Editor’s note — 21 Aug 2025: Marc Santens is flying this route shortly and will update this guide with fresh timings, photos, and a cockpit‑view clip. A detailed trip report will be added below once back on the ground.
Fast facts
- Route: Westray (WRY) ↔ Papa Westray (PPW), Orkney, Scotland
- Distance: ~2.7 km / 1.7 mi
- Scheduled time: ~2 minutes (often ~1 minute airborne)
- Record: ~53 seconds (best reported)
- Aircraft: Britten‑Norman BN‑2 Islander (8 seats)
- Operator: Loganair
- Why it exists: A Public Service Obligation (PSO) lifeline connecting Orkney’s outer isles.
What the flight is like
Think bus‑with‑wings: single pilot, tiny cabin, and big windows over emerald seas and stitched‑green fields. You’ll usually fly this as part of a Kirkwall–Westray–Papa Westray “triangle” (or the reverse), so expect a short stop and a friendly, no‑fuss vibe at both ends.
How to book it
Book directly with Loganair under Orkney Inter‑Isles services. Schedules vary by day and season; check the latest timetable. Check‑in closes 20 minutes before departure—don’t cut it fine.
Tips
- Plan from Kirkwall: most inter‑island flights start/end there.
- Ask (politely) for a front‑row seat for cockpit views—allocation is at the crew’s discretion.
- Pack light; the Islander is tiny and weight‑sensitive.
- Weather rules the islands; keep your plans flexible.
Getting to Kirkwall (KOI)
- From continental Europe, the simplest routing is KLM via Amsterdam or British Airways via London into Aberdeen (ABZ), Edinburgh (EDI) or Glasgow (GLA), then connect to Loganair for the short hop to Kirkwall (KOI).
- Loganair currently links KOI directly with ABZ, EDI, GLA, INV, LSI and DND (check the latest timetable).
What it costs
Fares are managed under the PSO framework and can fluctuate; island residents may qualify for Scotland’s Air Discount Scheme on applicable routes. Check Loganair for current prices.
Why locals actually use it
Beyond the novelty, this is a lifeline for islanders—teachers, students and health workers hop between communities. Ferries exist, but the plane is often the fastest option.
When to go
Summer brings more daylight and (typically) steadier operations; winter timetables still run but are more weather‑exposed. Always check the current Inter‑Island Air Guide before you plan.
What’s next: greener island hops
A hydrogen‑electric Islander concept is in development with Orkney considered a likely testbed once certification and infrastructure allow.
Trip Report: Marc’s Hop — to be updated after the flight
Route flown: ☐ Kirkwall → Westray → Papa Westray ☐ Kirkwall → Papa Westray → Westray
Date: ☐
Aircraft / reg: BN‑2 Islander ☐
Seat: ☐ (front row if available)
Pilot: ☐
Weather: ☐ wind ☐ vis ☐ cloud base
Timings (mm:ss)
- Taxi‑out: ☐
- Take‑off roll: ☐
- Airborne time WRY ⇄ PPW: ☐
- Touchdown to stop: ☐
- Total block time: ☐
Photo & video checklist
- ☐ Exterior at Kirkwall apron (Islander profile)
- ☐ Cabin shot (front row / cockpit view)
- ☐ Take‑off over Westray
- ☐ Cruise alt view (low‑level coastline)
- ☐ Touchdown at Papa Westray
Quick impressions (to fill in)
- Noise & vibration: ☐
- Best view side: ☐ left / ☐ right
- Smoothness / bumps: ☐
- Crew notes: ☐
- Anything surprising: ☐
Practicalities to confirm
- Check‑in and boarding flow
- Baggage allowance in practice
- Turnaround times between legs
- Best time of day for light
Uploads
- Photo gallery link: ☐
- Short video clip (cockpit‑view): ☐
- GPX / GPS track (optional): ☐
If you love aviation quirks, nothing beats the tiny hop between Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland’s Orkney Islands—the shortest scheduled commercial flight on Earth. The route covers 1.7 miles (2.7 km) and is timetabled at about two minutes, with a widely reported fastest run of 53 seconds in a favorable wind. Operated by Loganair with a rugged Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander, it’s part lifeline, part legend. Guinness World Recordsloganair.co.ukWikipedia
Fast facts
- Route: Westray (WRY) ↔ Papa Westray (PPW), Orkney, Scotland
- Distance: ~2.7 km / 1.7 mi
- Scheduled time: ~2 minutes (often ~1 minute airborne)
- Record: 53 seconds (best reported)
- Aircraft: Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander (8 seats)
- Operator: Loganair
- Why it exists: A Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract that keeps Orkney’s outer isles connected. Guinness World Recordsloganair.co.ukorkney.gov.uk
What the flight is like
Think bus-with-wings: single pilot, tiny cabin, and big windows over emerald seas and stitched-green fields. You’ll usually fly this as part of a Kirkwall–Westray–Papa Westray “triangle” (or the reverse), so expect a short stop and a friendly, no-fuss vibe at both ends. orkney.gov.uk
How to book it
Book directly with Loganair under the Orkney Inter-Isles services. Schedules vary by day and season; the council publishes a handy timetable, and check-in closes 20 minutes before departure—don’t cut it fine. loganair.co.ukorkney.gov.uk
Tips
- Plan from Kirkwall: most inter-island flights start/end there. orkney.gov.uk
- Ask (politely) for a front-row seat for cockpit views—allocation is at the crew’s discretion.
- Pack light; the Islander is tiny and weight-sensitive.
- Weather rules the islands; keep your plans flexible.
What it costs
Fares on these routes are managed under the PSO framework (with maximum levels set via the contract). Prices fluctuate, so check Loganair for current fares; island residents may be eligible for Scotland’s Air Discount Scheme on applicable routes. publiccontractsscotland.gov.ukorkney.gov.uk
Why locals actually use it
Beyond the novelty, this is a lifeline for islanders—teachers, students and health workers hop between communities, and Papa Westray’s archaeological sites are a regular draw for study trips. Ferries exist, but the plane is often the fastest option. Wikipedia
When to go
Summer brings more daylight and (typically) steadier operations; winter timetables still run but are more weather-exposed. Always check the current Inter-Island Air Guide before you plan. orkney.gov.uk
What’s next: greener island hops
Loganair has been working with partners on a hydrogen-electric Islander concept targeting operations from Kirkwall in the coming years—exact timing depends on certification and infrastructure, but Orkney is a likely testbed.
FAQ
Is it really under a minute?
On the right wind, yes—the best-known sprint clocks in at ~53 seconds. Guinness World Records
Will a bridge kill the route?
Fixed links have been discussed over the years, but for now the PSO air service remains the practical connector. hitrans.org.uk
Do I need to arrive early?
Earlier is always better, but officially check-in closes 20 minutes prior. orkney.gov.uk
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