Top 10 Longest Flights in 2025
Air Travel remains the most popular and rapidly growing mode of transportation, with passenger numbers steadily rising yearly following the COVID-19 pandemic. As airlines compete to offer faster and more direct routes, the longest flights have become a symbol of technological and operational excellence.
Since November 9, 2020, Singapore Airlines Flight SQ23, connecting New York’s JFK Airport to Singapore Changi, has held the world’s longest flight title. With a scheduled flight time of 18 hours and 50 minutes, this flight is operated by the Airbus A350-900ULR.
Airliners Powering the Longest Flights
Modern and fuel-efficient aircraft undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the success of the world’s longest routes. Airbus and Boeing have been at the forefront of producing twin jets for long ranges, prioritizing fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and reliability.
- Airbus A350-900ULR: This ultra-long-range variant of the A350 can fly up to 18,000 kilometers (9,700 nautical miles). Known for its advanced aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, it is the backbone of Singapore Airlines’ longest routes.
- Airbus A380-800: As the largest passenger aircraft globally, the A380 can carry up to 544 passengers over a range of 15,200 kilometers (8,200 nautical miles), making it ideal for high-demand long-haul routes like those operated by Emirates.
- Boeing 777-200LR: With a range of 15,843 kilometers (8,555 nautical miles), this aircraft combines extended range with reliability, making it a popular choice for flights that stretch across continents.
- Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: A modern marvel, the Dreamliner offers a range of 14,140 kilometers (7,635 nautical miles), optimized for efficiency and passenger comfort on long-haul flights.
The success of these aircraft stems from earlier innovations, such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340, which once dominated long-haul travel.
Top 10 Longest Flights in 2025
Note that all routes are ranked by great circle distance.
1. New York (JFK) – Singapore (SIN)
- Airline, Flight Number: Singapore Airlines SQ23
- Flight Distance: 15,349 km (9,537 mi)
- Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours, 50 minutes
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
2. Newark (EWR) – Singapore (SIN)
- Airline, Flight Number: Singapore Airlines SQ21
- Flight Distance: 15,344 km (9,534 mi)
- Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours, 45 minutes
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
Singapore Airlines holds the crown for operating the world’s longest flight, offering a direct connection between New York/Newark and Singapore. The A350-900ULR’s range to fly such distances alongside optimized passenger comfort makes it a leader in ultra-long-haul travel.
3. Auckland (AKL) – Doha (DOH)
- Airline, Flight Number: Qatar Airways QR921
- Flight Distance: 14,535 km (9,032 mi)
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 15 minutes
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
4. Perth (PER) – London (LHR)
- Airline, Flight Number: Qantas QF9
- Flight Distance: 14,499 km (9,009 mi)
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 45 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
This route marked a historic milestone as the first non-stop flight connecting Australia and the United Kingdom, highlighting Qantas’ Project Sunrise ambitions.
5. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Melbourne (MEL)
- Airline, Flight Number: Qantas QF22
- Flight Distance: 14,472 km (8,992 mi)
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 35 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Connecting two major business hubs, this route emphasizes the growing demand for direct connectivity between North America and Australia.
6. Perth (PER) – Paris (CDG)
- Airline, Flight Number: Qantas QF33
- Flight Distance: 14,264 km (8,863 mi)
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 20 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Qantas’ latest addition to its ultra-long-haul network reflects its focus on expanding non-stop links between Australia and Europe.
7. New York (JFK) – Auckland (AKL)
- Airlines, Flight Numbers: Qantas QF4 / Air New Zealand NZ1
- Flight Distance: 14,207 km (8,828 mi)
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 30 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
This transpacific route serves as a critical connection between Oceania and the United States, with both airlines competing to attract premium travelers.
8. Auckland (AKL) – Dubai (DXB)
- Airline, Flight Number: Emirates EK449
- Flight Distance: 14,200 km (8,823 mi)
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 25 minutes
- Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Emirates operates this route with its iconic A380, combining capacity and comfort on one of the longest flights globally.
9. Shenzhen (SZX) – Mexico City (MEX)
- Airline, Flight Number: China Southern CZ8031
- Flight Distance: 14,147 km (8,791 mi)
- Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
10. Los Angeles (LAX) – Singapore (SIN)
- Airline, Flight Numbers: Singapore Airlines SQ37, SQ35
- Flight Distance: 14,114 km (8,770 mi)
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 50 minutes
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 / A350-900ULR
Airlines are leveraging the fuel efficiency and range of new-generation aircraft to connect more cities directly, bypassing traditional stopovers. These routes often target high-yield business travelers and offer enhanced premium cabin experiences.
Future of World’s Longest Flights
Looking ahead, Qantas’s Project Sunrise is set to further revolutionize ultra-long-haul travel. With a fleet of modified Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, the airline plans to launch non-stop flights connecting Sydney and Melbourne to New York and London by 2026.
Project Sunrise flights, lasting over 19 hours, promise to offer new levels of comfort and efficiency, setting the stage for the next era of aviation.
As aviation technology advances, the longest flights in 2025 reflect humanity’s quest to connect the farthest corners of the globe. With innovations from aircraft manufacturers and ambitious airline projects, the future of ultra-long-haul travel is expected to become even more exciting.
Featured Image via GCMap
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