What Are the World's Longest Non-Stop Flights?

With flight technology becoming more sophisticated and allowing longer flights on less fuel, long-haul flights are becoming increasingly common. Besides the technologies that make up the longest non-stop flights in the world, these flights are pretty comfortable.

Maybe you love completing all your travel time in one go or would rather avoid the fatigue associated with long-haul flights. Either way, you will love this list of the world's longest direct flights.

1. New York to Singapore

The first place for the world's longest direct flight goes to Singapore Airlines's flagship route from New York's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). It is the longest direct flight currently in the world. The flight covers around 9,500 miles (15,300 km), taking 18 to 19 hours to complete.

While some airlines like Cathay Pacific offer one-stop flights from Hong Kong, Singapore Airlines remains the top carrier offering direct flights on this route. To make the journey as comfortable as possible for passengers, the airline uses the spacious Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range), which is designed for efficiency and comfort on long-haul flights like this one.

The world's longest non-stop commercial flight takes off from New York, crosses the Atlantic Ocean to enter Northern Europe, then over Russia and Serbia before crossing China's northern and western regions. Depending on the specific route, it may pass near or over parts of Indonesia, including the Sumatra region, before making its final stop at Singapore.

2. Auckland to Doha

The second place in the list of the world's longest direct flight is the route taken by Qatar Airways. The second longest flight in the world non-stop connects Auckland with Doha, covering a distance of around 9,000 miles (14,500 km) and taking approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes. Making this long haul possible and, more importantly, comfortable for passengers is the Airbus A350-1000, which Qatar Airways uses for the flight. The Airbus 350-1000 is known for its fuel efficiency and is one of the best aircraft for long-haul flights.

The route starts in Auckland, New Zealand, crosses Australia, parts of Indonesia, and the Arabian Sea, and then stops in Doha, Qatar. Interestingly, Qatar Airways took the first flight on this route on February 6, 2017.

3. London to Perth

The third longest non-stop commercial flight is the route taken by Qantas Airways, which connects London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in the United Kingdom to Perth Airport (PER) in Australia. As one of the longest non-stop flights in the world, the flight takes a whopping 17 hours and 30 minutes and covers a distance of around 9000 miles (14,498 km).

Qantas Airways uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the over-haul journey. The Dreamliner is designed for maximum comfort, with improved cabin pressure and quieter engines.

The first flight was on March 24, 2018. The aircraft departs from London, flies southeast, crosses Europe, the Middle East, and India, and then enters Australian airspace to stop at Perth.

4. Dallas to Melbourne

In the world's longest direct flight list, third place also goes to the route taken by Qantas Airways. The fourth longest flight in the world non-stop connects Dallas in the United States to Melbourne in Australia. The flight duration is approximately 17 hours and 50 minutes, while the distance covered is around 8,600 miles (13,800 km).

The flight is notable for being one of the longest nonstop commercial flights, connecting northern America and Australia. To make this flight a stellar experience for passengers, the airline uses the Boeing 787-9. This aircraft helps make it possible with its efficiency and comfort, making it an increasingly popular choice for ultra-long flights.

The flight route is new, first on December 3, 2022. Taking off from  Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the aircraft crosses the Pacific Ocean, passing New Zealand before arriving at Melbourne Airport (MEL).

5. Perth to Paris

In the list of the world's longest non-stop flights, Qantas Airways takes a popular route between Perth Airport (PER), Perth, Australia, and Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris, France. The flight takes approximately 17 hours and 20 minutes and covers 8,863 miles (14,500 km).

As one of the longest non-stop commercial flights, Qantas Airways uses a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, known for its full efficiency and comfort.

The longest flight connecting Europe and Australia took its first on July 12, 2024. It departs from Perth, crosses the Indian Ocean, potentially passes over India, and enters the Middle East before reaching Paris.

6. New York to Auckland

One of the longest flight in the world non-stop connects New York to Auckland. Air New Zealand utilizes the route and connects John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York, United States, and Auckland Airport (AKL), Auckland, New Zealand. The flight covers a distance of 8,828 miles (14207 km) and takes around 17 hours and 40 minutes.

Air New Zealand uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which is a popular choice for such long-haul flights as it offers a smooth and comfortable experience for passengers. Interestingly, Qantas Airways also uses this route to reach the same destination. The flight leaves from New York, heads across the Atlantic Ocean, passes over Europe, the Middle East, and the Southern Hemisphere, and then crosses the Pacific Ocean toward Auckland, New Zealand.

7. Auckland to Dubai

Another name on the list of the world's longest non-stop flights is the route from Auckland to Dubai. Emirates operates on this route, connecting Auckland Airport (AKL), Auckland, New Zealand, and Dubai International Airport (DXB), Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The flight covers a distance of 8,823 miles (14,200 km) and takes approximately 17 hours and 10 minutes.

Since the route covers a vast expanse, Emirates uses the Boeing 777-200LR, known for its long-range capabilities. The first flight was taken on March 2, 2016. The flight travels from Auckland to Dubai over the Indian Ocean, passing by the Indian Subcontinent and entering the Middle East before landing in Dubai.

8. Shenzhen to Mexico City

One of the world's longest non-stop commercial flight connects Shenzhen and Mexico City. The carrier most popular on this route is China Southern Airlines, which departs from the Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) in Shenzhen, China, and reaches Mexico City International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City, Mexico. It is important to note that the return flight stops in Tijuana before continuing to Shenzhen.

The flight covers 8,791 miles (14147 km) and takes 15 hours and 40 minutes to complete. The airline uses the Airbus 1350-900, which is popular for its fuel efficiency, to make the experience as comfortable as possible for its passengers.

The flight takes off from China's Shenzhen, crosses Asia, passes through the Middle East, and continues over the Atlantic Ocean before arriving in Mexico City. As one of the world's longest direct flight, the first flight on this route was taken on May 11, 2024.

9. Los Angeles to Singapore

One of the world's longest direct flight is the route taken by Singapore Airlines from Los Angeles to Singapore. Covering a distance of 8,770 miles (14113 km) that takes 17 hours and 30 minutes, the flight connects Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles, United States and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore. The route is one of the world's longest direct flight connecting North America to Asia. To make this possible, the airline makes use of the Airbus A350-900ULR.

The airline took its first flight on this route on November 2, 2018. The flight departs from Los Angeles, crosses the Pacific Ocean, heads westward to cross the Philippines and Indonesia, and arrives in Singapore.

10. San Francisco to Bengaluru

One of the world's longest direct flight connects North America to India, more specifically, San Francisco and Bengaluru. Air India uses the flight to connect San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Francisco, United States, to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore, India. The flight covers 8,702 miles (14004 km) and takes approximately 16 hours and 30 minutes.

To provide a stellar passenger experience, Air India uses the Boeing 777-200LR for this long-haul journey.

The first flight on this route was on January 9, 2021, and has been operational ever since. Such flights make it essential for pilots to understand how a pilot's life differs in a long-haul flight compared to a short-haul flight.

Opportunities for Aviation Professionals

We spoke about the world's longest non-stop flights. But how does this list of the world’s longest direct flight benefit aspiring aviation professionals? In more ways than you know. Here's a breakdown:

• Increased demand for skilled pilots: The longest non-stop commercial flight on the list is just the start. More and more airlines are jumping on the bandwagon. As airlines continue to operate more long-haul flights, the need for pilot jobs will go up. This offers a unique opportunity for deserving candidates with the right skills to start applying for first officer jobs and airline captain jobs.

• Opportunities for aircraft maintenance engineers: Long-haul flights require aircraft to be in top-class condition to complete their journey comfortably, even in adverse weather conditions. This makes the job of aircraft maintenance engineers that much more critical. They are at the forefront of ensuring that an aircraft is fit to make the flight, especially when the flight figures in the list of the world's longest direct flights.

• Increased role of the cabin crew: A stellar passenger experience is incomplete without the active role of the cabin crew. As more airlines start flying on long-haul routes, there will be more demand for skilled cabin crew, creating more cabin crew jobs.

• Ground support: Ground operations teams, including logistics, catering, fueling, and baggage handling, support long-haul flights. Professionals skilled in these areas are vital to ensuring that these long journeys are correctly supported on the ground.

• Airport operations: Airports that handle long-haul international flights need skilled staff to ensure seamless operations. Professionals will be required for everything from ramp handling to security, safety, and luggage management to guarantee that travelers have the least delays and the best possible safety and service. Airport safety procedures, such as handling bird strikes and emergency protocols, will be particularly pertinent.

Conclusion

While we have looked at the list of the world's longest direct flight, it is interesting to note that it is dynamic. Airlines are fully embracing the concept of long-haul flights. A notable one is Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, which will debut its Project Sunrise routes in mid-2026. This makes the aviation industry a good place for people wanting to enter the vertical. Pilot jobs are on the rise. Now is the time to start applying if you have what it takes.