## Here’s a matter of little significance that I still find quite fascinating
Numerous aviation aficionados, including OMAAT readers, frequently contemplate captivating airline trivia. One such point of interest is pinpointing the shortest routinely scheduled transatlantic and transpacific passenger flights. However, the solution is not as clear-cut as one might think.
### How is a transoceanic flight defined?
The main difficulty in pinpointing the shortest transatlantic or transpacific flight is defining what a transoceanic flight entails. Although the fundamental definition involves traversing an ocean, the particulars can be subject to interpretation. For example, is a flight from the United States to Iceland considered transatlantic? Or one heading to the Azores? Interpretations may differ, but for this discussion, let’s delve into some widely accepted routes.
### What are the shortest transatlantic flights?
The shortest regularly scheduled transatlantic passenger flight is arguably WestJet’s seasonal connection between St. John’s (YYT) and Dublin (DUB), spanning 2,049 miles with a Boeing 737. This distance is even shorter than several transcontinental flights within North America.
If flights between North America and Iceland are regarded as transatlantic, then the route from Keflavik (KEF) to Montreal (YUL) stands out, at 2,322 miles, operated seasonally by Air Canada, Air Transat, and Icelandair.
Another noteworthy route is the Keflavik (KEF) to Nuuk (GOH) flight, covering 871 miles, which might be classified as transatlantic if one perceives it as a journey between North America and Europe.
In the past, Cabo Verde Airlines ran a flight from Sal (SID) to Fortaleza (FOR), covering 1,767 miles, which could likewise be considered transatlantic.
### What are the shortest transpacific flights?
The shortest routinely scheduled transpacific passenger flight is the year-round service between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Vancouver (YVR), spanning 4,674 miles.
While some may contend that flights including Hawaii are transpacific, Hawaii’s geographical position outside North America weakens such assertions for a “genuine” transpacific service.
In history, flights from Alaska to Russia, such as Yakutia Airlines’ route from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (PKC) to Anchorage (ANC), spanned 1,958 miles, though these were generally charters and are not currently active.
### Bottom line
Airline route networks provide intriguing insights, and while lengthy flights often garner interest, the shortest “long haul” routes are just as captivating. Across the Atlantic, the route from St. John’s to Dublin is the shortest, whereas across the Pacific, the Vancouver to Tokyo Narita route claims that distinction. Nonetheless, definitions of transoceanic journeys can vary, leading to different interpretations.
**What’s your opinion on what the shortest transatlantic and transpacific flights are?**