The longest flight in the world is the nonstop Singapore Airlines service between New York (JFK) and Singapore. Covering approximately 9,537 miles (15,348 kilometres), the route has a scheduled flight time of around 19 hours and 15 minutes in this October 2026 ranking.
If you’re wondering which route holds the record for the longest flight in the world, this guide compares the world’s longest scheduled passenger services by distance, scheduled flight time, airline and aircraft. From New York to Singapore to long-haul connections between North America and Australia, these journeys demonstrate how modern aircraft connect distant cities without scheduled stops.
The ranking also highlights other longest flights in the world, including routes to Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney and Dubai. You’ll discover how airlines operate these ultra-long-haul services, why rankings can change, and which future routes could challenge the current record.
About this ranking: This article uses an October 2026 snapshot of scheduled passenger routes, ordered by approximate great-circle distance. Scheduled flight times vary with direction, winds, weather and routing. Some routes operate nonstop in only one direction or seasonally, as explained below. Always check current airline schedules before booking.
The Longest Flight in the World: Top 10 Routes in 2026
| Rank | Route | Approx. distance | Scheduled flight time | Airline |
| 1 | New York (JFK) – Singapore | 9,537 miles (15,348 km) | 19h 15m | Singapore Airlines |
| 2 | Newark – Singapore | 9,534 miles (15,344 km) | 19h 30m | Singapore Airlines |
| 3 | Perth – London Heathrow | 9,009 miles (14,499 km) | 16h 50m* | Qantas |
| 4 | Dallas/Fort Worth – Melbourne | 8,992 miles (14,472 km) | 17h 40m | Qantas |
| 5 | New York (JFK) – Auckland | 8,828 miles (14,207 km) | 17h 50m | Air New Zealand / Qantas |
| 6 | Auckland – Dubai | 8,823 miles (14,200 km) | 17h 25m | Emirates |
| 7 | Shenzhen – Mexico City | 8,791 miles (14,147 km) | 16h 15m* | China Southern Airlines |
| 8 | Los Angeles – Singapore | 8,769 miles (14,113 km) | 17h 10m | Singapore Airlines |
| 9 | Houston – Sydney | 8,596 miles (13,834 km) | 17h 30m* | United Airlines |
| 10 | Dallas/Fort Worth – Sydney | 8,577 miles (13,804 km) | 17h | Qantas |
Route qualifications: In the schedule snapshot used for this article, Perth-to-London routes via Singapore, while London-to-Perth is listed as nonstop. Shenzhen-to-Mexico City operates nonstop in that direction, while the return journey stops in Tijuana. Houston–Sydney is seasonal. Confirm the current schedule and exact flight time before booking.
The longest flight in the world leads a group of exceptionally long passenger routes, but the exact ranking can change as airlines update their schedules. The table provides a useful comparison of distance and scheduled duration, while the sections below explain what makes each route distinctive.
1. New York (JFK) to Singapore: The Longest Flight in the World
Distance: Approximately 9,537 miles (15,348 km)
Scheduled flight time: Around 19 hours 15 minutes
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
Singapore Airlines’ nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport tops this October 2026 ranking of the longest flights in the world.
The route is operated by the Airbus A350-900ULR, an aircraft designed for ultra-long-range operations. It allows passengers to travel between the United States and Southeast Asia without a scheduled stop, avoiding an intermediate connection.
A journey lasting around 19 hours requires preparation. Consider when to sleep, what to keep in your hand luggage and how to stay comfortable throughout the flight.
Scheduled duration varies with direction, winds and operating conditions. Nevertheless, JFK–Singapore remains the leading route in this ranking and a prominent example of the modern longest commercial flight.
2. Newark to Singapore: Another of the World’s Longest Flights
Distance: Approximately 9,534 miles (15,344 km)
Scheduled flight time: Around 19 hours 30 minutes
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
Singapore Airlines’ Newark–Singapore service is almost identical in distance to its JFK counterpart. Newark Liberty International Airport offers another nonstop connection between the New York metropolitan area and Singapore.
The two routes differ by only a few kilometres in great-circle distance. Their scheduled flight times can vary because of winds, routing and operational conditions.
If you’re choosing between Newark and JFK, compare fares, departure times, airport access and cabin availability. Since the routes are so similar in distance, choosing the most convenient airport may matter more than their positions in the ranking.
Both services show how modern aircraft can connect distant international hubs without a scheduled stop.
3. Perth to London Heathrow: A Long Australia–UK Route
Distance: Approximately 9,009 miles (14,499 km)
Airline: Qantas
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Perth and London are separated by thousands of miles, making this an important Australia–Europe connection in discussions of the world’s longest flight routes.
There is an important qualification in the October 2026 schedule: Perth-to-London flights are currently routing via Singapore, while London-to-Perth is listed as nonstop. The airport pair should therefore not be described as a nonstop service in both directions under the schedule used for this ranking.
If avoiding connections is important to you, check the full itinerary before booking.
Travellers departing from Britain can also read our guide to the longest flight from the UK.
4. Dallas/Fort Worth to Melbourne: A Long Flight to Australia
Distance: Approximately 8,992 miles (14,472 km)
Scheduled flight time: Around 17 hours 40 minutes
Airline: Qantas
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Qantas connects Dallas/Fort Worth in Texas with Melbourne, Australia, on one of the longest scheduled passenger routes between North America and Australia.
The nonstop service links a major US aviation hub with one of Australia’s most important cities. Passengers can avoid an intermediate connection, although the long journey calls for preparation.
Before booking, compare seat options, baggage allowances, departure times and cabin availability. On a flight lasting well over 17 hours, planning for rest and movement can make the experience more manageable.
5. New York (JFK) to Auckland: One of the Longest Nonstop Flights
Distance: Approximately 8,828 miles (14,207 km)
Scheduled flight time: Around 17 hours 50 minutes
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 on relevant services
The New York–Auckland route connects the eastern United States with New Zealand across the Pacific Ocean.
It is one of the longest nonstop flights available to travellers heading from the New York area to New Zealand. Check the operating airline, aircraft and schedule for your chosen date, as services can change.
A nonstop flight can save the time and inconvenience of connecting through another airport. However, travellers should plan for the long journey and the substantial time-zone difference between departure and arrival.
6. Auckland to Dubai: An Ultra-Long-Haul Flight to the Middle East
Distance: Approximately 8,823 miles (14,200 km)
Scheduled flight time: Around 17 hours 25 minutes
Airline: Emirates
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Emirates’ Auckland–Dubai service connects New Zealand with one of the world’s major international aviation hubs.
Dubai also provides onward connections to destinations across Europe, Africa and Asia, making the route useful for passengers travelling beyond the United Arab Emirates.
If Dubai is a connecting point, consider your layover, terminal arrangements and the departure time of your onward flight. The longest flight may be only one part of your overall journey.
7. Shenzhen to Mexico City: One of the World’s Longest Flight Routes
Distance: Approximately 8,791 miles (14,147 km)
Scheduled flight time: Around 16 hours 15 minutes
Airline: China Southern Airlines
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
The Shenzhen–Mexico City route connects southern China with Mexico’s capital over a distance of more than 14,000 kilometres.
This route needs a directional qualification. The Shenzhen-to-Mexico City service operates nonstop, while the return journey stops in Tijuana. Travellers should check their exact itinerary rather than assume both directions operate identically.
Mexico City’s high elevation also creates additional considerations for aircraft operations. Despite the directional difference, the Shenzhen-to-Mexico City service remains among the longest routes in this October ranking.
8. Los Angeles to Singapore: A Long Flight from the US West Coast
Distance: Approximately 8,769 miles (14,113 km)
Scheduled flight time: Around 17 hours 10 minutes
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
Singapore Airlines’ Los Angeles–Singapore service provides a direct connection between the US West Coast and Southeast Asia.
For travellers starting in California, the nonstop route can eliminate the need for an intermediate connection elsewhere in Asia. Actual flight duration varies with winds, routing and operating conditions.
On a journey lasting around 17 hours, consider when to sleep, what to keep in your hand luggage and how to stay comfortable.
For more preparation advice, read our guide to long haul flight tips.
9. Houston to Sydney: A Seasonal Long-Haul Flight
Distance: Approximately 8,596 miles (13,834 km)
Scheduled flight time: Around 17 hours 30 minutes
Airline: United Airlines
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
United Airlines’ Houston–Sydney service connects Texas with Australia’s largest city and ranks among the longest scheduled routes between the United States and Australia.
The service is seasonal, so availability depends on the time of year. Daily flights were scheduled to resume on 24 October 2026. As this article is dated 18 October 2026, that date is still in the future. Check the airline’s current timetable before booking.
When operating nonstop, the route allows passengers to travel between Houston and Sydney without an intermediate stop. Its long duration and the time-zone difference make planning for rest and recovery especially useful.
10. Dallas/Fort Worth to Sydney: One of the Longest Commercial Flights
Distance: Approximately 8,577 miles (13,804 km)
Scheduled flight time: Around 17 hours
Airline: Qantas
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Qantas’ Dallas/Fort Worth–Sydney service rounds out this list of the longest commercial flights.
The route provides a direct connection between North America and Australia, linking two major cities without a scheduled intermediate stop.
Although it ranks tenth in this snapshot, a nonstop journey of around 17 hours is still a substantial trip. Check the operating schedule, aircraft assignment and cabin availability for your chosen date, as airline schedules can change.
The Longest Flight in the World: What Makes Them Ultra-Long-Haul?
The term ultra-long-haul flights is commonly used for journeys lasting around 16 hours or longer, although there is no single definition used universally by all airlines and aviation organisations.
Several factors make these journeys possible:
- Aircraft range: Modern aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 are designed to operate long-distance routes efficiently.
- Fuel efficiency: Improvements in engines and aerodynamics help airlines manage fuel consumption over long journeys.
- Passenger demand: Airlines need sufficient demand between two cities to make a nonstop service commercially viable.
- Operating conditions: Winds, weather, airspace restrictions, aircraft loads and airport conditions can affect flight paths and schedules.
Distance and duration are not the same. A route with a greater great-circle distance may not have the longest scheduled flight time because winds and routing influence how long the journey takes.
How Is the Longest Flight in the World Ranked?
To identify the longest flight in the world, it is important to compare routes using the same distance method and schedule period.
Different travel publications can produce different top 10 lists because they use different data dates and definitions. A ranking based on May 2026 schedules may differ from one using October 2026 schedules. Routes can be added, suspended, adjusted seasonally or operated differently by direction.
Before comparing rankings, check the following:
- Data date: When was the list last updated?
- Distance calculation: Does it use great-circle distance or actual flight distance?
- Nonstop definition: Must a service be nonstop in both directions, or only one?
- Seasonal availability: Does the ranking include routes that operate only at certain times of year?
- Scheduled flight time: Is the time shown for the outbound flight, return flight or a particular direction?
These differences help explain why lists of the world’s longest flight routes may not always agree.
Are the World’s Longest Nonstop Flights Direct Both Ways?
Not always. Some rankings include an airport pair when a nonstop service operates in at least one direction. As a result, a route can appear in a ranking even if the return journey includes a stop.
In this October 2026 ranking, Perth–London and Shenzhen–Mexico City require this distinction. Houston–Sydney also needs a seasonal-schedule note.
Before booking, check the nonstop status of your exact flight, whether the return journey follows the same pattern, which airline operates the service, and whether the route is scheduled on your travel date.
Tips for Travelling on the Longest Commercial Flights
Preparing for the longest flight in the world means planning ahead for sleep, comfort and the time-zone difference at your destination. A few practical steps can help you manage a journey lasting 17–19 hours.
Choosing Your Seat on an Ultra-Long-Haul Flight
Consider whether you prefer a window seat for resting or an aisle seat for easier movement. Compare seat options and legroom before booking, especially if you find sitting for long periods uncomfortable.
Managing Sleep on the World’s Longest Flights
Consider your destination’s local time when deciding whether to sleep during the flight. Adjusting your routine gradually, where practical, may help you adapt to a new time zone.
Staying Comfortable on the Longest Commercial Flights
Follow your airline’s advice on movement and in-seat exercises. For general information about health considerations during air travel, consult the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s guidance on air travel and your health.
If you have specific medical concerns about a long flight or your risk of blood clots, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before travelling.
Keep items such as headphones, a charger and a sleep mask accessible in your hand luggage. Check your airline’s baggage rules before packing medication or other items you may need during the journey.
For practical information about air travel and passenger rights, consult the UK government’s Air Passenger Travel Guide.
Future Routes That Could Become the World’s Longest Flights
The current ranking may change when new ultra-long-haul services begin.
Qantas has announced plans to launch nonstop Sydney–London flights from October 2027 through its Project Sunrise programme. The proposed service aims to connect Australia’s east coast with the UK without the traditional stop.
At approximately 10,573 miles (17,015 kilometres), the planned Sydney–London route would be longer than today’s New York–Singapore service. However, it has not yet entered scheduled passenger operation, and its introduction remains subject to aircraft certification and regulatory approvals.
Sydney–London should therefore be treated as a planned future route, not part of the current top 10. Its launch date and operating details should be checked again closer to the planned start.
The Longest Flight in the World: 2026 Ranking Summary
The longest flight in the world in this October 2026 ranking is Singapore Airlines’ nonstop service from New York (JFK) to Singapore, covering approximately 9,537 miles (15,348 kilometres).
Other remarkable routes connect Newark with Singapore, North America with Australia, and Auckland with Dubai. Together, these services demonstrate the range of modern passenger aircraft and the growing reach of nonstop international travel.
Although the longest flight in the world currently connects New York (JFK) with Singapore, future ultra-long-haul services could eventually take the top position. Rankings can change with airline schedules, seasonal operations and the way distance and nonstop service are defined.
Check current airline timetables before booking, particularly for routes that operate nonstop in only one direction.
For more travel inspiration and practical advice, explore World Flight Vibes and our guides to ultra long haul flights, longest flight from the UK and long haul flight tips.
