The Sky’s Longest Marathon
Long flights can blur time, twist sleep schedules, and challenge even the most seasoned travelers. Some routes circle nearly half the planet in one continuous push, demonstrating the remarkable capabilities of technology—and human endurance. So, let’s explore the 20 longest direct flights that turn the world into one continuous stretch of sky.
XPinger (Chris Sutton) from Rotorua, New Zealand on Wikimedia
1. Newark (EWR) To Singapore (SIN): Singapore Airlines
At 15,343 kilometers from gate to gate, Singapore Airlines' Newark-Singapore service demonstrates the remarkable reach of modern aviation. This second-longest commercial route demands 18.5 hours aboard the advanced A350-900, having only recently ceded its distance record to the carrier's JFK–Singapore flight.
2. San Francisco (SFO) To Bengaluru (BLR): Air India
Air India’s ultra-long-haul service unites Silicon Valley with India’s tech powerhouse across roughly 13,999 kilometers. This nonstop flight stands as a symbol of global innovation, linking two of the world’s most dynamic technology hubs and reinforcing aviation’s role in connecting modern economies.
3. Manila (MNL) To New York (JFK): Philippine Airlines
This one’s strategic deployment of the Airbus A350-900 enabled its ambitious expansion into New York, establishing the longest nonstop service by any Philippine carrier. The landmark 13,712-kilometer route keeps passengers aloft for 17 hours between Manila and JFK airports.
4. Dubai (DXB) To Auckland (AKL): Emirates
Stretching nearly halfway around the globe, Emirates’ Dubai–Auckland route covers an astonishing 14,200 kilometers. The 17-hour, 10-minute flight once stood as a symbol of endurance, prompting the airline to deploy its fuel-efficient Boeing instead of the larger A380 for optimal performance.
5. Johannesburg (JNB) To Atlanta (ATL): Delta Air Lines
Crossing continents and oceans, Delta Air Lines’ Johannesburg–Atlanta service spans about 13,582 kilometers. Operated by the Airbus A350-900, this 16-hour, 40-minute flight links South Africa’s bustling hub with Atlanta’s major U.S. gateway, offering a bridge between Africa and the American South.
6. Doha (DOH) To Auckland (AKL): Qatar Airways
Picture 14,550 kilometers stretched across the globe. That's the path Qatar Airways' Airbus A350-1000 traces between Doha and Auckland, turning an immense distance into a surprisingly manageable 17-hour and 15-minute journey.
7. Auckland (AKL) To New York (JFK): Air New Zealand
Connecting New Zealand to the United States without a stop, Air New Zealand’s Auckland–New York route spans roughly 14,178 kilometers. Operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, this fuel-efficient aircraft completes the impressive journey in about 16 hours and 15 minutes.
8. Paris (CDG) To Santiago (SCL): Air France
Among the world's elite ultra-long-haul routes, Air France's Paris-Santiago service stands as an honor to modern aviation, with its 787-9 Dreamliner gracefully spanning 11,600 kilometers between France and Chile in a single 14-hour-35-minute journey across continents.
Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia on Wikimedia
9. London (LHR) To Santiago (SCL): British Airways
British Airways operates one of its longest routes between London and Santiago, spanning approximately 11,645 kilometers. Its advanced Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner handles the nearly 15-hour journey with remarkable efficiency, connecting the British capital to Chile’s bustling heart.
Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia on Wikimedia
10. Frankfurt (FRA) To Buenos Aires (EZE): Lufthansa
Stretching 11,382 kilometers, Lufthansa’s Frankfurt–Buenos Aires route remains one of the airline’s most important intercontinental links. Operated by the Boeing 747-8, this long-haul journey connects Europe’s financial hub with Argentina’s lively capital in style and comfort.
11. Istanbul (IST) To Los Angeles (LAX): Turkish Airlines
Linking Turkey and the United States, Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul–Los Angeles route stretches roughly 11,059 kilometers (6,873 miles). The 13-hour, 45-minute journey aboard the advanced Airbus A350-900 ranks among the world’s longest nonstop flights.
Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden on Wikimedia
12. Addis Ababa (ADD) To Washington D.C. (IAD): Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines operates a nonstop service between Addis Ababa and Washington D.C., covering roughly 11,639 kilometers. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner completes the journey in about 17 hours, efficiently linking Ethiopia’s capital with the political center of the United States.
byeangel from Tsingtao, China on Wikimedia
13. Taipei (TPE) To New York (JFK): EVA Air
Among the world's longest nonstop flights, EVA Air's Taipei-New York connection stretches an impressive 12,246 kilometers across the Pacific. This Boeing 777-300ER's transoceanic journey between Taiwan and JFK demands nearly sixteen hours aloft.
14. Seoul (ICN) To Boston (BOS): Korean Air
Korean Air's strategic expansion into New England showcases its trans-Pacific ambitions, connecting Seoul and Boston across 10,900 kilometers of airspace. The carrier's 13-hour-50-minute direct service, operated by advanced A350 or 787s, represents one of Asia's longest reach points into North America.
15. Houston (IAH) To Sydney (SYD): United Airlines
United Airlines operates its Houston–Sydney service across approximately 8,596 miles, with a flight time of around 17 hours. The route is flown by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aircraft built for long-haul efficiency, reduced fuel use, and enhanced passenger comfort.
16. Jeddah (JED) To Los Angeles (LAX): Saudia
This direct flight from Jeddah to Los Angeles covers roughly 8,300 miles and takes about 16 and a half hours, ranking among the world’s longest commercial routes. For many travelers, it’s a vital link between the Middle East and North America.
Glenn Beltz from Goleta, USA on Wikimedia
17. Perth (PER) To Paris (CDG): Qantas
Qantas’ nonstop Perth to Paris flight is one of the newest and most anticipated ultra-long-haul routes, covering roughly 9,000 miles in around 17 and a half hours. It connects Western Australia directly to Europe, eliminating stopovers through Asia or the Middle East.
ERIC SALARD from Paris, FRANCE on Wikimedia
18. Dubai (DXB) To Los Angeles (LAX): Emirates
Linking two powerhouses of global commerce and entertainment, Emirates’ Dubai to Los Angeles route spans roughly 8,300 miles and lasts about 16 hours. The nonstop service bridges the Middle East and California, giving passengers a smooth, high-comfort transition.
BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada on Wikimedia
19. Melbourne (MEL) To Dallas (DFW): Qantas
Qantas’ nonstop flight from Melbourne to Dallas covers nearly 9,000 miles in around 17 hours, making it one of the world’s longest routes. It connects Australia’s southern hub directly with the U.S. heartland, offering travelers a convenient link without any layovers.
Richard Vandervord on Wikimedia
20. Doha (DOH) To Los Angeles (LAX): Qatar Airways
Doha–Los Angeles route spans about 8,300 miles, linking the Middle East’s aviation hub with America’s entertainment capital in roughly 16 hours. And since it is operated by the fuel-efficient Airbus A350-1000, this nonstop journey showcases the airline’s long-haul strength.
