The World’s New Longest Flight Lasts 20 Hours

In 20 hours, you could bike the entire 200 miles from Baltimore, Maryland, to New York City (with time to spare). You could binge-watch the complete Lord of the Rings trilogy alongside The Hobbit trilogy. Or you could embark on the world’s longest flight.

Beginning in late 2025, Australia’s flag carrier Qantas Airways will introduce the longest nonstop route from Sydney Airport to Heathrow Airport in London, a venture Qantas has named Project Sunrise. This flight will span 10,576 miles, allowing passengers to experience two sunrises during the journey due to crossing multiple time zones.

Onboard the Aircraft

The flights will utilize Airbus A350-1000s, the largest wide-body aircraft in the airline industry. While this aircraft model typically accommodates 350 to 410 passengers, the Project Sunrise version will feature just 238 seats, including 6 first-class suites, 52 business-class suites, 40 premium economy seats (in a two-four-two layout), and 140 economy seats (in a three-three-three layout). Passengers will also have access to an onboard “Wellbeing Zone,” a dedicated area for movement that includes a self-service snack bar. Details on ticket pricing and in-flight service remain unavailable.

How Airlines Manage Super Long-Haul Flights

John Grant, a partner at aviation consulting firm MIDAS Aviation, explained to Dinogo that the technology for operating super-long-haul flights has been available for several years. The challenge has been more about awaiting aircraft deliveries and validating the market demand, which Qantas has tested with its Perth to London service over recent years.

“The route needs to be operated with fewer seats than the typical configuration, which lightens the aircraft and enhances its range,” Grant stated. “However, for this to work profitably, there must be confidence that Qantas can attract premium passengers. The positive response from the Perth service has demonstrated that the demand exists, making the Sydney route a logical next step.”

The direct flight from Qantas connecting Perth to London launched in March 2018. Covering a distance of 9,000 miles, the journey takes just over 17 hours. According to Qantas’s website, one-way economy fares from Perth to London in July begin at $1,159.

Laurie Garrow, a civil engineering professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology and president of AGIFORS, a nonprofit focused on airline research, shared similar views with Dinogo, stating, “What’s particularly fascinating is that Qantas believes that by enhancing the onboard experience and offering more space, travelers will be willing to undertake these super long-haul flights.”

The World’s Current Longest Flight

At present, the title for the longest flight in the world is held by Singapore Airlines’ route from New York City to Singapore. This route spans 9,585 miles between Singapore’s Changi Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, taking 18 hours and 40 minutes. The airline has been operating this route since 2021.

Advantages of Long-Haul Flights

Garrow noted that as air travel recovers from the pandemic, connections can pose risks. Ongoing staffing shortages may lead to flight delays, which could cause passengers to miss their connecting flights.

“More stops increase the likelihood of complications,” Garrow explained. “With a nonstop flight, once you’re onboard, you can be assured you’ll reach your destination, which adds to its appeal.”

Nonetheless, Grant doesn't foresee any airlines challenging Qantas for the title of longest flight in the near future.

“I don’t believe there will be many additional markets or nonstop routes like Sydney to London that remain unserved,” Grant remarked.