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How Long Is the Longest Flight in the World? (Plus Everything You Need to Know About Ultra-Long-Haul Flights)

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Have you ever wondered just how far an airplane can fly without stopping? As of 2025, the longest non-stop commercial flight covers 9,537 miles (15,349 km) and lasts around 18 hours and 50 minutes. This record-breaking route is Singapore Airlines’ flight from Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK).

But how do airlines manage fuel for such long flights? How do pilots and passengers survive nearly 19 hours in the air? And what does the future of ultra-long-haul travel look like?

In this article, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about the world’s longest flights, covering passenger comfort, flight duration, and what’s next for non-stop aviation.


Credit: alexey starki

What Is the Longest Direct Flight in the World?

As of 2025, the longest non-stop commercial flight is:

  • Route: Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK)
  • Airline: Singapore Airlines
  • Distance: 9,537 miles (15,349 km)
  • Duration: ~18 hours 50 minutes
  • Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR

This route barely beats the second-longest flight, Singapore to Newark (EWR), which covers 9,534 miles (15,345 km) in around 18 hours 45 minutes.

Other Ultra-Long-Haul Flights

Here are some of the longest flights in the world today:

  • Singapore to Newark (EWR) – 9,534 miles (~18 hr 45 min) – Singapore Airlines
  • Perth to London (LHR) – 9,009 miles (~17 hr 25 min) – Qantas
  • Auckland to New York (JFK) – 8,828 miles (~17 hr 30 min) – Air New Zealand
  • Dallas (DFW) to Melbourne – 8,992 miles (~17 hr 35 min) – Qantas
  • Los Angeles to Singapore – 8,770 miles (~17 hr 50 min) – Singapore Airlines

With new technology and aircraft improvements, flights exceeding 19 hours could soon become a reality.

What Factors Influence Flight Duration?

Many variables can affect the length of these long-haul journeys, including:

✈️ Aircraft Type

The Airbus A350-900ULR and Boeing 787 Dreamliner are specifically designed for fuel efficiency and extended range, allowing airlines to operate non-stop routes that were previously impossible.

🌍 Jet Streams & Weather Conditions

  • Tailwinds (strong winds pushing the plane forward) can shorten flight times.
  • Headwinds (winds resisting the aircraft’s motion) can extend flight duration.

For example, eastbound flights (e.g., the US to Europe) are often faster than westbound ones due to strong jet streams.

⏳ Air Traffic & Routing Restrictions

  • Some routes are longer than necessary due to airspace restrictions (e.g., military zones).
  • Flights may need to adjust their paths based on weather patterns or congestion at airports.

⛽ Fuel & Weight Management

Airlines limit passenger numbers on ultra-long-haul flights to reduce aircraft weight, ensuring there’s enough fuel to reach the destination without stopping.


Credit: Suhyeon Choi

How Do Airlines Handle Ultra-Long Flights?

How Do Pilots Manage 18+ Hour Flights?

Long-haul flights typically have:

  • Two main pilots (Captain & First Officer)
  • Two additional pilots (who rotate shifts)

Pilots use crew rest compartments equipped with beds, temperature controls, and privacy curtains to sleep during the flight.

How Do Passengers Sleep on Long Flights?

Comfort on ultra-long-haul flights depends on seat selection and preparation:

  • Best seats for sleep: Window seats, bulkhead seats, or premium economy.
  • Travel essentials: Neck pillows, eye masks, noise-canceling headphones.
  • Avoid caffeine & alcohol: Both disrupt sleep and cause dehydration.

Premium economy and business class provide reclining seats or lie-flat beds, making long flights far more comfortable.

What Happens If There’s a Medical Emergency?

Airlines have protocols in place for in-flight medical issues:

  • Trained flight attendants can provide first aid and use onboard medical kits.
  • Emergency medical diversions are possible if a passenger needs urgent care.
  • Some airlines offer telemedicine services, allowing doctors on the ground to assist in real time.

Are Ultra-Long-Haul Flights More Expensive?

Yes, direct long-haul flights tend to be more expensive due to:

  • Higher fuel costs
  • Special aircraft configurations
  • Lower passenger capacity (to accommodate fuel needs)

However, many passengers prefer direct flights to avoid layovers, reducing total travel time.

What’s the Longest Domestic Flight in the World?

The longest domestic flight (within one country) is:

  • New York (JFK) to Honolulu (HNL) – ~4,983 miles (~11 hours)

For comparison, Russia has even longer domestic flights, such as:

  • Moscow to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (~5,300 miles)

What’s the Future of Ultra-Long-Haul Flights?

1. Project Sunrise (Qantas)

By 2026, Qantas plans to launch Sydney to London and Sydney to New York non-stop flights, expected to exceed 19-20 hours.

2. Next-Generation Aircraft

  • The Airbus A350-1000ULR is being developed to handle even longer distances.
  • Boeing is working on fuel-efficient aircraft to expand long-haul capabilities.

3. Supersonic Travel

Companies like Boom Supersonic aim to cut flight times in half, allowing for:

  • New York to London in 3.5 hours
  • Los Angeles to Tokyo in under 6 hours

While supersonic travel won’t replace ultra-long-haul flights immediately, it could reduce the need for extreme non-stop routes.


Credit: jet dela cruz

FAQs About the World’s Longest Flights

1. Could We Ever See 24-Hour Non-Stop Flights?

It’s possible but unlikely due to:

  • Fuel limitations (aircraft would need even greater efficiency)
  • Crew and passenger endurance concerns
  • Economic feasibility (passenger demand for such routes)

2. What’s the Longest Flight Ever Operated?

  • In 2020, Air Tahiti Nui flew Papeete (Tahiti) to Paris non-stop.
  • Distance: 9,765 miles (15,715 km)
  • Duration: ~16 hours 20 minutes

This flight was only possible due to COVID-19 travel restrictions that prevented stopovers.

3. Are Ultra-Long-Haul Flights Safe?

Yes, these flights meet the same safety standards as regular flights. Aircraft are tested extensively for long-duration endurance, and pilots have strict rest regulations to ensure alertness.

Final Thoughts: Is 19 Hours on a Plane Worth It?

Ultra-long-haul flights are revolutionizing travel, making faraway destinations more accessible than ever. But they also come with challenges—passenger fatigue, jet lag, and premium costs.

With Project Sunrise on the horizon and supersonic travel in development, the future of long-haul aviation is exciting and unpredictable.

Would you take an 18+ hour flight? Or do you prefer layovers for a break? Let us know in the comments! ✈️👇

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