Ever wondered what the four shortest regularly-scheduled international flights in the world look like? These micro-journeys span mere minutes in the air yet connect entire nations, proving that even the tiniest hops can hold big travel stories.
✈️ Key Takeaways (At a Glance)
- 🌍 Shortest Route: Brazzaville → Kinshasa (24 km) – just a few minutes in the air.
- 🏝️ Most Scenic Hop: St Martin → St Barthélemy (31 km) – turquoise views from takeoff to landing.
- 🛫 Shortest Runway: Saba → St Maarten (45 km) – flies from the world’s smallest commercial runway.
- 🌅 Hidden Caribbean Gem: St Eustatius → St Maarten (61 km) – a micro-journey between historic islands.
- 💡 Average Flight Time: Between 5–15 minutes gate to gate.
The World’s Shortest International Flights: How Close Can Two Countries Be?
Ever wondered how short an international flight can be? Imagine buckling up, taking off, and landing before you’ve even finished your drink. These four routes redefine what it means to cross a border , offering aviation enthusiasts, geography lovers, and travelers a glimpse into the world’s most fascinating micro-connections.
In this definitive guide, you’ll discover the four shortest regularly-scheduled international flights, explore what makes each route unique, learn how to experience them yourself, and find answers to the most common questions travelers ask about these extraordinary hops.
1. Brazzaville (Congo) → Kinshasa (DR Congo): 24 km, 5 Minutes in the Air
Separated only by the Congo River, the capitals of Congo and DR Congo are the closest capital cities on Earth. The flight between Brazzaville’s Maya-Maya Airport (BZV) and Kinshasa’s N’Djili Airport (FIH) covers just 24 kilometers – a quick hop that often takes longer on the ground than in the sky.
Why it’s unique:
Travelers cross a border that’s visible from both terminals. The view of the river’s sweeping curve is unforgettable, and the irony of two major capitals divided by minutes of flight time has made this route legendary among aviation fans.
2. St Martin (French Side, SFG) → St Barthélemy (SBH): 31 km of Caribbean Beauty
This 10-minute flight is a favorite among luxury travelers heading to the chic beaches of St Barth’s. Operated by small aircraft such as the Twin Otter, the journey offers a postcard-perfect view of turquoise water, coral reefs, and green hills.
Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the plane for the best approach view into Gustaf III Airport, famous for its steep descent over a hill straight onto a beachside runway.
3. Saba (SAB) → St Maarten (SXM): 45 km from Cliff to Coast
The route between Saba and St Maarten feels like a scene from a movie. Departing from the world’s shortest commercial runway (just 400 meters long), this 12-minute flight combines thrill and scenery in equal measure.
Fun fact: The pilot lands directly between cliffs and ocean, giving Saba’s Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport its cult reputation among aviation buffs.
4. St Eustatius (EUX) → St Maarten (SXM): 61 km, 15 Minutes of Sky History
Known locally as “Statia,” this small Dutch Caribbean island connects to St Maarten in under 15 minutes. Flights by Winair offer sweeping views of volcanic peaks and pristine blue water – a gentle close to the world’s shortest international circuit.
Did you know? St Eustatius once traded more goods than any other Caribbean island in the 18th century, earning it the title “The Golden Rock.”
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🌐 FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
How short can an international flight legally be?
There’s no minimum distance rule, as long as the flight crosses international borders and is commercially scheduled, it qualifies.
Are these flights cheaper than longer routes?
Not always. Because of aircraft type and limited seats, fares can be surprisingly high for such short distances.
Can I book these flights as a tourist?
Yes. Airlines like Congo Airways, Winair, and Air Caraïbes operate these routes regularly, and tickets can be booked online or through local agencies.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Micro Flights, Mega Stories
These tiny hops prove that aviation isn’t just about long-haul journeys, it’s about connecting worlds that exist within sight of each other. Whether it’s crossing a river between two capitals or gliding over Caribbean waves, the four shortest regularly-scheduled international flights deliver pure travel magic in minutes.
Curious which of these mini routes you’d dare to try first? Let me know in the comments!
Photo by Bornil Amin on Unsplash
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