Long-haul flights have become a common experience for travelers crossing continents, particularly between the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Many of these flights easily exceed 10 hours, making them some of the longest commercial routes in the world. But which flight currently holds the title of the longest?
Understanding Flight Distances: The Great Circle Distance
Before diving into the longest flights, it’s important to understand how flight paths are measured. The shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere (like Earth) is known as the great circle distance. However, in reality, commercial aircraft often deviate from this optimal path due to factors like weather conditions, air traffic, or restricted airspace, resulting in slightly longer actual distances.
In this article, we’ll focus on the longest flights based on time rather than distance. After all, when you’re cramped in an economy seat, time feels like the more pressing concern.
1. New York (JFK) to Singapore Changi (SIN)
Currently, the longest commercial flight in the world is operated by Singapore Airlines, connecting two major economic hubs: New York and Singapore. This route covers a great circle distance of just over 9,500 miles (15,289 km), and the direct flight typically lasts an average of 18 hours and 40 minutes. This epic journey gives passengers almost 19 hours in the air, setting the benchmark for the longest flight available.
2. San Francisco (SFO) to Bengaluru, India (BLR)
The route from San Francisco to Bengaluru, operated by Air India, is another marathon flight, covering about 9,700 miles (15,610 km). This flight usually takes 17 hours and 55 minutes to complete. It connects the cultural capital of California with one of India’s major technology hubs.
3. Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) to Doha, Qatar (DOH)
Qatar Airways offers one of the longest flights from Auckland to Doha, covering 9,026 miles (14,526 km). The estimated flight time on this route is 17 hours and 30 minutes aboard an Airbus A350-900. This route takes passengers from the lush landscapes of New Zealand to the deserts of Qatar.
4. Perth, Australia (PER) to London Heathrow (LHR)
This Qantas Airways route connects Perth with London Heathrow, covering 9,010 miles (14,500 km). The flight is quoted at 17 hours and 35 minutes, taking passengers from the summer heat of Australia to the often cooler climate of the UK.
5. Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Melbourne, Australia (MEL)
Dallas Fort Worth to Melbourne is another lengthy flight, operated by Qantas. This route covers 8,990 miles (14,468 km) and has a flight time of 17 hours and 35 minutes. It’s a long journey from Texas to Australia’s southern coast.
6. Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Perth, Australia (PER)
Travelers can fly direct from Paris to Perth with Qantas, covering 8,863 miles (14,264 km) in 17 hours and 25 minutes. This route offers a direct connection between two iconic destinations: the City of Light and the gateway to Western Australia.
7. Houston (IAH) to Sydney, Australia (SYD)
United Airlines previously operated this long-haul route from Houston to Sydney, covering 8,895 miles (14,315 km) in 17 hours and 26 minutes. While this flight has been discontinued, it was one of the longest flights when it was in operation.
8. Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) to New York (JFK)
Two direct routes connect Auckland to New York, operated by Qantas and American Airlines, as well as United Airlines and Air New Zealand. Both routes are nearly identical, covering 8,828 miles (14,207 km) with a flight time of 16 hours and 15 minutes.
9. Shenzhen, China (SZX) to Mexico City (MEX)
China Southern operates a flight from Shenzhen to Mexico City, covering 8,776 miles (14,123 km) in about 16 hours. This route connects two major economic centers in China and Mexico.
10. Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore Changi (SIN)
Singapore Airlines also operates a long-haul route from Los Angeles to Singapore, covering 8,758 miles (14,095 km). This flight aboard an Airbus A350-900 has a quoted time of 15 hours and 55 minutes, taking passengers from the entertainment capital of the world to one of the most vibrant cities in Asia.
Conclusion
While many of us might dread the idea of spending nearly 19 hours on a plane, these flights represent the pinnacle of modern aviation, connecting distant parts of the world in a single, nonstop journey. Whether you’re flying from New York to Singapore or from San Francisco to Bengaluru, these marathon flights are a testament to the advancements in aviation technology and the increasing connectivity of our global society.
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