet, the only option is to cross your legs. Except there’s no room to cross your legs.

The flight covers a distance of about 1.7 miles across the water, which is roughly the same length as the runway at the airport in Scotland's Edinburgh, as per The Mirror. The flights are combined with routes to Kirkwall, forming a small triangle. 

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