Imagine spending nearly an entire day on an airplane, crossing multiple time zones, vast oceans, and continents. These flights are the epitome of endurance and engineering marvels, designed to connect distant corners of the globe without a single stop. Welcome to the world of the longest nonstop flights, where airlines like Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, and Air New Zealand push the boundaries of air travel. These ultra-long-haul flights redefine our understanding of distance and time in the context of travel, offering passengers the unique experience of crossing thousands of miles in one continuous journey. Let’s explore the top eight longest flights in the world, each with its own fascinating details and stories.
8. United Airlines Flight 101: Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD)
- Route: Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD)
- Airline / Flight #: United Airlines / UA 101
- Duration in hours: 17:30 hours
- Number of miles: 8,596 miles
The Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD) route stands as a monumental feat in air travel, bridging the vast expanse between the US and Australia. Operated by United Airlines, this ultra-long haul flight covers an impressive 8,596 miles, making it the longest flight operated by a US carrier. Since its inception on January 18, 2018, the route has been serviced by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, renowned for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
Despite US airlines ranking first (United Airlines), second (American Airlines), and fourth (Delta Air Lines) among all locations served worldwide, UA 101 is the longest flight flown by a US carrier (and the only one on this list).
Travelers on this flight embark on a journey that takes them westward over the southwestern United States, occasionally skirting northern Mexico before a long stretch over the Pacific Ocean. The journey, which typically lasts 17 hours and 30 minutes, crosses seven time zones, offering passengers a unique experience of traversing multiple climates and landscapes in a single trip. The route not only caters to business and leisure travelers but also showcases the incredible advancements in aviation technology, making such long flights both feasible and comfortable.
7. Air New Zealand Flight 1: New York-JFK to Auckland (AKL)
- Route: New York-JFK to Auckland (AKL)
- Airline / Flight #: Air New Zealand / NZ 1
- Duration in hours: 18:00 hours
- Number of miles: 8,828 miles
Connecting the vibrant city of New York with the scenic beauty of New Zealand, Air New Zealand’s Flight NZ 1 is a testament to modern aviation’s capabilities. This 8,828-mile journey is one of the longest nonstop flights in the world, bridging the gap between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Launched on October 29, 2020, this route is operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, an aircraft known for its long-range efficiency and passenger-friendly design.
The flight typically heads west or southwest from New York, crossing the United States and occasionally parts of Mexico before spending the majority of its time over the Pacific Ocean. The journey, which averages around 18 hours, allows passengers to experience the seamless transition from the bustling metropolis of New York to the serene landscapes of Auckland.
Air New Zealand’s dedication to passenger comfort and innovation is evident in the modern amenities and services offered on this route, making it a preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking a direct connection between the US and the Asia-Pacific region.
6. Singapore Airlines Flights 35 and 37: Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN)
- Route: Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN)
- Airline / Flight #: Singapore Airlines / SQ 35 & SQ 37
- Duration in hours: 17:40 hours
- Number of miles: 8,770 miles
Singapore Airlines flights SQ 35 and SQ 37 epitomize the airline’s commitment to connecting major global hubs with unmatched efficiency and comfort. Covering a distance of 8,770 miles, this route links Los Angeles with Singapore, traversing the vast Pacific Ocean. The nonstop service, launched on November 2, 2018, utilizes the Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range), an aircraft designed specifically for ultra-long-haul flights.
Passengers on these flights experience a journey that often heads west from Los Angeles, spending most of the time over the Pacific before crossing the Philippines and Malaysia. Occasionally, the flight path takes a more northerly route, passing the Aleutian Islands and Japan’s coast before reaching Singapore.
The flight, which averages around 17 hours and 40 minutes, caters to both business and leisure travelers, offering a direct connection that eliminates layovers and reduces overall travel time. Singapore Airlines is renowned for its exceptional in-flight services and amenities, ensuring that even on such long flights, passengers enjoy a high level of comfort and convenience.
5. Qantas Flight 22: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Melbourne (MEL)
- Route: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Melbourne (MEL)
- Airline / Flight #: Qantas / QF 22
- Duration in hours: 17:50 hours
- Number of miles: 8,992 miles
The Qantas flight QF 22 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Melbourne is a remarkable journey that spans nearly 9,000 miles, making it one of the longest nonstop commercial flights available. This route, operated by Qantas Airways, connects the southern city of Melbourne with the heart of Texas. Since its launch on September 29, 2014, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has been the aircraft of choice for this route, combining efficiency with passenger comfort for the long haul.
Flying west from Dallas, the aircraft typically travels over the southwestern United States and sometimes northern Mexico before crossing the vast Pacific Ocean. The flight, which averages around 17 hours and 50 minutes, offers passengers a direct route that saves time and avoids the need for layovers.
Qantas is known for its dedication to safety and innovation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience on this extremely long route. The direct connection between Melbourne and Dallas caters to the growing demand for convenient travel options between Australia and the United States, reflecting the increasing global connectivity of major cities.
4. Qantas Flight 9: Perth (PER) to London-Heathrow
- Route: Perth (PER) to London-Heathrow
- Airline / Flight #: Qantas / QF 9
- Duration in hours: 17:45 hours
- Number of miles: 9,009 miles
Qantas Flight QF 9 from Perth to London Heathrow represents a historic milestone in aviation, as it was the first-ever nonstop service between Australia and the United Kingdom. Covering a distance of 9,009 miles, this route marks a significant achievement in connecting two distant continents without a single stop. Launched on March 24, 2018, the route is serviced by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, chosen for its efficiency and long-range capabilities.
The flight heads west from Perth, crossing the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea before traversing the Middle East and Europe on its way to London. The journey, which averages around 17 hours and 45 minutes, provides a direct and time-saving option for travelers, eliminating the need for layovers and making long-haul travel more convenient.
Qantas’ commitment to innovation and passenger comfort is evident on this route, ensuring that travelers enjoy a seamless and enjoyable experience. The Perth to London route not only showcases the advancements in aviation technology but also highlights the growing demand for direct connections between Australia and Europe.
3. Singapore Airlines Flight 23: New York-JFK to Singapore (SIN)
- Route: New York-JFK to Singapore (SIN)
- Airline / Flight #: Singapore Airlines / SQ 23
- Duration in hours: 18:35 hours
- Number of miles: 9,537 miles
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 23 is a landmark in commercial aviation, representing the longest nonstop commercial flight by great circle distance. Connecting New York-JFK with Singapore, this flight covers a staggering 9,537 miles, offering passengers an uninterrupted journey across the globe. Launched on November 9, 2020, this route is operated using the Airbus A350-900ULR, an aircraft specifically designed for ultra-long-haul flights.
The flight number for this route is SQ 23, and it is also the longest commercial flight currently in service, according to great circle measurements. The flight path for SQ 23 typically follows a northeast route from New York, crossing Europe, the Middle East, and India before reaching Singapore. The journey, which averages around 18 hours and 35 minutes, provides a direct connection between two major global cities, catering to the growing demand for efficient travel options between Asia and North America.
Singapore Airlines is renowned for its exceptional in-flight services, ensuring that passengers on this long journey enjoy the highest level of comfort and convenience. The direct route from New York to Singapore exemplifies the potential of modern aviation technology and the increasing interconnectedness of the world.
2. Air India Flight 176: San Francisco (SFO) to Bengaluru (BLR)
- Route: San Francisco (SFO) to Bengaluru (BLR)
- Airline / Flight #: Air India / AI 176
- Duration in hours: 17:50 hours
- Number of miles: 8,701 miles
Air India’s Flight AI 176 from San Francisco to Bengaluru is a prime example of the growing importance of direct connections between major technology hubs. Covering a distance of 8,701 miles, this route connects Silicon Valley with India’s tech capital, reflecting the increasing globalization of the technology industry. Launched on December 2, 2015, this route is operated by the Boeing 777-200LR, known for its long-range capabilities.
The flight typically heads north from San Francisco, crossing Canada and often entering the Arctic Circle before heading south over Scandinavia, Russia, and Central Asia on its way to India. The journey, which averages around 17 hours and 50 minutes, provides a direct and efficient option for travelers, eliminating the need for layovers and reducing overall travel time.
Air India’s dedication to passenger comfort and innovation ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience on this ultra-long-haul route. The direct connection between San Francisco and Bengaluru caters to the growing demand for seamless travel between key technology hubs, highlighting the advancements in aviation technology and the increasing interconnectedness of global business.
1. Singapore Airlines Flight 21: Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN)
- Route: Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN)
- Airline / Flight #: Singapore Airlines / SQ 21
- Duration in hours: 18:50 hours
- Number of miles: 9,534 miles
Topping the list of the longest flights in the world is Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 21 from Newark to Singapore. Covering a distance of 9,534 miles, this route is the longest nonstop commercial flight in the world. Launched on October 11, 2018, the route is serviced by the Airbus A350-900ULR, a state-of-the-art aircraft designed for ultra-long-haul flights.
This world’s longest flight path for SQ 21 typically heads northeast from Newark, following the coast to Newfoundland and crossing the Atlantic to Europe. It then passes over the Alps and the Black Sea before flying over the Middle East, southern India, and the Bay of Bengal on its way to Singapore. The journey, which averages around 18 hours and 50 minutes, provides a direct connection between two major global cities, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Singapore Airlines is renowned for its exceptional in-flight services, ensuring that passengers on this long journey enjoy a high level of comfort and convenience. The direct route from Newark to Singapore showcases the potential of modern aviation technology and the increasing interconnectedness of global travel. Since the flight is so long, the airline only provides business class and premium economy seating; standard economy seats are not available onboard.
Conclusion
The world of ultra-long-haul flights is a testament to the incredible advancements in aviation technology. These flights, operated by airlines like Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, and Air New Zealand, connect distant corners of the globe, offering passengers the unique experience of crossing thousands of miles in one continuous journey.
Whether for business or leisure, the world’s longest flights provide a direct and efficient option for travelers, eliminating the need for layovers and reducing overall travel time. As the aviation industry continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, the longest flights in the world will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of air travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the longest flight in the world?
The longest flight in the world is Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 21, which operates between Newark (EWR) and Singapore (SIN). Covering a distance of approximately 9,534 miles, this ultra-long-haul flight takes around 18 hours and 50 minutes. The route utilizes the Airbus A350-900ULR, specifically designed for such long distances, offering both business and premium economy class seats.
What is the longest full flight?
The longest full flight is also Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 21 from Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN). This flight covers a distance of 9,534 miles, making it the longest nonstop commercial flight by great circle distance. The journey typically lasts about 18 hours and 50 minutes, providing a direct connection between two major global cities without any layovers.
What is the world record-long flight?
The world record for the longest nonstop commercial flight is held by Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 21, flying from Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN). This flight covers a distance of approximately 9,534 miles and takes around 18 hours and 50 minutes. The flight is serviced by the Airbus A350-900ULR, designed for ultra long haul flights, ensuring passenger comfort over such long distances.
What is the longest nonstop flight in the US?
The longest nonstop flight in the US is United Airlines Flight UA 101, which operates between Houston (IAH) and Sydney (SYD). This flight spans a distance of about 8,596 miles and has a duration of approximately 17 hours and 30 minutes. The route is serviced by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency and ability to handle long haul flights comfortably.
Is there a 24-hour flight?
Currently, there are no commercial flights that last 24 hours. The longest commercial flight, Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 21 from Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN), lasts about 18 hours and 50 minutes. While advancements in aviation technology continue to extend flight durations, a 24-hour nonstop flight remains beyond the current capabilities of commercial air travel.