As the aviation industry continues to innovate, airlines are now offering some of the longest nonstop flights in history, connecting cities separated by vast oceans and continents—all without the need for a layover. According to OAG Aviation (2024), here are the five longest flights in the world without a layover, based on distance, duration, and operating airline.
1. New York JFK, U.S. - Singapore
• Distance: 15,332 km
• Approx. Time: 18 hours 40 minutes
• Airline: Singapore Airlines
This route holds the title for the longest nonstop commercial flight in the world. Operated by Singapore Airlines, it offers a direct link between two global financial hubs, combining endurance and luxury on one of aviation’s greatest feats.
2. Newark, U.S. - Singapore
• Distance: 15,329 km
• Approx. Time: 18 hours 38 minutes
• Airline: Singapore Airlines
Barely shorter than its JFK counterpart, this Newark-Singapore route also ranks among the world’s longest flights. It’s another strategic route by Singapore Airlines, targeting East Coast U.S. travelers bound for Southeast Asia.
3. Auckland, New Zealand - Doha, Qatar
• Distance: 14,526 km
• Approx. Time: 17 hours 15 minutes
• Airline: Qatar Airways
Connecting the South Pacific with the Middle East, this ultra-long-haul service by Qatar Airways stands out not just for its distance, but for offering seamless travel across vastly different time zones and hemispheres.
4. Perth, Australia - London Heathrow, U.K.
• Distance: 14,499 km
• Approx. Time: 17 hours 45 minutes
• Airline: Qantas
This historic Qantas route marked the first direct flight between Australia and the U.K., eliminating the need for stopovers and redefining how Australians travel to Europe.
5. Dallas Fort Worth, U.S. - Melbourne, Australia
• Distance: 14,468 km
• Approx. Time: 17 hours 35 minutes
• Airline: Qantas
Spanning the Pacific, this route connects the southern U.S. with Australia’s cultural capital. Operated by Qantas, it offers an essential bridge for both business and leisure travelers between the two nations.
Aviation’s Future: Nonstop and Ultra-Connected
These ultra-long-haul flights symbolize how modern aviation is redefining global connectivity. As aircraft technology and fuel efficiency continue to improve, airlines are now capable of linking the farthest corners of the globe—directly and comfortably. For passengers, this means fewer connections, less travel time, and the ability to reach distant destinations in a single leap.
Source: OAG Aviation (2024)
