The 10 Longest Flights in the World

As flight technology advances (such as being able to hold more and burn less fuel) and long-haul carriers make improved efforts to provide a more comfortable journey (via jet lag–reducing lighting, serving healthier food, and making business-class and economy seats more comfortable), the longest flights in the world are gradually getting even longer. The lengthiest now connect cities on opposite sides of the globe and are upwards of 17 hours.

When Australia’s national carrier Qantas debuts its Project Sunrise routes in mid-2026 (which will include nonstop service between Sydney and both London and New York, at 10,573 and 9,950 miles, respectively), they will be the longest flights in the world; the longer flight (London) will clock in at a staggering 20 hours. It will be called Project Sunrise because passengers will see the sun rise twice while in flight.

Until then, here’s what you need to know about the longest flights in the world.

What is the world’s current longest flight?

As of today, the longest flight in the world is the 18 hour 50 minute route between New York City (JFK) and Singapore, operated by Singapore Airlines. It is 9,585 miles long and takes place on an Airbus A350-900ULR, which is configured with 67 pod-style business-class seats and 94 premium economy seats—there are no regular economy seats.

What is it like flying on one of the world’s longest flights?

I recently flew Qantas’s Dallas to Sydney (the 13th longest flight in the world, at 16 hours and 21 minutes) route, experiencing both business (out of the USA) and premium economy (on the way home).

Upon boarding the outward flight, a flight attendant introduced himself, noted the long length of the flight, and assured me that we were in this together and, should I need anything, to let him know. All Qantas business-class seats recline into a fully flat bed and have direct aisle access. But because of the pod-style seating, you feel a bit more insulated—I often didn’t notice people walking by.

Considering it was an overnight flight, I was exhausted and ready to sleep immediately after the meal service, a lengthy, multi-course affair that wrapped about two-and-a-half hours into the flight. After donning the complimentary pajamas, transforming the seat into a bed (which included adding a mattress topper, duvet, and pillow), and downing a melatonin gummy, I slumbered for roughly 10 hours, rousing only to roll over a couple of times. I woke up just before the breakfast service feeling refreshed—even more so after drinking a pair of cappuccinos. Being that I was able to sleep for almost two-thirds of the flight, the journey felt quick. I could have easily spent a few more hours aboard—provided there was a good movie to watch.

The return flight in premium economy was a different story. I was counting down the hours during that leg. While the service was great, my sleep was intermittent, which made the flight drag. I had opted for the aisle seat because I didn’t want to feel trapped if I needed to use the restroom. That decision meant I couldn’t lean on the window to sleep and was frequently bumped by other passengers headed to the lavatory. I landed in Dallas crabby and stiff.

Courtesy of Hu Chen/Unsplash

The longest flights in the world

Maybe you love the idea of knocking out most or all of your travel time (and likely a few seasons of your favorite show) in one go. Or maybe you would rather avoid an ultra-long-haul journey and instead break it up with a layover in order to sneak in sightseeing between two legs of a trip, aka a stopover program. Whatever your preferred methodology, here are the 10 current longest flights in the world, tallied by miles.

This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on November 5, 2024, with current information