Longest Flight in the World – 2025 Top 10 List and Records

A handful of flights now connect cities that are nearly opposite ends of the Earth. While most passengers think of a transatlantic crossing as long, a small number of routes push cabin crew and aircraft to their limits. The current holder of the longest commercial nonstop flight depends on how you measure it — by great‑circle distance or by total time spent in the air.

The most widely cited distance record belongs to Singapore Airlines flight SQ23 from New York JFK to Singapore Changi, covering roughly 15,349 km and lasting around 18 hours 40–55 minutes. But in late 2025 a new contender appeared by duration: a 29‑hour scheduled service from Shanghai to Buenos Aires, operated by China Eastern. The two records illustrate a growing split between air‑mile champions and endurance champions.

Airlines have used modern long‑range aircraft to open routes that would have required a refuelling stop just a decade ago. The longest flights are now measured in hours that rival the working day, and the list is shifting as carriers experiment with new city pairs.

What Is the Longest Flight in the World?

Key Insights

• The world’s longest flight can be measured by distance or duration; different records hold for each.
• As of December 2025, the longest scheduled passenger flight by duration is the 29‑hour Shanghai to Buenos Aires route.
• The longest by great‑circle distance remains Singapore Airlines’ New York JFK to Singapore (15,349 km).
• Aircraft technology (A350‑900ULR, Boeing 787‑9) enables ultra‑long‑haul flights that previously required stops.
• Regional demand – India to USA, UK to Australia – continues to push airlines to consider new ultra‑long routes.
• Ranking sources disagree because some list by distance and others by scheduled block time.
• Distances may vary by a few kilometres depending on airport coordinates and seasonal routing.

Top 10 Longest Nonstop Flights by Distance (2025–2026)

Top 10 Longest Flights in the World (2025 List)

How Do These Flights Compare by Distance and Duration?

The table above is sorted by great‑circle distance, which is the standard used by aviation databases such as OAG and FlightRadar24. A different ranking emerges when flights are ordered by scheduled block time. For example, the Shanghai–Buenos Aires route – not in the distance top 10 – becomes number one by duration at 29 hours. Similarly, Auckland–Doha appears at around 17.5 hours, while some US–China flights exceed 16 hours but are shorter in distance than US–Singapore routes.

Seasonal winds and direction affect timings: eastbound flights from Singapore to New York can be an hour shorter than the westbound return. Airlines also pad schedules to maintain on‑time performance, so the actual airborne time may be less than the advertised block time.

The second‑longest flight by distance is Newark–Singapore, just 20–70 km shorter than JFK–Singapore, depending on the source. By duration, the runner‑up is likely the Auckland–Doha service or the Perth–London Heathrow route, both hovering around 17 hours 20 minutes.

Which Airlines Operate the Top Routes?

Singapore Airlines dominates the top spots with its A350‑900ULR fleet, flying from both New York and Newark to Singapore. Qantas operates the UK‑to‑Australia champion (Perth–London) and also the Dallas–Melbourne and Dallas–Sydney routes. Qatar Airways runs the Auckland–Doha connection, while Emirates serves Dubai–Auckland. Air India, using long‑range Boeing 787‑9s, runs the only Indian‑city link (Bengaluru–San Francisco) in the global top 10.

No single airline holds a monopoly on the longest flights; the top 10 is spread across four carriers. Aircraft choice plays a critical role – the A350‑900ULR is purpose‑built for ultra‑long‑haul, while Qantas relies on the Boeing 787‑9. Both types carry payload restrictions on these extreme sectors. If you plan to fly with a partner airline, you may find the Qatar Airways Baggage Allowance – Economy Class Guide useful.

Longest Flight from India and the UK

Longest Flight from India: Destinations and Airlines

The longest nonstop flight departing India is Air India’s route from Bengaluru (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO), covering about 14,004 km and taking approximately 17 hours 20–40 minutes. Other ultra‑long Indian routes include Hyderabad to Chicago O’Hare and Delhi to San Francisco. None of these rank in the absolute top 5 by distance, but they sit just outside, often in positions 8–12 depending on the source.

Air India has been expanding its US network using Boeing 777‑200LR and 787‑9 aircraft. The Bengaluru–San Francisco service is the longest of them and is consistently listed among the world’s longest flights by aviation data providers.

Longest Flight from the UK: Destinations and Airlines

For the United Kingdom, the standout ultra‑long route is Qantas flight QF10 from London Heathrow to Perth, Western Australia. The distance is approximately 14,499–14,523 km and the scheduled duration is 17 hours 15–45 minutes. This route is typically ranked 4th in global distance tables.

No other UK departure comes close. Longer services to Australia, such as London–Sydney, still require a stop (generally in Singapore or Dubai). Qantas has announced plans for a nonstop London–Sydney “Project Sunrise” flight using A350‑1000s, but it has not yet been launched.

How Does the Shortest Flight Compare?

Where Is the World’s Shortest Flight?

The shortest scheduled commercial flight in the world is between Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Operated by Loganair, the hop covers about 2.7 km and can take as little as 90 seconds in favourable winds.

This route exists to connect two small islands that have no road bridge. The flight is part of a public service obligation. While the longest flight covers more than 15,000 km, the shortest is less than 3 km – a ratio of more than 5,000 to one.

Distance and Airline of the Shortest Route

Loganair operates the Westray–Papa Westray service using a Britten‑Norman Islander aircraft. The flight has been listed in the Guinness World Records. No other scheduled flight comes close in brevity; the next shortest routes, such as Orkney’s other inter‑island hops or Caribbean connections, are several times longer.

Will the Longest Flight Change in 2026?

Planned New Routes for 2026

Qantas continues to work on Project Sunrise, aiming for nonstop flights from London and New York to Sydney and Melbourne. If launched, these routes would exceed 17,000 km and likely claim the distance record, though the exact timing remains uncertain.

Air India has announced plans for additional US routes from Indian cities, including a potential Delhi–San Francisco service that could rival the Bengaluru route. Singapore Airlines and Emirates are also rumoured to be studying longer nonstop corridors, but no official confirmations have been made for 2026.

China Eastern’s 29‑hour Shanghai–Buenos Aires may not be permanent; its continuation depends on demand, fuel prices, and aircraft availability.

How Might Aircraft Technology Impact Future Records?

The Boeing 777X, with its longer range and higher efficiency, could enable 20‑plus‑hour flights. Airbus’s A350‑1000ULR (an extended‑range version) is also being discussed. Both types would still face crew‑rest limits and passenger‑comfort challenges.

Battery‑powered or hydrogen‑powered aircraft are not expected to enter ultra‑long‑haul service for at least a decade. Incremental improvements to turbofan engines and aerodynamics will likely extend current ranges by 5–10% over the next five years.

How Has the Longest Flight Record Changed Over Time?

1. 2013 – Singapore Airlines launches JFK–FRA–SIN (one stop), later transitions to direct JFK–SIN with refuelling stop removed. (Source: OAG)
2. 2018 – Singapore Airlines introduces the A350‑900ULR and starts nonstop JFK–SIN (15,332 km). (Source: Wikipedia)
3. 2022 – Qantas launches Perth–London nonstop, becoming the longest UK‑bound route. (Source: OAG)
4. 2023 – Air New Zealand briefly holds the record with AKL–JFK; JFK–SIN regains top spot. (Source: FlightRadar24)
5. 2025 (December) – China Eastern launches Shanghai–Buenos Aires, claimed by BBC as the longest by duration (29 hours). (Source: BBC)
6. 2026 (potential) – Possible new records: Qantas Project Sunrise, new India–US routes. No confirmed changes yet. (Source: Industry speculation)

What Do We Know and What Remains Uncertain?

Why Does the Definition of ‘Longest Flight’ Matter?

The definition of “longest flight” varies: by distance (great circle) or by scheduled duration. News outlets often highlight duration for novelty, but aviation databases prioritise great‑circle distance. This distinction causes confusion when readers see conflicting claims.

Technology enablers – the A350‑900ULR and Boeing 787‑9 – have made ultra‑long‑haul possible, but economics, crew fatigue, and payload restrictions limit daily operations. Not every route can sustain year‑round service.

Record holders shift frequently as airlines test new markets. The 2025 Shanghai–Buenos Aires route may be short‑lived if fuel costs or demand change. Understanding both the distance and duration records gives a fuller picture of what is possible in commercial aviation today.

What Do the Experts Say?

“It’s a whopping 29 hour journey between Shanghai in China, to Buenos Aires in Argentina.”

— BBC Newsround, December 2025

“The world’s longest flight: New York (JFK) to Singapore Changi (SIN). Distance (GCD): 15,332 km.”

— OAG Blog, July 2023

“The accolade of the longest Airbus A380 flight belongs to Emirates flight EK449 from Auckland (AKL) to Dubai (DXB).”

— FlightRadar24 Blog

“Singapore Airlines A350‑900ULR taxiing at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the aircraft flying the world’s longest scheduled flight.”

— Wikipedia – Longest flights

What Is the Takeaway?

The longest flight in the world is a title shared between two routes: Singapore Airlines’ New York–Singapore by distance (15,349 km) and China Eastern’s Shanghai–Buenos Aires by duration (29 hours). The top 10 list reveals how ultra‑long‑haul aviation has expanded, with airlines using modern aircraft to link remote city pairs. For travellers, knowing the difference between distance and duration records helps interpret conflicting headlines. For those flying these routes, comfort and planning become essential. Check the Qatar Airways Baggage Allowance – Economy Class Guide if you are considering a similar ultra‑long journey with a partner airline.

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