With advancement in aviation sector, it is now possible to travel from one corner of the world to another without any layover. Over the years, the passenger’s experience has been enhanced with impressive features like jet lag–reducing lighting, healthier meals, and better seating. As a result, ultra-long-haul flights are becoming even longer.
At present, the world’s longest flight is a nearly 19-hour journey from New York (JFK) to Singapore, covering 9,585 miles. Operated by Singapore Airlines, it uses an Airbus A350-900ULR with 67 business-class pods and 94 premium economy seats—no standard economy seats are available.
The Airbus A350-900ULR features an upgraded fuel system that boosts capacity by 24,000 litres, all without adding extra tanks.
Departing JFK at approximately 11.30pm each day, the flight lands in Singapore around 6am two days later. The return journey leaves Singapore at 12.30pm and reaches New York around 6pm the following day.
Singapore Airlines tickets include meals at no extra cost. On these ultra-long-haul flights, passengers are served a bread roll, main course, cheese and crackers, and dessert.
Recent economy meal options feature dishes like fried beef in oyster sauce with egg noodles, choi sum, and carrots, or paneer korma with eggplant masala and basmati rice. Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are also available.
Antony McNeil, Singapore Airlines’ food and beverage director, told USA Today Travel: “The intention is that within three hours of departing, you’ve already started your first meal service.
“Then six, seven hours [later], the crew will come back, so midflight you’re eating quite a large meal. If you want to sleep on departure, you know you’re not going to miss out.
“The meals that we offer at those times of the flight allow you to rest more comfortably. They are really designed to help you feel fuller for longer, so you’re not looking for snacks”.
Despite its ultra-long routes, Singapore Airlines doesn’t hold the record for the longest continuous flight. That title belongs to a small fixed-wing aircraft, the Cessna 172, which set the record in the late 1950s with an astonishing flight lasting 64 days, 22 hours, and 19 minutes.
Australian carrier Qantas is set to claim the title of the world’s longest commercial flight in 2026 with its much-anticipated nonstop round-trip routes from Sydney to New York and London. Known as “Project Sunrise,” these flights are expected to last up to 20 hours each way.