The 9 Longest Nonstop Flights in the World (Updated 2025)

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I’ve spent 3–6 months of every year traveling for more than a decade, and over that time I’ve logged my fair share of long-haul flights, including many of the routes on this list. Some were bucket-list-worthy adventures in the sky. Others… let’s just say I was very glad to land.

For this guide to the 9 longest nonstop flights in the world for 2025, I dug into official airline schedules, cross-checked distances using Great Circle Mapper, and confirmed flight times directly from carriers. Only regularly scheduled nonstop commercial flights made the cut…no one-off charters or tech stops.

You’ll find everything from ultra-long hauls connecting Asia to the U.S., to marathon journeys linking the Middle East with Australia. And because I’ve personally flown several of these routes, I can tell you what it’s actually like to spend 16, 17, even 18+ hours in the air…plus tips on choosing the right seat, when to sleep, and how to arrive feeling somewhat human. If you’ve ever wondered which flights truly push the limits of endurance and engineering, this list will take you there…without the jet lag.

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What is the longest nonstop flight in the world: The 9 longest nonstop airline routes

Let’s explore the longest nonstop flights in the world in 2025. These flights range from 16 to nearly 20 hours, covering distances upwards of 10,000 miles.

1. New York (JFK) – Singapore (SIN) — Singapore Airlines SQ23

• Distance: ~9,537 miles (15,349 km)
• Duration: ~18h 50m
• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR

This is currently the longest nonstop commercial flight in the world, edging out every other scheduled route in both distance and time. It links New York’s JFK to Singapore Changi without a single stop, covering nearly half the globe in one go.

I’ve flown it, and while the idea of sitting on a plane for almost 19 hours sounds brutal, Singapore Airlines does just about everything possible to make it bearable. The A350-900ULR is configured with only business and premium economy seating — no standard economy — which means wider seats, better recline, and noticeably more personal space. Service is impeccable, meals are thoughtful and spaced out, and the cabin lighting is adjusted to help fight jet lag.

My tips for this flight:

• Choose your seat wisely. In business class, a window seat away from the galley will give you more privacy and quiet. In premium economy, aim for the bulkhead row for extra legroom.
• Plan your sleep. I split the flight into two blocks — rest during the first half, then stay awake for the second to help adjust to Singapore time.
• Stay hydrated. The ultra-long duration can sneak up on you, so I drink water regularly and avoid alcohol until the last few hours.

If you’re a true aviation geek or just want to say you’ve conquered the world’s longest nonstop route, this one should be on your list.

2. Singapore (SIN) – Newark (EWR) — Singapore Airlines SQ21

• Distance: ~9,535 miles (15,343 km)
• Duration: ~18h 25m
• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR

This flight is virtually neck-and-neck with the JFK–Singapore route — just two miles shorter — and uses the same specialized Airbus A350-900ULR designed for ultra-long-haul comfort. It departs Singapore in the early morning and arrives in Newark the same day, despite being in the air for over 18 hours.

I’ve flown this one as well, and in many ways it feels identical to the JFK service: a quiet, spacious cabin, stellar service, and a schedule that’s carefully planned to help reduce jet lag. The main difference is the Newark arrival, which for some travelers is more convenient if they’re connecting to other East Coast cities.

My tips for this flight:

• Consider which New York–area airport works best for your plans. If you’re headed straight into Manhattan or points west, Newark may save you time compared to JFK.
• Premium economy is solid value here. You’ll still get enhanced recline, extra legroom, and Singapore Airlines’ excellent meal service at a fraction of the business-class price.
• Bring your own entertainment backup. While the KrisWorld system is extensive, having downloaded shows or playlists makes the hours pass faster, especially if you wake up in the middle of the night mid-Pacific.

For me, this flight’s biggest perk is avoiding any U.S. domestic connection after 18+ hours in the air…stepping off in Newark and heading straight home is priceless.

3. Auckland (AKL) – Doha (DOH) — Qatar Airways QR921

• Distance: ~9,032 miles (14,535 km)
• Duration: ~16h 34m
• Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR

This route is a serious endurance test — a long Trans-Pacific segment followed by a massive Indian Ocean crossing — and it’s been a consistent contender in the top three longest flights for years. It connects New Zealand’s North Island directly to Qatar’s capital, making it a critical link for both leisure and business travelers.

While I haven’t flown this exact flight end-to-end, I’ve done similar Qatar Airways ultra-long-hauls and can vouch for the experience. The airline’s Qsuite business class is one of the best in the world, with private sliding doors, dine-on-demand service, and the ability to turn two seats into a double bed — a dream setup for couples. Even in economy, the service is polished and the cabin crews are attentive, with frequent meal and drink service to break up the long journey.

My tips for this flight:

• Book Qsuite if possible. It turns an ultra-long-haul into a genuinely enjoyable experience, and the privacy makes it easier to sleep.
• Mind the departure time. This flight leaves Auckland in the evening, so I try to eat lightly before boarding, get a few hours of rest early on, and then adjust to Doha time midflight.
• Hydrate and move. The 777-200LR has a relatively roomy cabin, so I make a point to walk the aisles a few times during the flight.

At just over 16 and a half hours, this is one of the few flights where you really feel like you’ve traveled halfway around the world…because you have.

4. Perth (PER) – London Heathrow (LHR) — Qantas QF9

• Distance: ~9,009 miles (14,498 km)
• Duration: ~17h 15m
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

This Australia–Europe nonstop was a game-changer when it launched, and it remains one of the most efficient ways to connect the two continents. It’s also a relatively new entry into the world’s longest flights list, overtaking older routes thanks to the fuel efficiency and range of modern aircraft like the 787-9.

I’ve flown Qantas long-hauls before. And what stands out is how much thought they’ve put into making ultra-long-haul travel more bearable. On QF9, they’ve designed a special onboard menu with ingredients meant to help with hydration and digestion, plus adjusted cabin lighting to encourage better sleep cycles. The Dreamliner’s larger windows and improved cabin pressure also make a noticeable difference on a 17-hour journey.

My tips for this flight:

• Book a seat toward the front of the cabin. The reduced engine noise and quicker meal service make a difference on such a long leg.
• Use Perth as a “jet lag buffer.” If you’re coming from another part of Australia, overnight in Perth before flying to London to break up the journey.
• Stay active. The 787-9 has a bit more aisle space than older aircraft, so I make a point to get up and stretch every few hours.

Flying directly from Western Australia to the UK in one go still feels surreal. No stopovers in the Middle East or Asia, just one long, sleek leap across the globe.

5. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Melbourne (MEL) — Qantas QF22

• Distance: ~8,992 miles (14,474 km)
• Duration: ~17h 35m
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

This ultra-long-haul route is part of Qantas’ growing network of nonstop U.S.–Australia flights, giving travelers in the central and eastern United States a direct link to Melbourne without the West Coast connection. It’s a serious time saver, cutting hours off the journey compared to itineraries that require transits through Los Angeles or Sydney.

I haven’t flown this exact route yet, but I’ve done similar Qantas 787-9 long-hauls, and they’ve consistently impressed me with how they handle the demands of 17+ hours in the air. The Dreamliner’s cabin humidity and lower pressurization make a noticeable difference in how you feel after landing. Qantas also staggers meal service and offers snacks throughout the flight. This helps keep your energy up on such a long trip.

My tips for this flight:

• Aim for the side pair seats in premium economy. On the 787-9, the 2-3-2 layout means those side pairs feel more private and are great for couples.
• Plan your sleep based on arrival. This flight arrives in Melbourne in the morning, so I recommend sleeping during the first half of the flight and staying awake for the second half.
• Hydration is your friend. Even with the Dreamliner’s better cabin air, 17 hours can dry you out quickly. I keep a water bottle at my seat at all times.

For travelers connecting beyond Melbourne — to Tasmania, Adelaide, or even New Zealand — this route makes the journey smoother and less fragmented.

6. Perth (PER) – Paris (CDG) — Qantas QF33

• Distance: ~8,863 miles (14,265 km)
• Duration: ~17h 20m
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

This seasonal nonstop is one of Qantas’ more intriguing long-haul additions, directly linking Western Australia to Paris without the usual stop in Asia or the Middle East. For Australians heading to Europe — especially during the busy summer travel season — it’s a huge time-saver and an appealing alternative to the London route.

I haven’t flown this exact pairing yet, but I’ve done enough long-haul Dreamliner flights on Qantas to know the experience is a notch above most carriers. The 787-9 is equipped with upgraded cabin humidity, lower altitude pressurization, and larger windows, all of which help reduce fatigue after 17+ hours in the air. Qantas has also been strategic with meal timing and lighting on these flights to help passengers adjust faster to the big time-zone jump.

My tips for this flight:

• If you’re connecting from elsewhere in Australia, overnight in Perth. It breaks up the trip and makes the long haul more manageable.
• Consider premium economy for better rest. The extra legroom, wider seats, and upgraded service are worth it on an overnight flight of this length.
• Use the arrival time to your advantage. You’ll land in Paris in the early morning…perfect for dropping your bags and jumping straight into sightseeing to fight jet lag.

For travelers who want to skip the London connection and head straight to mainland Europe, this route is a game-changer. This is especially true if you’re starting in Western Australia.

7. New York (JFK) – Auckland (AKL) — Qantas NZ1/QF4

• Distance: ~8,828 miles (14,205 km)
• Duration: ~17h 35m
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

This route is one of the most exciting re-entries to the longest flights list. For years, traveling between New York and New Zealand meant at least one — often two — stops, but thanks to the range and efficiency of the Dreamliner, you can now fly it nonstop. Operated by Qantas in partnership with Air New Zealand, this transpacific marathon has replaced older long-haul contenders like Manila–New York.

I haven’t flown this exact pairing yet, but I’ve crossed the Pacific on similar-length Dreamliner flights, and the comfort upgrade over older aircraft is noticeable. Larger windows, better cabin air pressure, and improved humidity all help with that “I just flew halfway around the planet” fatigue.

My tips for this flight:

• Choose your seat for sleep. On the 787-9, I like a window seat toward the front of economy or in premium economy for a quieter cabin and less foot traffic.
• Plan your in-flight routine. Since you cross the International Date Line, it’s easy to lose track of time. I set my watch to Auckland time at boarding and plan meals and naps accordingly.
• Bring layers. Even with the improved cabin environment, temperatures can fluctuate during such a long flight.

For travelers heading to New Zealand from the U.S. East Coast, this nonstop is a massive time-saver and makes Auckland feel more connected to North America than ever before.

8. Singapore (SIN) – Los Angeles (LAX) — Singapore Airlines SQ37/SQ35

• Distance: ~8,765 miles (14,101 km)
• Duration: ~17h 35m
• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR

This is still one of the longest nonstop flights connecting Southeast Asia to the U.S. West Coast, and it’s a true test of endurance — nearly 18 hours in the air, crossing the Pacific and multiple time zones. For West Coast travelers heading to Singapore or beyond into Southeast Asia, it’s the fastest way to get there without a layover.

I’ve flown similar Singapore Airlines ultra-long-hauls, and what stands out is how well they manage passenger comfort over these marathon distances. The A350-900ULR’s spacious cabin layout, lower cabin altitude, and carefully timed lighting cycles make a noticeable difference in how you feel when you land. Service is, as always with Singapore Airlines, polished and attentive, with multiple meal services and snacks available throughout the flight.

My tips for this flight:

• Consider breaking it up with a stopover — or go all in. If you’ve never done a nonstop of this length, be prepared mentally and physically.
• Choose your seat strategically. Window seats give you a place to lean for sleep, but aisle seats make it easier to move around — which is key on such a long leg.
• Stay synced to your destination time. I change my devices to Singapore time at boarding and try to align my sleep with morning in Singapore, even if it feels unnatural in the moment.

If you want to see just how far modern aviation can take you without touching down, this route is one of the ultimate nonstop experiences.

9. Los Angeles (LAX) – Singapore (SIN) — Singapore Airlines SQ37/SQ35

• Distance: ~8,770 miles (14,114 km)
• Duration: ~17h 50m
• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 / A350-900ULR

This route is a powerhouse in the ultra-long-haul world, connecting the U.S. West Coast directly to Singapore in just under 18 hours. It’s been in operation for years, and Singapore Airlines has refined the experience so it runs like clockwork. While some flights are operated with the standard A350-900 layout, certain departures use the A350-900ULR configuration — the same aircraft used for the world’s longest flights — which offers more premium seating and fewer total passengers.

I’ve flown Singapore Airlines long-hauls many times, and the difference in comfort is obvious: quieter cabins, carefully timed lighting and meal service to help with jet lag, and genuinely attentive crew members who don’t disappear after the first service. Even in economy, the seat pitch and ergonomics make a huge difference over this distance.

My tips for this flight:

• Aim for the ULR version if you can. The premium-heavy layout means more space per passenger and a quieter cabin.
• Choose your side of the plane wisely. On westbound flights, a window seat on the right-hand side often gives you better views of the Pacific islands and coastline approaches.
• Manage your rest strategically. I like to get a solid sleep block in the middle of the flight, then wake up a few hours before arrival to eat, hydrate, and reset my body clock to Singapore time.

For West Coast travelers heading to Southeast Asia, this flight eliminates a layover in Japan or Hong Kong and gets you straight to one of Asia’s best hubs in a single leap.

FAQs about the longest nonstop flights in the world

Here are some super interesting questions I’ve gotten over the years about flying on the longest nonstop flights in the world.

What is the longest nonstop flight in the world right now?

As of 2025, the longest regularly scheduled nonstop flight is Singapore Airlines Flight SQ23 from Singapore (SIN) to New York–JFK. It covers about 9,537 miles and takes roughly 18 hours and 50 minutes. I’ve flown this route, and while it sounds daunting, Singapore Airlines does an incredible job making it comfortable…the service, food, and cabin design really help break up the time.

How do you survive a flight that’s over 17 hours long?

For me, it comes down to three things: hydration, movement, and timing my sleep to the destination. I drink water regularly (no alcohol for the first half of the flight), get up to stretch or walk every 2–3 hours, and use an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones to get proper rest. On ultra-long flights, I’ll also pack a change of clothes so I feel fresher after 10+ hours in the same seat.

Which seats are best on ultra-long-haul flights?

I always check the seat map before booking. On long flights, I prefer an aisle seat for easier movement, especially on overnight legs. If I’m flying business class, I choose a window seat for privacy. On certain aircraft like the Airbus A350-900ULR, premium economy can be a great compromise if business class isn’t in the budget.

Are ultra-long flights more expensive?

Not always. I’ve found that booking far in advance or using airline miles can make these flights surprisingly affordable compared to connecting routes. Some airlines even price them competitively to attract passengers who value the nonstop convenience.

How do you fight jet lag after such a long flight?

I start adjusting my sleep schedule a couple of days before departure and try to match it to the destination’s time zone. On the plane, I use short naps strategically rather than sleeping the whole way. Once I land, I get outside in daylight as soon as possible…that sunlight helps reset my body clock faster.

Are these flights worth it compared to connecting flights?

If you value your time and hate airport layovers, yes. I’ve done both, and while sitting on a plane for nearly 19 hours isn’t exactly glamorous, I’d still rather do it once than deal with two or three separate flights and hours of airport downtime.

Quick recap on the longest flights around the world

Most airlines offer direct flights, from the cheapest international airlines to the best airlines in the world. Very few offer nonstop flights as long as the ones on this list, however we’re talking 16 to nearly 19 hours in the air without a break. I’ve flown several of these routes myself, and while they’re impressive feats of aviation, they can also be physically demanding.

If you’re thinking about taking any of these routes, you might want to look into making the most of your trip by flying first class or business class. The added comfort, extra space, and upgraded service make a huge difference when you’re essentially spending an entire day onboard. Even premium economy can be a worthwhile upgrade on ultra-long-haul flights if business class isn’t in the budget. Whether you’re flying for business, visiting family on the other side of the world, or just chasing the adventure of a record-breaking route, these flights prove just how far (and comfortably) modern air travel can take us.