The world’s longest flights are getting even longer.
Australian flag carrier Qantas is expected to launch an up to 22-hour flight between Sydney and London in October 2027, known as “Project Sunrise.” At just over 10,500 miles, it would become the world’s longest flight — a trek made possible by a specially designed Airbus A350-1000ULR with an extra fuel tank and reduced seat capacity.
The airline’s second Project Sunrise route will be a 10,000-mile flight from Sydney to New York.
Qantas’ new routes would effectively dethrone Singapore Airlines’ flights from Singapore to New York-JFK and New Jersey’s Newark Liberty, both of which take about 19 hours and cross 9,500 miles.
The routes use a modified, premium-only Airbus A350-900ULR, the smaller sibling of the -1000 model.
The ranking of the world’s 10 longest flights has steadily shifted as demand for ultra-long-haul flying — typically defined as 16 hours or more and over 8,000 miles — has surged.
Passengers are increasingly willing to spend nearly a full day on a plane rather than endure the added time and stress of a layover, where bags can be lost or connections missed.
Travelers who are not, however, should consider stopover deals in airline hubs.
Ultra-long-haul aircraft typically feature premium-heavy cabins as airlines capitalize on growing demand for more comfort, potentially leading to higher ticket prices.
Singapore’s A350-900ULRs, for example, only have pricier business and premium economy cabins.
Fares typically start around $1,500 round-trip this fall.
Other routes on the list, like China Southern Airlines’ Shenzhen-Mexico City flight, charge more than $2,000 for the cheapest seat.
First class tickets on Qantas, Emirates, and Qatar Airways often exceed $20,000.
These are the world’s longest flights, ranked by distance, according to data from the aviation analytics company Cirium.
Qantas will take over the top spots once Project Sunrise launches next year.
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