The world’s longest commercial flights now push the limits of aviation technology and human endurance. Airlines currently operate scheduled services that keep passengers airborne for nearly 19 hours non-stop.
These ultra-long-haul routes connect distant economic hubs without the inefficiency of layovers. Singapore Airlines continues to dominate the rankings in February 2026, operating the two longest flights globally.
Advances in composite materials and engine efficiency make these marathon journeys possible. Carriers like Qantas and Qatar Airways utilize the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-1000 for these specific missions.
- Singapore to New York (JFK) — Singapore Airlines
The reigning champion of long-haul aviation connects Southeast Asia to the US East Coast. Flight SQ24 covers approximately 9,537 miles (15,349 km).
Scheduled duration peaks at 18 hours and 50 minutes.
Singapore Airlines uses a specialized Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range) for this route. The aircraft features a premium-only configuration with 67 Business Class and 94 Premium Economy seats.
- Singapore to Newark (EWR) — Singapore Airlines
This route serves the New York metropolitan area but lands in New Jersey. Flight SQ22 trails its JFK counterpart by just a few miles, covering 9,534 miles (15,343 km).
The scheduled flight time is 18 hours and 45 minutes.
The airline relaunched this service in 2018 after a five-year hiatus. Rising fuel costs had previously made the route using four-engine Airbus A340-500s economically unviable.
- Perth to London (Heathrow) — Qantas
Australia’s flag carrier connects the continent directly to Europe with Flight QF9. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner traverses 9,009 miles (14,498 km).
Passengers spend up to 17 hours and 50 minutes in the air.
Qantas launched this route in March 2018. It remains the only direct link between Australia and the United Kingdom until Project Sunrise launches in 2027.
- Dallas/Fort Worth to Melbourne — Qantas
This trans-Pacific giant links the American South with Australia’s cultural capital. Flight QF22 covers a distance of 8,992 miles (14,471 km).
The scheduled duration is 17 hours and 35 minutes.
Qantas operates this route with the Boeing 787-9. The airline capitalizes on the massive connectivity of American Airlines’ hub at DFW.
- New York (JFK) to Auckland — Air New Zealand / Qantas
Air New Zealand Flight NZ1 and Qantas Flight QF4 compete on this prestigious route. The journey spans 8,828 miles (14,207 km) across the Pacific.
Flight times reach 17 hours and 35 minutes on the southbound leg due to prevailing headwinds.
Air New Zealand introduced this service in September 2022. Qantas joined the market in June 2023, intensifying competition between the two carriers.
- Houston to Sydney — United Airlines
United Airlines holds a significant position in the ultra-long-haul market with Flight UA101. The route covers 8,596 miles (13,834 km) connecting Texas and New South Wales.
The scheduled duration is approximately 17 hours and 35 minutes.
United operates the Boeing 787-9 on this sector. The flight allows passengers to bypass West Coast hubs like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
- Auckland to Doha — Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways connects New Zealand to the Middle East with Flight QR921. The route distance is 9,032 miles (14,535 km).
Scheduled flight time is 17 hours and 25 minutes.
The airline utilizes the Airbus A350-1000, the largest variant of the A350 family. It features the Qsuite Business Class product, a key competitive advantage.
- Perth to Paris (CDG) — Qantas
Qantas expanded its European footprint by launching this direct service in July 2024. Flight QF33 covers 8,863 miles (14,264 km).
The journey takes 17 hours and 20 minutes.
This route provides a second non-stop option from Australia to Europe. It proved vital during the 2024 Paris Olympics and remains a popular scheduled service.
- Auckland to Dubai — Emirates
Emirates operates Flight EK449, linking New Zealand to its massive Dubai hub. The flight covers 8,824 miles (14,200 km).
The duration is scheduled at 17 hours and 15 minutes.
Emirates currently deploys the Airbus A380 or Boeing 777-300ER on this route. It remains one of the longest flights operated by the superjumbo.
- Los Angeles to Singapore — Singapore Airlines
Rounding out the top ten is Flight SQ37. This trans-Pacific hop covers 8,770 miles (14,114 km). The flight time is scheduled for 17 hours and 10 minutes.
Singapore Airlines offers multiple daily frequencies to Los Angeles. Only the non-stop service makes this list, as others route via Tokyo or Taipei.
The Engineering Behind the Marathon
Modern ultra-long-haul flights rely on twin-engine efficiency. Four-engine jets like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340 have largely retired from these routes due to fuel costs.
The Airbus A350-900ULR carries 24,000 liters more fuel than the standard model. It achieves this without additional fuel tanks by optimizing the existing wing structure.
Carbon composite fuselages allow for higher cabin pressure and humidity. The Boeing 787 maintains a cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, reducing passenger fatigue compared to older aluminum aircraft.
The Economics of Distance
Airlines must balance fuel weight against payload. Carrying fuel to burn fuel is the primary inefficiency of flights exceeding 15 hours.
Singapore Airlines removed all Economy Class seats from its A350-900ULR. The aircraft carries only 161 passengers to minimize weight and maximize revenue per seat.
“Ultra-long-haul flights command a 20 percent price premium,” said aviation analyst Vanessa Hudson in a 2025 report. Business travelers pay for the time saved by avoiding connections.
Health and Human Factors
Spending 19 hours in a metal tube stresses the human body. Dehydration, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and radiation exposure are primary concerns.
Qantas has partnered with the University of Sydney to study passenger health. Their research recommends tailored lighting schedules and specific meal compositions to combat jet lag.
Airlines now design menus to induce sleep or wakefulness. Spicy dishes are served to stimulate metabolism before arrival, while tryptophan-rich foods aid sleep mid-flight.
Future Developments
The limits of range continue to expand. Qantas plans to launch “Project Sunrise” in 2027, connecting Sydney directly to London and New York.
The airline has ordered 12 modified Airbus A350-1000s for these routes. These flights will exceed 20 hours, breaking the 10,000-mile barrier.
“This will be the final frontier of aviation,” Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson stated. The specialized aircraft will feature a “Wellbeing Zone” for passengers to stretch and exercise.
Other carriers actively explore new routes avoiding conflict zones. Air India’s Bangalore-San Francisco route faced suspension in late February 2026 due to aircraft shortages and airspace restrictions.
Russian airspace closure continues to affect flight times. Routes from Asia to North America and Europe often detour, adding up to two hours to flight plans.
The demand for point-to-point travel shows no sign of slowing. As technology improves, the list of longest flights will likely see new entrants from Istanbul, Jeddah, and Manila.
Anshum Raj 
Vibhuuti Goyal 