UK airport with world’s shortest flight to get new terminal
AIR WE GO
The flight holds a Guinness World Record
- Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
WESTRAY Airport, which is used for the world's shortest passenger flight, is set to get an upgrade.
Plans have been submitted by the local council to create a new terminal building on one of the North Isles in Scotland that operates a record-holding 53 second flight.
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The journey that holds the title of shortest scheduled passenger flight in the Guinness World Records goes between Westray and Papa Westray.
On average it takes one minute and 40 seconds, but the shortest flight on record between the two isles is 53 seconds.
From take off to landing, the flight covers a total of 1.7 miles.
The service is run by Loganair using a small, eight-seater plane.
For most of the year, it runs several times a week, as part of the inter-isles services.
In April 2025, the local council submitted plans for Westray Airport to get a new terminal building and increase the number of parking spaces up to 10.
Plans also include two electric vehicle charging points and one disabled access space.
The new building would have a garage for a fire service vehicle, two toilets, and a shower for fire service staff.
Inside there would be a kitchen, a departures waiting room, and a “watch room.”
The old terminal building is now more than 30 years old and according to the council is no longer fit for purpose.
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Flights between the two isles first took off in 1967 and welcomed the one millionth passenger in 2016.
A ferry making the same journey between the two islands takes 25 minutes - so flying is the quickest option.
Despite being under two miles apart, no bridge exists to connect the two islands.
As for the islands themselves Westray has a population of around 600 people, whereas Papa Westray is home to just 90.
The flight between the two is mainly used by teachers and students from Westray visiting archaeological sites on Papa Westray.
To get to Papa Westray from London, you will have to make your way to Aberdeen, and then on to Kirkwall.
From Kirkwall you'll head Westray and then of course hop on the very short flight over to Papa Westray.
Unlike other airports, for this one you need to arrive just 10 minutes before departure.
The price for flights between the two islands currently start from £8.
Here are the top five islands that Sun Travel believes rival Skye, and one has 14 distilleries.
IF you're planning on going away any time soon, you'll need to pay attention to the following unwritten plane etiquette rules...
RECLINING SEAT: Podcast host and etiquette expert Nick Leighton explained that you shouldn't recline your seat if the passenger behind you is working on their laptop.
He said: "Nobody likes their laptop snapped in half."
Before you recline your seat, it's best to check to see what the passenger behind you is doing.
If they are on a laptop, ask before you move your seat back.
FEET: A flight attendant told The Sun: "Your boarding card tells you a number and a letter, this will be the reserved seat that you have paid for.
"Your feet, which are attached to your body, should do their best to reside within this space and stay far away from anyone else.
"If you do insist on stretching out, please make sure your feet are covered up."
CHAT: TV travel expert Samantha Brown explained that conversations from strangers aren't welcome, suggesting that others shouldn't expect a chat.
She added: "I’m not a talker. Plane time is me time."
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