In an era where global travel is more connected than ever, airlines are pushing the boundaries of how far planes can go without stopping. With advancements in aircraft technology, ultra-long-haul flights—those lasting over 16 hours—are becoming more common, reshaping international travel. These flights connect distant cities, making the world smaller but also testing the limits of passenger endurance. Here’s a look at the five longest commercial flights in the world, ranked by distance.
1. Singapore to New York (JFK)
- Airline: Singapore Airlines
- Distance: 9,537 miles (15,349 km)
- Flight Duration: Approximately 18 hours 40 minutes
Holding the top spot, Singapore Airlines' non-stop flight from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the longest flight in the world. This epic journey covers more than 9,500 miles and typically takes close to 19 hours. The flight is operated using the Airbus A350-900ULR, an ultra-long-range version of the A350, designed for efficiency and comfort on extended flights. Singapore Airlines has tailored this service for long-haul comfort, offering only premium economy and business class seating.
2. Newark to Singapore
- Airline: Singapore Airlines
- Distance: 9,534 miles (15,344 km)
- Flight Duration: Approximately 18 hours 30 minutes
A close second is Singapore Airlines’ other non-stop route between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Singapore. Until the JFK route surpassed it, this was the longest flight in the world. Both routes are similar in distance, but weather conditions and routing often make the Singapore-Newark flight slightly shorter. Like the JFK flight, this service uses the Airbus A350-900ULR and is designed with passenger comfort in mind for ultra-long-haul travel.
3. Perth to London (Heathrow)
- Airline: Qantas
- Distance: 9,009 miles (14,498 km)
- Flight Duration: Approximately 17 hours 15 minutes
Qantas’ direct flight from Perth (PER) to London Heathrow (LHR) was the first direct flight connecting Australia and Europe, also known as the "Kangaroo Route." The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operates this historic route, offering passengers a smoother, quieter, and more fuel-efficient experience. With a flight time exceeding 17 hours, Qantas’ Perth-London service has revolutionized travel between the two continents, significantly cutting down travel time by eliminating layovers.
4. Auckland to New York (JFK)
- Airline: Air New Zealand
- Distance: 8,828 miles (14,207 km)
- Flight Duration: Approximately 17 hours 35 minutes
Air New Zealand launched its non-stop service between Auckland (AKL) and New York (JFK) in 2022, entering the ultra-long-haul race. Covering nearly 8,830 miles, this route connects the southern hemisphere to the eastern United States, with a flight duration of about 17.5 hours. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is used for this journey, known for its fuel efficiency and passenger-friendly design.
5. Doha to Auckland
- Airline: Qatar Airways
- Distance: 9,032 miles (14,535 km)
- Flight Duration: Approximately 17 hours 30 minutes
Qatar Airways’ Doha (DOH) to Auckland (AKL) service has been a significant route, covering more than 9,000 miles and taking about 17.5 hours. For years, this flight was the longest in the world before being overtaken by Singapore Airlines’ routes. The Boeing 777-200LR (Long Range) is the workhorse for this route, designed to handle such long distances with its extended fuel capacity.
The Challenges of Ultra-Long-Haul Flights
These ultra-long-haul flights are made possible by cutting-edge aircraft that are designed for efficiency over long distances. The Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, for instance, are game-changers in this space, offering reduced fuel consumption, increased range, and improved passenger comfort, including better pressurization and humidity control to combat fatigue and dehydration.
But the challenge of flying for nearly 19 hours goes beyond engineering. Passengers on these marathon flights face issues such as jet lag, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and the general discomfort of being in the air for such long periods. Airlines respond to these challenges by focusing on cabin design, offering lie-flat seats in business class, improved entertainment options, and curated meal services. Some airlines also provide in-flight wellness programs, encouraging passengers to stay active and hydrated during the journey.
The Future of Long-Haul Travel
With the rapid development of new, more fuel-efficient aircraft and rising demand for direct flights between far-flung cities, we can expect the list of the world’s longest flights to keep changing. Qantas is already working on Project Sunrise, which aims to introduce non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York by 2025, potentially covering more than 10,000 miles and lasting upwards of 20 hours. When launched, these routes will set a new standard for ultra-long-haul travel.
For now, however, these five flights represent the pinnacle of what modern aviation can achieve, connecting the world in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago. While the thought of being in the air for nearly 19 hours might seem daunting to some, for others, it represents the ultimate convenience: fewer stopovers, quicker journeys, and a truly global travel experience.
The five longest flights in the world are not just engineering marvels; they are symbols of how far we’ve come in making the planet more connected. These routes test the endurance of both passengers and aircraft, offering new possibilities for travelers while showcasing the incredible advancements in aviation technology. As aircraft evolve and customer demand for non-stop services grows, we may soon see even longer flights on the horizon, further shrinking the world and redefining the boundaries of travel.
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