The Longest Commercial Flights: 18‑Hour Journeys Across Continents

When you book a nonstop flight between the Americas and Asia or Europe, you may already know that some routes can last well over ten hours. But which commercial flight holds the record for the longest time in the air? Below is a ranked list of the world’s longest nonstop flights, measured by duration rather than distance, to give you a realistic sense of the time you’ll spend in the sky.

All figures are based on the great circle distance—the shortest path between two points on the globe. In practice, airlines adjust these routes to avoid weather, restricted airspace, and other traffic, so actual flight times can be a touch longer.

1. New York (JFK) to Singapore Changi (SIN)

Singapore Airlines offers the world’s longest nonstop commercial flight, covering just over 9,500 miles (15,289 km) in an average of 18 hours 40 minutes.

Newark (EWR) serves a nearly identical route, only slightly shorter.

2. San Francisco (SFO) to Bengaluru (BLR)

Southwest’s counterpart to California’s cultural hub, this route covers 9,700 miles (15,610 km) on a Boeing 777, with a scheduled flight time of 17 hours 55 minutes.

3. Auckland (AKL) to Doha (DOH)

Qatar Airways flies an Airbus A350‑900 across 9,026 miles (14,526 km), taking about 17 hours 30 minutes.

4. Perth (PER) to London Heathrow (LHR)

Qantas’ Boeing 787‑9 covers 9,010 miles (14,500 km) over Asia and Europe in 17 hours 35 minutes.

5. Dallas‑Fort Worth (DFW) to Melbourne (MEL)

Another Australian long‑haul, this flight spans 8,990 miles (14,468 km) and takes 17 hours 35 minutes.

6. Paris Charles‑de‑Gaulle (CDG) to Perth (PER)

Qantas’ 787‑9 crosses 8,863 miles (14,264 km), scheduled for 17 hours 25 minutes.

7. Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD)

Formerly operated by United Airlines, this 8,895‑mile (14,315 km) route took 17 hours 26 minutes before its recent discontinuation.

8. Auckland (AKL) to New York (JFK)

Jointly operated by Qantas/American and United/Air New Zealand, this 8,828‑mile (14,207 km) flight averages 16 hours 15 minutes.

9. Shenzhen (SZX) to Mexico City (MEX)

China Southern’s Airbus A350 covers 8,776 miles (14,123 km) in about 16 hours.

10. Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore Changi (SIN)

Singapore Airlines’ 15 hour 55‑minute flight spans 8,758 miles (14,095 km) on an Airbus A350‑900.

Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, knowing the duration of your flight can help you plan rest, meals, and entertainment. These routes illustrate the incredible reach of modern aviation and the dedication of airlines to connect people across the globe.

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