Papa Westray Airport

Welcome to Papa Westray Airport — an air gateway listed in the Guinness Book of World Records! Located on one of the northern Orkney Islands in the United Kingdom, this small airport is not just a transport hub, but a true landmark. It serves one of the most unusual flights in the world and plays a key role in the life of the local community. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, arriving here is the beginning of an adventure.

The main feature of Papa Westray Airport is the world's shortest scheduled flight, connecting it to the neighboring island of Westray. The flight lasts only about two minutes, and with a tailwind, airtime can be reduced to a record 53 seconds. This service, operated by Loganair, is a vital artery for locals and a unique experience for tourists.

The airport itself is a modest building with a single runway. There are none of the usual attributes of large aviation hubs here: no Duty Free shops, no hustle and bustle. Instead, you will find an almost home-like atmosphere, a personal approach, and the chance to feel part of a small but friendly island community. The airport is the starting point for exploring Papa Westray, known for its archaeological sites, such as the ancient settlement of Knap of Howar, and its rich wildlife.

• Official Airport Website: The airport does not have its own separate website. Current information about the airport in Papa Westray is published on the portal of the managing company, Orkney Islands Council, which operates airports in the Orkney Islands in the United Kingdom.
• Information Desk Phone: +44 (0)1857 644256.
• Airport Address: Papa Westray, Orkney, KW17 2BU, Scotland.
• Email: A direct public email address for contacting the airport is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone.
• Airport Social Media: The airport does not have official pages on social networks. News can be tracked on the resources of Loganair or the managing company.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the airline that operated the flight directly (usually Loganair).
• Passenger Support Contacts: For information on tickets, schedules, and carriage regulations, please contact your airline. For questions regarding the operation of the airport itself, use the phone number listed above.

Getting to Papa Westray Airport is a fairly simple task, given the miniature size of the island of Papa Westray in the United Kingdom. There is no familiar urban rush or extensive transport network here, which gives the journey a special charm. The distance from any point on the island to the airport can be covered in a matter of minutes.

Public Transport and Taxis: There are no regular bus routes or trains on the island. The main method of transport for tourists is pre-arranged transfer. Often, this service is provided by owners of guesthouses or hotels. There is also a local taxi service, but the trip must be booked in advance, especially during the tourist season. It is best to check the cost of the trip when booking, but it is generally low due to the short distances.

On Foot or by Bicycle: Considering that the length of the island is only about 6.5 km, a walk to the airport is a great way to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Orkney Islands. From most places on the island, you can walk to the terminal in 30-60 minutes. Renting a bicycle, if available at your accommodation, is also an excellent alternative.

Car Rental and Parking: There are no car rental agencies on Papa Westray itself. Travelers wishing to move around by car usually rent one on the main island of the Orkney archipelago (Mainland) and cross by ferry. If you arrive at the airport by car, there will be no parking problems — there is a free and unguarded parking lot here. The travel time from the furthest point of the island to the airport by car will be no more than 10-15 minutes.

Special Features: Papa Westray Airport is famous for serving the world's shortest scheduled flight to the neighboring island of Westray. The flight lasts only about 90 seconds! This is not only a means of travel between islands but also a unique tourist attraction. If you plan to visit the neighboring Westray Airport, this flight is the fastest and most memorable option.

Papa Westray Airport (PPW) is one of the most unique and diminutive airports in the world, and its layout fully reflects this status. When speaking of terminals, it is important to understand that there is no complex infrastructure here typical of major aviation hubs. The entire airport is a single compact and modest building that performs all necessary functions simultaneously.

The structure of the airport is extremely simple. The sole terminal consists of a small hall that serves as a waiting area, check-in desk, and baggage claim point. There is no separation into departure and arrival zones in the traditional sense. Passengers waiting for a flight and those who have just arrived are effectively in the same space. Transitions between terminals are absent for an obvious reason — there is only one terminal.

Registration and security procedures at Papa Westray Airport take a record short time. Forget about long queues and hours of waiting. Checking in for a flight is more like simply verifying a name on a list, and security screening, if conducted, is minimal. The entire process from entering the building to being ready for boarding usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes, creating a very relaxed and almost home-like atmosphere.

The best recommendation for navigation is simply to walk inside. It is physically impossible to get lost here. All you need is the counter where the airline employee is located, a few chairs for waiting, and the exit to the airfield. Do not expect Duty-Free shops, cafes, or business lounges here. The peculiarity of this airport lies in its maximum simplicity and functionality, allowing passengers to focus on the main thing — the unique flight experience.

The history of Papa Westray Airport (PPW) is not a tale of giant terminals and massive construction projects, but a unique chronicle of a small yet vital airfield that became a global celebrity. Located on one of the Orkney Islands in the United Kingdom, it is an integral part of the daily life of the local community.

The airport was opened in 1967, when Loganair launched inter-island flights connecting remote corners of the archipelago. This event radically changed life on the island. Until that moment, residents depended entirely on ferry services, which were often interrupted due to bad weather. The establishment of an air bridge ensured the reliable delivery of mail and medicine, and allowed teachers and doctors to reach the island quickly.

The main achievement and most famous fact in the airport's history is its participation in the world's shortest scheduled flight. The flight between the islands of Papa Westray and Westray officially lasts about two minutes, but with a tailwind, it can take less than one minute. This route is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records and has over time turned from a regular transport service into a popular tourist attraction for aviation enthusiasts from around the world.

Over the decades of its existence, the airport has not undergone significant expansions, retaining its authentic and modest appearance. The "terminal" is a small building, more like a cozy cottage, and the runway remains gravel. Modernization here consists of maintaining the infrastructure in a safe and working condition to guarantee uninterrupted service. Papa Westray Airport is a vivid example of how small aviation can play a huge role, remaining the heart of a remote community and a world attraction at the same time.

Papa Westray Airport (PPW) is a small and very specific airfield serving the island of the same name in the Orkney archipelago of the United Kingdom. It is important to understand that it is primarily a functional transport hub for the local population rather than a major tourist hub, so the range of services here is minimal. Passengers should take care of all necessities in advance.

In the airport terminal, which is a small building, you will find a basic waiting hall. There are no restaurants, cafes, Duty Free shops, or any retail outlets. All snacks and drinks must be carried with you. Similarly, there are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points at the airport.

Passengers should note that there is no public Wi-Fi or special charging stations for electronic devices at Papa Westray Airport. VIP lounges, business centers, and conference rooms are also absent. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, several accommodation options can be found on the island itself, such as guesthouses, which should be booked well in advance.

Specialized services for passengers with children, such as mother and child rooms or play areas, are not provided. Passengers with reduced mobility or those requiring special assistance are strongly recommended to notify their airline in advance (usually Loganair) of their needs so that staff can provide the necessary support during boarding and disembarking.

Papa Westray Airport (PPW) is one of the smallest commercial airports in the world, located on the island of the same name within the Orkney Islands in the United Kingdom. Its infrastructure is minimal and designed exclusively to serve short regional flights. In this regard, it is important to understand that standard airport services are absent here.

There are no restaurants, cafes, bars, or food and drink vending machines on the Papa Westray Airport premises. The airport building is a small waiting hall that serves as shelter for passengers waiting for boarding. There is no separation into arrival and departure zones, nor are there shops or other commercial outlets.

Travelers departing from or arriving at this airport are strongly advised to have their own snacks and drinks with them. If you have specific dietary needs (Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), you must take care of food in advance, before arriving at the airport. The only opportunities to find food are at the community shop on the island itself, but it is located outside the airport, and visiting it requires separate planning.

Traveling through Papa Westray Airport is a unique experience, unlike using major aviation hubs. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use these tips adapted to the specifics of one of the smallest airports in the United Kingdom.

The airport is very small, so there are no long queues here. Arriving 2-3 hours before departure, as in large airports, is not necessary. It will be sufficient to arrive 30-45 minutes before your flight departs. This time is enough to check in and drop off luggage without rushing. The check-in and security control procedure here is maximally simplified and very quick, resembling boarding a bus rather than a plane.

The aircraft serving this route are small propeller planes, for example, the Britten-Norman Islander, accommodating only a few passengers. Seats are usually not assigned, and the pilot may ask you to sit in a specific seat for proper aircraft balancing. The best advice is to try to get a window seat. The flight, especially the famous two-minute hop to Westray Island, offers stunning views of the Orkney Islands that you will not want to miss.

Due to the limited size of the aircraft, luggage requirements are strict. Travel light. Standard safety rules apply for carry-on luggage (e.g., limits on liquids up to 100ml), but the main factor is minimal weight and dimensions. Check baggage allowances with your airline (Loganair) before flying.

Since this is a domestic flight, customs control is absent. If you have a connection planned (usually at Kirkwall Airport), ensure you have enough time between flights, especially if you are flying further to the mainland. The airline usually coordinates such connections well, but an extra time buffer never hurts.

Time-saving is built into the airport's operation process itself. To save money, try to book tickets in advance, especially during the summer tourist season when demand for flights increases. Keep an eye out for special offers from the airline.

Weather in the Orkney Islands can be unpredictable, and flights are sometimes delayed or cancelled due to fog or strong winds. If your flight is delayed, be patient. Amenities at the airport are minimal, so bring a book or a charged power bank with you. Staff on-site will provide all current information. The main thing is to remain flexible in your plans and enjoy the unique atmosphere of island aviation.