How long does the official, scheduled commercial flight between the two Scottish islands of Westray and Papa Westray take?

A 90-second hop across Orkney

The scheduled flight between Westray and Papa Westray usually takes about 90 seconds in the air. The islands are only a few miles apart, separated by a narrow stretch of water in Scotland’s Orkney archipelago. At that distance, the plane is climbing soon after takeoff and preparing to land almost immediately.

Why fly such a short distance?

The flight is part of the practical transport network linking Orkney’s smaller islands. A boat crossing can take longer and depends on sea conditions; the plane offers a quick connection for residents and visitors when it is operating. The journey is so brief that the time spent boarding and getting to the airport can exceed the time aloft.

The 90 seconds describes the flight itself, not the whole trip. Wind and operating conditions can affect the exact time, but the tiny crossing remains a real scheduled service—not merely a sightseeing stunt.