Emirates launches world's shortest A380 flight

The journey will take an hour and 15 minutes

Emirates is set to launch the world’s shortest Airbus A380 flight.

The United Arab Emirates-based airline will fly twice a day between Dubai and Muscat from 1 July. The journey is scheduled to take an hour and 15 minutes.

At just 211 miles long, the journey is less than half the number of passengers that the superjumbo typically carries.

Both A380s flying to Muscat from Dubai will have three classes, with a total capacity of 519.

There will be 429 seats in economy, 76 flat beds in business and 14 first class private suites on the upper deck of the A380.

The airline currently flies a Boeing 777 between the two cities.

“The introduction of the A380 services to Muscat means more of our customers will have the opportunity to experience our industry leading products onboard, and will also enhance choice and travel preferences as they plan their journeys,” said Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, divisional senior vice president of the Commercial Operations Centre.

Sheikh Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni, CEO of Oman Airports, called it an “extraordinary event” for a “giant aircraft” at Muscat.

The shortest flight in the world is between Westray to Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, which takes just 90 seconds. The plane that operates the route has just eight seats.

From December, British Airways will operate a daily round-trip between Dammam in Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, which are just 54 miles apart. The route will be served by a Boeing 777 with four classes.

The longest flight in the world is between New York and Singapore, clocking in at 9,534 miles. The journey takes around 18 hours and crosses 12 time zones.