Flying on a plane often makes long distances feel much shorter, with only hours instead of days or weeks traveling by other vehicles. But, some flights are exceptionally short. Whether this is due to location or land formations, the shortest flights in the world easily dip under the one-hour mark. Keep reading for the seven shortest flights, located all over the world.
7. Saba to St. Maarten (20 minutes)
Our seventh selection for the shortest flights in the world goes from Saba to St. Maarten, taking just 20 minutes. Both airports are located on the same island but are in different countries. The Grand Case-Espérance Airpot is on the French side of the island, while the Princess Juliana International Airport resides on the Dutch side of the island.
6. St. Martin to St. Barthelemy (15 minutes)
Around 495 times shorter than the world’s longest flight is our sixth selection, St. Martin to St. Barthelemy. The trip takes around 15 minutes to go 31 km, traveling between two Caribbean islands around five times daily. Both St. Martin and St. Barthelemy are prime tourist destinations, and they often move between islands to get a change of scenery.
5. Karpathos to Kasos (10 minutes)
Fifth on our shortest flights list is the trip between Karpathos and Kasos. The two belong to the Dodecanese island group in the southeastern Aegean Sea, between Rhodes and Crete. Along with flights, you can take a boat liner from Karpathos to Kasos for a half-hour journey. Those who need to get there quicker can take a regularly scheduled flight, covering 21 km in around six to ten minutes.
CHECK OUT: This is the Fastest Car in the World
4. St. Maarten to Anguilla (7-10 minutes)
As mentioned earlier, St. Maarten Island boasts two airports, with the Princess Juliana International Airport stretching right to Maho Beach, a popular tourist destination. People love to watch the huge jets soar into the airport, a combination of sight and sound that contrasts with the tranquility of the Caribbean islands. The airport services several of the nearby islands, including Anguilla, which can be reached by plane in around seven to ten minutes.
ALSO READ: 7 Islands That Have Disappeared and Why?
3. Connemara to Inisheer (6-10 minutes)
Our next selection in shortest flights takes us to Ireland, off the coast of Galway. The Aran Islands have few inhabitants and rugged landscapes but boast captivating ruins dating back to the Iron Age. This makes the islands a great day trip from Galway for many tourists. Many choose to ride the ferry, taking around 45 to 90 minutes depending on the island you choose to visit. If you’re short on time though, you can always take airfare on a plane that seats just eight passengers and takes around six to ten minutes.
2. Minami-Daito to Kitadaito (3 minutes)
One of Japan’s shortest flights earns the second spot on our list, traveling between the island villages of Minami-Daito and Kitadaito. The two islands are just 12 km apart, located in Japan’s Okinawa region. Tourists enjoy visiting these islands for the hundreds of caves scattered around, with the most well-known cave being the Hoshino Cave. The journey between islands takes around three minutes.
1. Westray to Papa Westray (1-2 minutes)
Out of all the shortest flights on this list, the journey between Westray to Papa Westray takes first place. The two are part of the Orkney Islands, a group of 70 or so islands and islets on the northeast coast of Scotland. Today, only about 20 of them have permanent residents. The flight between Westray and Papa Westray is just 2.7 km apart, taking around one to two minutes depending on the wind. Passengers board an eight-person plane with the pilot just inches away, which operates two to three times daily.
READ NEXT: 8 Former Nations That No Longer Exist
