This Flight Just Broke Records as the Longest in the World

There’s a new record for the world’s longest nonstop flight, knocking Singapore Airlines’ JFK-SIN route from the top spot. As of October 2025, the winner is Xiamen Airlines’ 19 hour, 20 minute flight from New York (JFK) to Fuzhou (FOC) in southern China.

Ultra-long nonstop flights like this one have become increasingly viable as newer planes are able to hold more (and burn less) fuel and long-haul carriers introduce jet lag–reducing lighting, healthier food, and more comfortable seats, all amenities that entice passengers who might otherwise choose a layover.

Of course, frequent long-haul travelers’ opinions are divided on whether it’s better to take a really long flight or have a layover. Singapore-based TV executive Alysha Chopra often travels to Sydney, the U.S., and Europe, so she’s no stranger to hours on planes. “Long-haul flights are tiring,” she says, “but I’d much rather get there sooner than stop somewhere.”

What is the longest flight in the world in 2025?

The 7,0777 miles trip from New York’s JFK to Fuzhou Changle International Airport takes 19 hours and 20 minutes. Simple Flying and other aviation sites report that the flight is so long because it avoids Russian airspace (the nonstop flight from JFK to nearby Taipei takes about 16 hours). New York City is home to a sizable Fujianese population, and the JFK-FOC route sees around 160,000 passengers annually.

The top 10 longest nonstop flights by duration and distance

These ultra-long nonstop flights can save you time and avoid a missed connection. Still, if more than 17 hours up in the sky sounds too long, break up your journey on a stopover program in cities like Doha and Istanbul, where you can sightsee and stretch your legs. If you’re in it for the long-haul, or just curious, read on for the 10 longest flights in the world, ranked by time. Note that all flight times and distances are approximate and can be affected by wind and other weather.

What’s it like to take a 15+ hour flight?

I flew Qantas’s Dallas to Sydney 15-hour route, experiencing both business (going to Australia) and premium economy (on the way home).

Upon boarding the outward flight, a flight attendant introduced himself, noted the long length of the flight, and assured me that we were in this together and, should I need anything, to let him know. All Qantas business-class seats recline into a fully flat bed and have direct aisle access. But because of the pod-style seating, you feel a bit more insulated—I often didn’t notice people walking by.

Considering it was an overnight flight, I was exhausted and ready to sleep immediately after the meal service, a lengthy, multi-course affair that wrapped about two-and-a-half hours into the flight. After donning the complimentary pajamas, transforming the seat into a bed (which included adding a mattress topper, duvet, and pillow), and downing a melatonin gummy, I slumbered for roughly 10 hours, rousing only to roll over a couple of times. I woke up just before the breakfast service feeling refreshed—even more so after drinking a pair of cappuccinos. Being that I was able to sleep for almost two-thirds of the flight, the journey felt quick. I could have easily spent a few more hours aboard—provided there was a good movie to watch.

The return flight in premium economy was a different story. I was counting down the hours during that leg. While the service was great, my sleep was intermittent, which made the flight drag. I had opted for the aisle seat because I didn’t want to feel trapped if I needed to use the restroom. That decision meant I couldn’t lean on the window to sleep and was frequently bumped by other passengers headed to the lavatory. I landed in Dallas crabby and stiff.

The future of ultra-long nonstop flights

Turkish Airlines, which ranked sixth in Skytraxx’s annual airline awards, plans to launch a direct flight between Istanbul and Sydney in late 2026. The 9,300-mile flight is expected to take 17 hours. A direct flight between Istanbul and Melbourne is also in the works for mid 2027.

Australia’s national carrier Qantas has been working to debut non-stop flights from Sydney to London and to New York in early or mid 2027. These routes, called Project Sunrise because passengers will see the sun rise twice while in flight, are likely to be the longest flights int the world. Sydney to London is a staggering at 10,573 miles, and could take 20 hours, while the distance to New York is approximately 9,950 miles.

Related: Flying Internationally? This Airline Offers the Best Value in Business Class

This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on October 9, 2025, with current information. Sophie Friedman contributed to the reporting of this story.