The longest flight from UK airports is thousands of miles to destinations like Perth in Australia, Santiago in Chile and Singapore. The flights are long-haul, and can take 13 to 17 hours or longer, flying from the UK to some of the world’s farthest destinations without a stopover.
But which is the longest flight from UK airports, how long is each flight and which airlines fly these routes? This guide covers some of the longest nonstop passenger flights from the UK and includes approximate distances, flight times and useful information for those planning a long-haul flight in 2026.
Airlines’ timetables can be subject to change, and flight times may vary; please consult the airline’s most up-to-date timetable before booking.
What Is the Longest Direct Flight from UK?
Qantas’ London Heathrow to Perth service is one of the longest direct passenger flights from the UK. The route is about 14,500 kilometres (9,000 miles) long and takes about 17 hours, depending on the schedule and operating conditions.
The flight is a direct flight from London to Western Australia on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The non-stop London to Perth service means that passengers can fly between the two cities without stopping in Singapore or Doha/Dubai.
It is important to note the difference between a nonstop flight and a direct flight. A nonstop service is a service that does not stop at any other location between its origin and destination, and a direct flight may sometimes have an intermediate stop. This guide is for non-stop services where available.
The Longest Direct Flights from the UK in 2026
These are some of the longest direct flights from London Heathrow. Distances and flight times are approximate and can vary according to the direction of travel, weather, airspace restrictions and airline schedules. Currently, the longest nonstop flight departing from the UK is to Perth, Australia, taking roughly 17 hours.
1. Longest Flight from UK: London Heathrow to Perth, Australia
Airline: Qantas
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Approximate distance: 14,500 km (9,000 miles)
Typical flight time: Around 17 hours
One of the most popular routes is from London Heathrow to Perth via Qantas, which offers one of the longest nonstop passenger flights from the UK.
The journey crosses several time zones and spans a substantial part of the globe, linking the British capital with Australia’s west coast. The nonstop service saves passengers from having to change aircraft at another airport when travelling to Perth.
An important scheduling detail to consider in late 2026 is that Qantas has published seasonal schedule changes for the Perth–London route. From 25 October 2026 until 31 January 2027, the Perth-to-London service is scheduled to operate via Singapore, while the London-to-Perth service is scheduled to continue nonstop. Passengers should check Qantas’ latest timetable for their specific travel dates and direction of travel.
London to Perth remains one of the longest nonstop passenger routes from UK airports, but travellers should confirm the operating schedule before booking.
2. Longest Direct Flights: London Heathrow to Santiago, Chile
Airline: British Airways
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Approximate distance: 11,700 km (7,280 miles)
Typical flight time: Around 14 hours 35 minutes to 15 hours 35 minutes
British Airways has a direct flight from London Heathrow to Santiago, the capital of Chile. One of the longest direct flights from the UK to South America.
The trip goes across the Atlantic and then on to the west coast of South America, from London to a city with a lot of life, with surrounding vineyards and views of the Andes.
Santiago is also a good base for visiting other regions of Chile, such as the Atacama Desert, Patagonia and Chile’s Pacific coast.
Santiago is one of the longer direct flights from the UK, making it an interesting option for travellers looking for a long-haul journey. Verify operating days and planned duration for your travel dates.
3. London Heathrow to Singapore
Airlines: Singapore Airlines and British Airways
Approximate distance: 10,900 km (6,760 miles)
Typical flight time: Around 13 to 14 hours
Singapore is a popular tourist destination and a key business hub, and direct flights from London make the trip relatively simple despite the distance.
The city-state is famous for its food scene, modern architecture, green spaces and attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands. It is also a major aviation hub for passengers travelling to other destinations in Southeast Asia and Australasia.
London to Singapore is shorter than Perth and Santiago, but it is still a long-haul trip. Flight times are dependent on the airline, wind speed and direction of travel.
Passengers who are travelling onward should leave sufficient time between flights, especially if travelling to a different airline on a separate ticket.
4. London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Airline: Malaysia Airlines
Approximate distance: 10,500–10,600 km (6,520–6,590 miles)
Typical flight time: Around 13 hours
London Heathrow also offers long-haul flights to Kuala Lumpur, another major hub in Southeast Asia. The Malaysian capital is a mix of skyscrapers and historic neighbourhoods, bustling markets and a rich food culture.
The Petronas Twin Towers are open for visitors to explore, Malaysian street food is available for visitors to taste, and Kuala Lumpur serves as a gateway to travel to other parts of Malaysia.
The flight duration is long enough to make comfort and preparation a key factor, especially for economy passengers. It is best to consult the latest nonstop timetable as airline schedules and operating arrangements are subject to change.
If you’re looking into the longest flights from London, then Kuala Lumpur is a helpful comparison to make with flights to Singapore and Hong Kong.
5. London Heathrow to Hong Kong
Airlines: British Airways and Cathay Pacific
Approximate distance: 9,600 km (5,970 miles)
Typical flight time: Around 12 to 13 hours
The city of Hong Kong has a blend of skyscrapers, traditional markets, hiking trails and world-famous restaurants. It is also located on the southern coast of China, making it a key hub for travel throughout the region.
Nonstop services from London Heathrow make the destination accessible without requiring a connection. Although the flight is generally shorter than the routes to Perth, Santiago and Singapore, it is still a long-haul journey.
Actual time will vary depending on airline, route and conditions. When booking flights, travellers should check the scheduled arrival time as well as the departure time.
Other Long Direct Flights from London
There are also a number of other destinations that require long non-stop flights from London, apart from the above mentioned ones. Their rank in any list may change depending on the airport used, the availability of direct flights and the schedules in effect.
London to Tokyo, Japan
The distance between London and Tokyo is approximately 9,500–9,600 kilometres (5,900–6,000 miles), and the flight duration is usually around 13 to 14 hours.
Tokyo is a city that offers a mix of modern and traditional, with its numerous districts, temples, shopping, museums, and famous food culture. Nonstop flights are available to Japan, but the exact flight time will depend on the airport and the flight schedule.
London to Los Angeles, USA
The direct flight from London to Los Angeles is about 8,800 kilometres (5,470 miles) long, and the flight time is typically around 11 to 12 hours.
Los Angeles is known for its entertainment industry, beaches, museums and Southern California road trips. It’s not as far as the UK-to-Asia or UK-to-Australia routes mentioned above, but it is still a long transatlantic trip.
It is important for travellers to compare non-stop flights with connecting flights. The total travel time for a flight with a connection can be longer than the sum of the individual flight times.
If you want to compare the longest routes in the world, check out our article on longest flights in the world.
Could London–Sydney Become the Furthest Direct Flight from the UK?
The traditional route from London to Sydney involved a stopover in Singapore or another major city. That’s set to change with Qantas Project Sunrise.
Qantas has announced its plans to launch nonstop flights between Sydney and London from October 2027 with the Airbus A350-1000ULR. The aircraft is designed for ultra-long-haul flights and the new service will be used to fly between the east coast of Australia and the UK without stopping.
The planned launch is dependent on the delivery of the aircraft, regulatory approvals and certification. Please refer to Qantas announcements for the launch date and ticket availability.
The service would be a significant step forward in long-haul aviation and offer a new route for passengers flying from London to Sydney. Until the route is in operation, however, it should be considered a planned future service and not a current nonstop flight.
What Is an Ultra-Long-Haul Flight?
The term ultra-long-haul flight is typically defined as a flight that takes about 16 hours or more, though it can differ from airline to airline and from aviation source to source.
These flights are particularly challenging for aircraft, crew and passengers. Airlines need to deal with fuel needs, crew duty hours, passenger comfort and the operational issues of flying for extended periods.
For example, London to Perth shows how modern planes have made long-distance non-stop travel more feasible. Airlines serve destinations that previously needed stops through aircraft efficiency, route planning and operational capabilities.
Read our guide to ultra long haul flights for more information on these extended journeys.
Travel Tips for the Longest Flights from the UK
Traveling for 13 to 17 hours on a plane can be exhausting, but a little preparation can make it more comfortable.
Choose Your Seat Carefully
Think about whether you’d like to sit in a window seat to lean against the cabin wall or an aisle seat to get to the toilets and stretch your legs. If you are sensitive to movement, seats at the wings may feel more stable than seats at the rear of the aircraft.
Stay Hydrated
Dry air in the cabin can be a problem on a long flight. Drink water frequently and limit alcohol intake, as it can cause dehydration and interfere with sleep.
Move Around When Safe
If the seatbelt sign is off, get up and move around the cabin, if possible, periodically. Leg stretches and simple ankle movements while sitting can also help to loosen up. Obey the crew and any medical advice that is applicable to your situation.
Plan Your Sleep
If you can, try to shift your sleep pattern slowly before you leave for your trip to help with the time change at your destination. An eye mask, earplugs or noise-reducing headphones can make resting easier.
Pack Essentials in Your Cabin Bag
Have medications, travel documents, charging cable, toothbrush and change of necessary clothing within easy reach. Before packing liquids, batteries and other restricted items, review your airline’s baggage policy.
Check Your Flight Details Before Travelling
Long-haul schedules are subject to change and some routes may run differently on different dates or directions of travel. Review the current airline timetable, confirm if the flight is direct and read any stopovers or schedule notices before heading to the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UK Airport Has the Most Long-Haul Flights?
London Heathrow is the UK’s primary international airport and serves a variety of long-haul flights to Asia, Australia, North America, Africa and South America. Long-haul flights are also available at other UK airports, such as Manchester, but the destinations and frequencies are different.
What Is the Best Seat for a 17-Hour Flight?
The best seat is the one that suits you best. A window seat may be more comfortable to lie down against the cabin wall, while an aisle seat will give you more room to stand up and move around. If legroom is a priority, consider exit row and extra legroom seats, but note that these may come with extra restrictions or costs.
How Do You Sleep on an Ultra-Long-Haul Flight?
Use an eye mask, comfortable clothing and ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones to help you get a good night’s sleep. Aim to sleep at the same time as you would at your destination, limit caffeine in the last leg of the trip and select a comfortable seat position. A neck pillow can also be beneficial.
What Should You Pack for a Long-Haul Flight?
Items that are helpful are travel documents, necessary medication, a phone charger, headphones, a reusable water bottle that can be filled after security, and a change of clothes allowed by airport policy. Store items that you might need during the flight in your cabin bag, not your checked bag.
Do Pilots Change During Ultra-Long-Haul Flights?
Airlines can also have extra pilots on long flights to allow crew members to take breaks during the flight. The number of pilots and rest periods will vary according to the airline’s operating procedures, regulations and flight duration.
Are Ultra-Long-Haul Flights More Expensive?
Not necessarily. Ticket prices vary based on demand, seasonality, airline competition, cabin class and booking lead time. Some connecting flights might be cheaper than a long non-stop flight, but the prices are very different, so it’s important to compare the overall flight time and cost to determine which is the best choice.
Is a Nonstop Flight Better Than a Connecting Flight?
Nonstop flights are usually more convenient since you don’t have to change planes or wait for a connecting flight. But sometimes a connecting itinerary may be cheaper or have more departure options. Think about the entire travel time, the possibility of missed connections, the baggage arrangements and the fare before you select.
Final Thoughts
The longest non-stop flights from the UK show the range of modern passenger aircraft. London Heathrow to Perth is particularly long and time consuming, and flights to Santiago, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong are also long-haul between the UK and the rest of the world.
Don’t just consider distance when comparing the longest flight from UK airports. Scheduled duration, the availability of nonstop services, the direction of travel and changes to airline timetables can all affect your journey.
If you are travelling long distances, consult the current airline timetable before making your booking and get ready for the flight. Even a flight of 15 hours or more can be a manageable beginning to an exciting trip with the right planning.
