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 that operates a record-holding 53 second flight.
The journey that holds the title of in the Guinness 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, theflightcovers a total of 1.7 miles.
The service is run by 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.
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 ofaround 600 people, whereas Papa Westrayis home to just 90.
The flight between the two is mainly used by and students from Westray visiting archaeological sites on Papa Westray.
To get to Papa Westray from, you will have to make your way to, and then on to Kirkwall.
From Kirkwall you’ll head Westray and then of course hop on the very over to Papa Westray.
Unlike other airports, for this one you need to arrive just 10 minutes before departure.
The price for flights betweenthe two islandscurrently startfrom £8.
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