World's Shortest Flights: The Ultimate Bucket List for Aviation Lovers
By The Trip Window
Most people try to avoid short flights. Aviation enthusiasts seek them out. These extraordinary micro-routes connect remote islands, border towns, and communities that the road never reaches — and they are among the most memorable travel experiences on the planet.
Westray to Papa Westray, Scotland (47 seconds)
The world's shortest scheduled commercial flight. Loganair's tiny Britten-Norman Islander aircraft covers just 2.8km between two Orkney Islands. The flight is listed in the Guinness Book of Records and takes less time than the pre-flight safety demonstration. Book through Loganair's website — it's genuinely one of aviation's great novelties.
Shimojishima to Miyako, Japan (3–5 minutes)
This inter-island Japanese hop was originally built as a training route — the runway on Shimojishima is so long it was used by NASA as an emergency shuttle landing site. The flight itself is a beautiful aerial tour of the Ryukyu island chain.
Caye Caulker to Ambergris Caye, Belize (15 minutes)
Both islands are paradise destinations in their own right. The flight connects them over some of the most brilliant turquoise water you've ever seen. Tropic Air runs several daily services in small Cessnas.
Nantucket to Martha's Vineyard, USA (15 minutes)
A seasonal New England classic. Cape Air operates the route in small aircraft that hug the Massachusetts coastline at low altitude. The views of the Atlantic in golden hour light are extraordinary.
Why Fly These Routes?
Beyond the novelty, these flights access places that would otherwise require long ferry journeys or are simply unreachable by road. They're also, invariably, among the most scenic flights you'll ever take.