AIR TRAVEL is associated with long distances. Short-distance air travel seems like a waste because every air trip begins hours before the flight.
With the checking-in procedure, security checks and boarding taking up so much time, who’d want to spend more time in the airport instead of an aeroplane?
That said, is there really a commercial flight that takes less than a minute from takeoff to landing and covers approximately 3km?
Verdict:
TRUE
In Scotland, the flight between Westray and Papa Westray, two of the Orkney Islands
situated north of mainland Britain, holds the record for the shortest commercial flight in the world.
Operated by Scottish regional airline Loganair, the flight covers a measly 2.7km. The record for the fastest completion of the route is approximately 47 seconds.
The unique experience doubles as one of the area’s tourist attractions.
The route is a necessary part of the local transport network, providing a vital link for residents of the Orkney archipelago.
It allows the islanders to access essential services such as education and medical care while supporting the local economy by making the islands more accessible to visitors.
Because of these critical roles, the flight is classified as a ‘public service obligation’ under the European Union law and is subsidised by the government.
The aircraft commonly used for the route is a small, eight-seater plane suited to the short runway with rapid take-offs and landings required by the journey.
References:
1. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-shortest-flight-orkney-scotland/index.html
2. https://jalopnik.com/the-worlds-shortest-commercial-flight-takes-less-than-a-1697446932
3. https://www.oag.com/blog/worlds-shortest-flights
