The longest flights in the world in 2026
January 1, 2026
In December 2025, China Eastern Airlines raised the bar for ultra-long-haul travel, rolling out what is now the longest commercial journey in the world, stretching close to 29 hours from start to finish.
The route links Shanghai Pudong with Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport, spanning roughly 20,000 kilometres, operating on the Boeing 777-300ER. Along the way, the aircraft makes a brief stop in Auckland to refuel and allow for a crew change before continuing its epic southbound crossing.
While this service now holds the endurance crown, it may not keep it for long. Several other long-haul pairings (not to mention the world’s existing longest flights of 2025) will soon come close, combining sectors that rival these marathon journeys on total time in the sky.
The latest list of new marathon flights
Ultimately, it’s not just about distance. As we head into 2026, airlines push routes further than ever before, refining the onboard experience, from cabin design to service touches. It’s all aimed at making life at 35,000 feet more manageable on flights that test the limits of modern air travel (not to mention human endurance).
So here are some of the newest (and longest) long-haul routes in the world about to launch.
Qantas Project Sunrise: Sydney (SYD) to London (LHR) / New York (JFK)
Flight Time: 19-22 hours
Distance: 17,000-18,000 km
Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
Set to redefine the limits of commercial aviation, Qantas’ Project Sunrise aims to connect Sydney nonstop with both London and New York beginning in late 2026 or 2027. These ultra-long sectors, stretching well beyond 19 hours, will rely on specially configured A350-1000s designed with passenger experience in mind, incorporating advanced cabin lighting, dedicated wellness zones and layouts optimised for extended time in-flight.
Delta: Atlanta (ATL) to Riyadh (RUH)
Flight Time: 14.5-15 hours
Distance: 11,500 km
Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
Delta’s planned Atlanta to Riyadh service, expected in late 2026, marks a major expansion of its long-haul Middle East network. Just short of the 15-hour mark, the flight will be operated by the A350-1000, with additional ultra-long routes – including New York or Los Angeles to Seoul and Atlanta to Delhi – also on the horizon as Delta leans further into high-capacity, long-range flying.
Etihad: Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Charlotte (CLT)
Flight Time: 14.5-15 hours
Distance: 11,800 km
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Beginning in May 2026, Etihad’s nonstop service between Abu Dhabi and Charlotte further expands the airline’s US footprint. Clocking in at nearly 15 hours, the route links the south-eastern United States directly with the Gulf, leveraging the Dreamliner’s long-range efficiency and passenger-friendly cabin environment for this demanding intercontinental sector.
South America to Europe: LATAM’s New European Links
Flight Time: 11-13 hours
Distance: 9,500-10,500 km
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Rolling out between April and June 2026, LATAM’s new services to Amsterdam and Brussels strengthen South America-Europe connectivity. Operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, these routes capitalise on the aircraft’s range and efficiency, offering nonstop links between major European hubs and LATAM’s South American network while supporting growing demand across both regions.
Alaska Airlines: Seattle (SEA) to Rome (FCO) / London (LHR)
Flight Time: 9.5-10.5 hours
Distance: 8,300-8,800 km
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Set to launch in spring 2026, Alaska Airlines’ inaugural long-haul routes from Seattle to Rome and London mark a major shift for the carrier. These transatlantic services represent Alaska’s first true intercontinental flying, using widebody aircraft to connect the Pacific Northwest directly with two major European hubs.
Featured image: AdobeStock
