The World’s Shortest Commercial International Flights

This article explores the world’s shortest commercial international flights by distance. This analysis considers flights operating at least once a week, excluding semi-charter services. The flights analyzed include various fixed-wing aircraft, ranging from small Cessnas to larger Boeing 737-800 narrowbodies, reflecting the versatility required for these routes. All flights on this list operate under 100 km in Great Circle Distance (GCD), which accounts for Earth’s spherical shape when measuring flight lengths.

Top 10 Shortest Commercial International Flights

1. Brazzaville (BZV), Congo to Kinshasa (FIH), DR Congo (24 km)

• Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 Passenger
• Weekly Frequency: 7
  This flight, the shortest international route globally, spans just 24 km. With a scheduled time of 50 minutes, passengers spend more time preparing for takeoff and landing than in the air.

2. St Martin (SFG), French St Martin to St Barthelemy (SBH) (31 km)

• Aircraft: Cessna 208B Caravan
• Weekly Frequency: 37
  This 31-km route, operated between the French and Dutch Caribbean islands, runs five times daily. Popular among tourists, it offers an efficient way to explore neighboring islands.

3. Saba (SAB), BES Islands to St Maarten (SXM), Dutch St Maarten (45 km)

• Aircraft: De Havilland DHC6 Twin Otter
• Weekly Frequency: 55
  Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Dutch St Maarten is iconic among aviation enthusiasts and marks the endpoint of this short yet scenic flight.

4. St Maarten (SXM), Dutch St Maarten to St Eustatius (EUX), BES Islands (61 km)

• Aircraft: De Havilland DHC6 Twin Otter
• Weekly Frequency: 56
  This route boasts the highest frequency among the Top 10, with flights occurring 56 times weekly. It highlights the Caribbean’s reliance on aviation for inter-island connectivity.

5. Bonaire (BON), BES Islands to Curaçao (CUR), Curaçao (74 km)

• Aircraft: Saab 340
• Weekly Frequency: 17
  The 25-minute flight connects two of the three ABC islands, linking Bonaire and Curaçao and fostering economic and cultural ties.

6. Kasane (BBK), Botswana to Victoria Falls (VFA), Zimbabwe (77 km)

• Aircraft: Cessna Light Aircraft (Single Turboprop)
• Weekly Frequency: 10
  Serving a crucial role in Africa’s tourism sector, this flight offers breathtaking aerial views of Victoria Falls while clocking up significant cumulative distance annually.

7. St Vincent (SVD), St Vincent and the Grenadines to Carriacou (CRU), Grenada (79 km)

• Aircraft: De Havilland DHC6 Twin Otter
• Weekly Frequency: 14
  This route, operating daily, facilitates quick day trips for travelers exploring the Windward Islands’ stunning vistas and cultural heritage.

8. Dammam (DMM), Saudi Arabia to Bahrain (BAH), Bahrain (87 km)

• Aircraft: Airbus A320neo
• Weekly Frequency: 10
  The only Middle Eastern flight on the list, this 40-minute journey connects two Gulf neighbors, supporting their close economic and social relationships.

9. St Maarten (SXM), Dutch St Maarten to St Kitts (SKB), Saint Kitts and Nevis (90 km)

• Aircraft: De Havilland DHC6 Twin Otter
• Weekly Frequency: 16
  St Maarten appears on this list multiple times, emphasizing its role as a Caribbean aviation hub. This particular route is a favorite among island-hopping tourists.

10. Fort Lauderdale (FLL), USA to Bimini North (NSB), Bahamas (95 km)

• Aircraft: Cessna Light Aircraft (Single Turboprop)
• Weekly Frequency: 17
  Bimini, the westernmost Bahamian island, is a quick getaway for American visitors, offering activities such as fishing, scuba diving, and vibrant nightlife.

Although short-haul flights may lack the glamour of ultra-long-haul journeys, they play a vital role in connecting isolated areas and sustaining regional tourism economies. These routes ensure that remote destinations remain accessible and vibrant, supporting local communities and facilitating travel in ways that would be impossible by land or sea.

Sources:

• OAG
• Featured image by Geoffrey Zandecki via Flickr

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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