The top 10 longest flights in 2025
November 9, 2025
Modern lightweight composite-based aircraft, such as Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, have significantly expanded the horizon for ultra-long-haul travel. Advancements in operational range and extended ETOPS regulations have stretched nonstop flights to nearly a day-long affair. This article explores some of the longest scheduled flights and provides insight into the aircraft and amenities available for passengers.
1. New York-JFK to Singapore
Distance covered: 15,332 km
The longest scheduled nonstop commercial flight connects New York’s JFK Airport (JFK) to Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN), and is operated by flag carrier Singapore Airlines. The airline operates a daily service utilizing its Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra long range) aircraft configured for 161 seats in two classes.
The block time of the flight is 19 hours and 10 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 15,330 km (9,525 miles). Flight SQ23 departs New York at 22:05 hours and arrives in Singapore at 06:00 local time. The airline’s A350s on this route feature 67 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration in the business cabin, offering privacy reclining seats with a divider and ample storage space.
There are 94 seats in premium economy in a 2-4-2 configuration, featuring recliner-style seats and integrated calf rest and footrest. Singapore Airlines also operates an additional daily flight between JFK and SIN, with a technical (refueling) stop in Frankfurt (FRA).
2. Newark to Singapore
Distance covered: 15,329 km
Another ultra-long-haul route connecting Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Singapore Changi (SIN). Also operated by Singapore Airlines on its Airbus A350-900ULR, the flight has a block time of 19 hours and 5 minutes and covers approximately 15,300 km (9,500 miles).
Airbus offers greater flexibility to A350 operators through its high-fuel-capacity ULR version. Flight SQ21 departs EVR at 09:35 hours and arrives in Singapore at 16:45 local time. Following the popularity of the JFK-SIN route, the airline began operating nonstop to Newark in March 2022.
3. Auckland to Doha
Distance covered: 14,526 km
Operated by flag carrier Qatar Airways, this ultra-long-haul route connects Qatar’s capital to Auckland International Airport (AKL) in New Zealand. The airline operates its fleet of Boeing 777-200LR (long range) aircraft configured with 259 seats in two classes.
The flight has a block time of 17 hours and 25 minutes and covers approximately 14,500 km (9,000 miles). Flight QR920 departs Auckland at 23:30 hours and arrives in Doha around 06:00 local time. Qatar Airways has received the world’s best airline award for the ninth consecutive year by Skytrax World Airline Awards.
The airline’s exceptional products and services onboard its 777-200LR include fully flatbed seats in business class and spacious standard seats in economy. Qatar Airways has been operating this route since February 2017.
4. Perth to London
Distance covered: 14,499 km
Another ultra-long-haul flight connects the largest airport in Europe, London Heathrow (LHR), to Perth (PER) in Western Australia. The route is operated by Australian flag carrier Qantas on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet. Passengers flying the route enjoy 42 fully flat seats in business, 28 high-pitching seats in premium economy, and 166 seats in economy.
While business class guests receive bedding, amenity kits, and personalized service, the airline offers in-flight entertainment with HD screens, USB and AC power outlets, and adjustable headrests in the main cabin. Operational since March 2018, the flight departs Perth daily at 18:35 hours and arrives at Heathrow at 05:05 hours local time.
5. Dallas to Melbourne
Distance covered: 14,468 km
Qantas’ other long-haul flight connects Melbourne to the northern gateway of Texas at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Clocking in at 17 hours and 15 minutes, this route is operated three times a week on board Qantas’ Boeing 787-9 fleet. Flight QF21/22 has been in service since December 2022, transporting passengers and cargo between the two regions.
6. Perth to Paris
Distance covered: 14,265 km
Qantas also connects its western hub, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), to another major European hub. Flight QF33 to Paris covers a distance of approximately 14,500 km (8,950 miles) with a duration of 17 hours and 10 minutes. Once again, Qantas’ 787-9 is capable of flying the route, ensuring passengers benefit from the aircraft’s low-altitude cabin experience.
7. New York to Auckland
Distance covered: 14,209 km
Qantas and Air New Zealand both operate their respective Boeing 787-9 aircraft between New York JFK and Auckland. Covering a distance of 14,230 km (8,800 miles), the flight takes just over 17 hours to complete. Air New Zealand’s 787-9 is equipped with 27 seats in business, 33 in premium economy, and 213 in economy class. The airline also features its popular SkyCouch product – three economy seats combined into one fare, and comes with bedding and pillows when it’s time to stretch.
8. Auckland to Dubai
Distance covered: 14,193 km
UAE’s flag carrier Emirates operates the route between Auckland and its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The 16-hour 45-minute flight is operated on the carrier’s Airbus A380 fleet. Known for its comfort and hospitality, Emirates offers its passengers an immersive experience onboard its flagship aircraft.
The aircraft deployed on the route are configured with 14 first-class suites and 76 business class seats on the upper deck, and 56 premium economy seats and 338 economy seats on the main deck. First and business class passengers have access to the onboard bar and lounge located at the rear of the Business Class cabin.
9. Shenzhen to Mexico City
Distance covered: 14,124 km
China’s largest airline, China Southern, operates the route between Shenzhen (SZX) and Mexico City’s Juarez International Airport (MEX), having a flight distance of 14,120 km (8,500 miles). The airline operates its latest fleet of Airbus A350-900 aircraft, equipped with 28 seats in business, 24 in premium economy, and 262 in economy.
In addition to pivoting HD displays and multiple power outlets on each seat, the airline offers the Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and eXConnect Ka-band satellite wifi. Notably, the return flight on this route, from MEX to SZX, makes a technical stop in Tijuana due to the high elevation at Mexico City.
10. Los Angeles to Singapore
Distance covered: 14,096 km
Singapore Airlines serves Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from its base at Changi International (SIN), with 3x weekly flights onboard its A350-900 aircraft. With a block time of 16 hours and 25 minutes, the route covers 14,090 km (8,400 miles). This route was operated by United Airlines in 2016, which was at the time the longest scheduled direct flight from the US.
Photo: Steve Lynes / Wikimedia Commons
