What is the longest flight time in the world? The battle to claim the bragging rights for operating the world’s longest airline flight is a fiercely contested one. Some measure by miles flown, others by time in the air. Whichever way you look at it, completing a flight that makes the top ten is no mean feat, unless you are traveling in one of the best business class airlines. Discover the longest flights in the world.
1. Qatar Airways AKL-DOH: 9000 miles (longest flight in the world)
The route linking New Zealand’s largest city to the Qatari capital is currently the only flight to break the 9000 miles barrier. This is the longest flight in the world. Clocking in at a whopping 9031 miles, you’ll be in the air for an estimated 17 hours and 40 minutes. That it can be done at all is testament to the development of longer range aircraft. Singapore Airlines is set to relaunch its New York to Singapore route which will cover a range of 9500 miles using the Airbus A350-900ULR, due to be delivered sometime in 2018.
For those lucky ones who fly in business class, you’ll be pleased to find out that Qatar Airways has arguably the best business class seats in the world.
2. Emirates AKL-DXB: 8824 miles
The City of Sails is also the focus for Emirates’ effort, with its Auckland to Dubai route coming in at 8824 miles, the second longest flight in the world. Using the Boeing 777-200LR as well as the Airbus A380-800, it’s a comfortable ride whichever way you look at it.
3. United LAX-SIN: 8770 miles
The Californian hubs shape up well to make the list, with United’s 8770 mile route from Los Angeles to Singapore edging out those taking off from San Francisco. Launched late last year, it’s the first time these two cities have been linked since Singapore Airlines pulled the route in 2013, and this is the third longest flight in the world.
4. Qantas DFW-SYD: 8578 miles
For now at least, Australian flag carrier Qantas have to content themselves with fourth place, racking up 8578 miles on this 17 hour 10 minute flight from Dallas to Sydney. But with the launch of the first direct offering from the UK to Perth in March 2018, they’re set to climb the rankings – that flight will have a range of 9009 miles.
5. United/Singapore SFO-SIN: 8446 miles
Los Angeles might have the edge, but San Francisco’s not far behind on the Singapore route when it comes to miles covered – snapping at its heels on 8446 miles. Whether you fly Singapore Airlines or United is up to you.
6. Delta JNB-ATL: 8439 miles
Atlanta-based Delta looks to Africa for its longest flight. Taking to the air from Johannesburg in South Africa bound for its Georgia hub, you’ll cover 8439 miles in the proven Boeing 777-200LR. But unlike the fleet used by Emirates, you’ll only find power sockets on certain economy seats, so pack a charger – or an eye mask – just in case.
7.8. 9. 10. The final four places all top an impressive 8300 miles. Etihad’s 8390 mile journey to Los Angeles from Abu Dhabi pips neighbour Emirates’ Dubai flight to the City of Angels by a mere 51 miles. Meanwhile Saudia’s flight from Jeddah to Los Angeles is just 7 miles shorter. Qatar’s 8306 mile Doha to LA route rounds off the list as it stands right now.
