The 10 Longest Flights in the World

By Wiley Stickney

Published on

The 10 Longest Flights in the World

Flying has always been a marvel of modern engineering, but today’s ultra-long-haul flights push the boundaries of both technology and human endurance. These extraordinary routes, often stretching over 9,000 miles, connect distant corners of the globe without a single stop, offering travelers the chance to experience multiple sunrises or sunsets in a single journey. As aircraft technology continues to evolve, these flights are getting even longer, bridging continents in ways that were once unimaginable.

passenger airplane flying over the ocean at sunrise

Understanding Ultra-Long-Haul Flights

The longest flights in the world are more than just feats of aeronautical engineering. They reflect advancements in fuel efficiency, aerodynamics, and onboard comfort, designed to ease the fatigue of spending nearly a full day in the air. The Airbus A350-900ULR and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, two of the most prominent aircraft on these routes, boast innovative cabin pressurization systems, mood lighting, and improved air quality to reduce jet lag and enhance passenger comfort. These aircraft are carefully configured to prioritize range and efficiency, ensuring they can cover vast distances without refueling.

The World’s Longest Flights (As of 2025)

Here are the top 10 longest flights in the world, ranked by distance:

  1. New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) → Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

    • Airline: Singapore Airlines
    • Distance: 9,585 miles
    • Estimated Flight Time: 18 hours, 50 minutes
    • Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
  2. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) → Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

    • Airline: Singapore Airlines
    • Distance: 9,525 miles
    • Estimated Flight Time: 18 hours, 45 minutes
    • Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
  3. Auckland Airport (AKL) → Doha International Airport (DOH)

    • Airline: Qatar Airways
    • Distance: 9,032 miles
    • Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 40 minutes
    • Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
  4. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) → Perth Airport (PER)

    • Airline: Qantas Airways
    • Distance: 9,009 miles
    • Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 45 minutes
    • Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
  5. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) → Melbourne Airport (MEL)

    • Airline: Qantas
    • Distance: 8,992 miles
    • Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 35 minutes
    • Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
  6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) → Perth Airport (PER)

    • Airline: Qantas
    • Distance: 8,862 miles
    • Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 15 minutes
    • Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
  7. Auckland Airport (AKL) → New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK)

    • Airline: Qantas & Air New Zealand
    • Distance: 8,828 miles
    • Estimated Flight Time: 16 hours, 15 minutes
    • Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
  8. Dubai International Airport (DXB) → Auckland Airport (AKL)

    • Airline: Emirates
    • Distance: 8,824 miles
    • Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 5 minutes
    • Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR
  9. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) → Mexico City International Airport (MEX)

    • Airline: China Southern
    • Distance: 8,790 miles
    • Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 30 minutes
    • Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
  10. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) → Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

    • Airline: Singapore Airlines
    • Distance: 8,770 miles
    • Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 50 minutes
    • Aircraft: Airbus A350-900

The Future of Ultra-Long-Haul Travel

Looking ahead, Qantas is set to launch its ambitious Project Sunrise in 2026, which will include direct routes between Sydney and both London (10,573 miles) and New York (9,950 miles). These flights are expected to push the limits of endurance, clocking in at around 20 hours nonstop, thanks to innovative cabin designs, advanced fuel management, and cutting-edge aerodynamics. This ambitious endeavor aims to redefine long-haul travel, making even the longest journeys more comfortable and efficient.

qantas project sunrise concept cabin interior

As airlines continue to invest in next-generation aircraft, the age of ultra-long-haul flights is far from over. For those who crave the thrill of nonstop, globe-spanning travel, the coming years promise an even more connected world, where no destination is truly out of reach.

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