longest journey flight

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The 10 Longest Nonstop Flights in the World (From a Points and Miles Perspective)

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

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Keri Stooksbury

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Michael Y. Park

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1. Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK) on Singapore Airlines: 9,537 Miles

What happened to cathay pacific, 2. singapore (sin) to newark (ewr) on singapore airlines: 9,535 miles, 3. doha (doh) to auckland (akl) on qatar airways: 9,032 miles, 4. perth (per) to london (lhr) on qantas: 9,009 miles, 5. melbourne (mel) to dallas (dfw) on qantas: 8,992 miles, 6. auckland (akl) to new york (jfk) on air new zealand : 8,828 miles, 7. dubai (dxb) to auckland (akl) on emirates: 8,824 miles, 8. singapore (sin) to los angeles (lax) on singapore airlines: 8,770 miles, 9. bengaluru (blr) to san francisco (sfo) on air india: 8,701 miles, 10. houston (iah) to sydney (syd) on united airlines: 8,596 miles, mapping the flights, boeing 777-200lr, boeing 787-9 dreamliner, airbus a350-900ulr, airbus a350-1000, airbus a380-800, final thoughts.

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If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re a true points-and-miles geek, here’s a quick test:

You’ve just booked a nearly 10,000-mile, 17-hour ultra-long-haul flight. What’s your immediate reaction?

• You cringe at the thought of most of a day spent in a cramped economy seat.
• You pop the bubbly, either literally or metaphorically.

If you answered the latter, you’re probably the kind of travel-hacking ninja who’s been ecstatic about the increasing number of ultra-long-haul flights. Heck, you may have already joined the legions of points nerds who go out of their way to hop on the longest commercial flights in the world. (Guilty!)

So why would anyone willingly subject themselves to nearly 10,000 miles and more than 17 hours on a tin can 40,000 feet in the air? Because they’re probably not flying economy.

For points-and-miles geeks, jetting around the world on one of the longest nonstop flights in existence means they get to maximize their time on the truly fantastic products they and their friends aspire to. It’s a big redemption win for hard-earned miles!

To that end, we’re diving into the 10 longest nonstop flights in the world and what they’re worth from a points perspective — along with fun facts about the aircraft primed to get you to your destination.

And if you didn’t pass the points-and-miles geek test this time, one of these fabulous redemptions might convert you!

The Top 10 Longest Nonstop Flights in the World

Airlines use nautical miles, not on-the-ground miles. Every nautical mile is equal to a little over 1.15 land-based, or statute, miles. However, for the purposes of this article, we’re sticking to the more familiar statute miles unless otherwise stated. We’re also not including the return flights on the same routes.

Scheduled flight time: 18 hours, 50 minutes Flight Number : SQ 24 Aircraft:  Airbus   A350-900ULR Best business class redemption: 111,500 Singapore KrisFlyer miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards , Brex Rewards , Capital One Miles , Chase Ultimate Rewards , Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy )

Though it was temporarily dethroned last winter by Cathay Pacific’s improvised Hong Kong-to-New York route (keep reading to find out why), Singapore Airlines has again regained its crown for longest-distance commercial flight.

• Watch all 7 movies in the “Mission Impossible” franchise, “Top Gun,” and “Top Gun: Maverick” and still have about 25 minutes left over — or enough time to catch much of the 2005 episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” with that infamous couch-jumping interview with Tom Cruise.
• Mileage-wise, drive from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon, and back again — and then turn around and drive to Portland, Oregon 1 more time.

The A350-900ULR on this route uses 94 premium economy and 67 business class seats.

These incredibly long flights halfway around the world won’t pay for themselves! Before you pack your bags, think about what you’re packing in your wallet: Check out our guide to the best credit cards for travelers .

Though Singapore Airlines has long ruled the roost of long-distance flights, it wasn’t on top from 2022 to early 2023. That’s when Cathay Pacific flew A350-1000s from New York City (JFK) to Hong Kong (HKG), listed at 10,326 miles for 17 hours and 50 minutes. Cathay Pacific pilots relied on strong but seasonal tailwinds to make the flight possible without consuming too much fuel.

Cathay Pacific chose this incredibly long flight path because of the Russia-Ukraine war. The short-lived route took planes over the Atlantic Ocean, over the U.K., through southern Europe, and over parts of Central Asia to avoid flying through Russian airspace.

Japan Airlines similarly did a temporary, much longer rerouting for flights from Tokyo to London for the same reason, going eastbound over the Pacific instead of westbound through Russia. Cathay Pacific has since returned to a more conventional flight plan over the Pacific with a shorter official flight distance of just over 8,000 miles.

• In terms of time, the temporary Cathay Pacific JFK to HKG route was long enough to watch all 10 of the “Star Trek” feature films in which James T. Kirk is the lead character (i.e., all of the original series and J.J. Abrams-reboot movies but omitting the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” films), with 1 minute to spare.
• It was also about the same distance as driving from the southernmost point in the continental U.S. — Key West, Florida — to the northernmost U.S. settlement —- Utqiagvik, Alaska, formerly known as Barrow — then deciding it was too cold and driving back down to sunny San Antonio, Texas, instead. By the way, you should never attempt to drive to Utqiagvik, even in a snowcat, during the short window when the sea ice is solid enough for some crossings.

Want to make the whole longest-flight-in-the-world debate even more confusing? Despite airlines’ listed flight distances for routes, pilots routinely take advantage of conditions like jet streams, which can shorten the flight time but increase the distance. So, though the official flight distance of SQ 24 is around 9,500 statute miles, in reality, it’s not unheard of for pilots on the route to actually cover more like 10,700 statute miles.)

Bottom line? Don’t take “official” records for longest flights too seriously.

Scheduled flight time: 18 hours, 25 minutes Flight number: SQ 22 Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR Best business class redemption: 111,500 Singapore KrisFlyer miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch all of the original “Harry Potter” movies (“Sorcerer’s Stone” to “Death Hallows: Part 2”) without credits, with 13 minutes left over, or about enough time for a quick meal with the Yule Ball dinner scene on pause during “Goblet of Fire.”
• Mileage-wise, drive from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Los Angeles to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and back — and then do most of the round-trip journey all over again. (Get your portkey ready as you near Tucson, Arizona, for the fourth time.)

This flight crosses a seemingly impossible 10 time zones!

Scheduled flight time:  17 hours, 20 minutes Flight number: QR 920 Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000 Best business class redemption: 140,000 Avios plus about $150 (transfer from British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerClub , Iberia Plus , Bilt Rewards , Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

Qatar resumed the longest nonstop route in its network on September 1, 2023, after putting it on hold for 3 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. For its return, the route now features Qatar’s newest plane, the Airbus A350-1000.

• Watch every Roger Moore James Bond movie, then throw in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” You could still get in 2 007-minute bathroom breaks.
• In terms of distance, you could drive 3 times between New York City (the site of the opening scene of Moore’s first Bond movie, “Live and Let Die”) to San Francisco (as in Moore’s final scene as Bond in “A View to a Kill”). You’d have about enough leftover miles to make it from San Francisco to San Diego and back once, futilely searching for “Moonraker” villain Hugo Drax’s “California” mansion (which was actually a chateau in France).

Scheduled flight time:  17 hours, 35 minutes Flight number: QF 9 Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Best business class redemption: 85,000 American miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy) Best first class redemption: 115,000 American miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch all 6 “Rocky” movies (including the 3 “Creed” spinoffs) and still have enough time to watch most of the “30 for 30” episode “42 to 1,” about Mike Tyson’s first defeat in the ring.
• Mileage-wise, drive from the steps Rocky ran up (at the Philadelphia Museum of Art) to the site of Rocky’s last fight (Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas) and back nearly twice.

Scheduled Flight Time:  17 hours, 35 minutes Flight number: QF 21 Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Best business class redemption: 55,000 Alaska miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy) Best first class redemption: 70,000 Alaska miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch all 5 feature films in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise , followed by both “Fantastic Beasts” movies that Johnny Depp appears in, leaving you about an hourlong break from your own personal Deppfest.
• Mileage-wise, make a round trip from pirate Jean Lafitte’s favorite haunt, New Orleans, to Pittsburgh, home of baseball’s Pirates, 4 times.

Qantas plans to use the A350-1000 to fly 2 of the world’s longest routes, Sydney to New York and Sydney to London, as early as 2025.

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 50 minutes Flight number: NZ 2 Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Best business class redemption: 120,000 ANA miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit” trilogy (theatrical editions) and still have about 40 minutes to spare.
• Mileage-wise, drive from Gimli, Manitoba, to Drake Bay, Costa Rica, and back — and still have time for a detour through part of the Rocky Mountains (which you can pretend are the Misty Mountains).

Scheduled flight time:  17 hours, 10 minutes Flight number: EK 448 Aircraft:  Airbus A380-800 Best business class redemption: 85,000 Japan Airlines miles plus a large cash surcharge one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy)

Emirates used to fly this route on the Boeing 777-200LR but is currently operating the larger, 2-level Airbus A380.

• Watch all 5 movies in the “Indiana Jones” franchise, plus all 3 movies in the “Jurassic Park” franchise (not including the “Jurassic World” sequels) with 1 minute of time to yourself free from adventuring scientists.
• Mileage-wise, drive from the state of Indiana to the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant (Roswell, New Mexico) and back nearly 4 times.

Scheduled flight time:  17 hours, 50 minutes Flight number: SQ 38 Aircraft:  Airbus A350-900ULR Best business class redemption : 135,000 Asiana miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy) or 200,000 United miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy) Best first class redemption : 180,000 Asiana miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch all 3 movies in “The Godfather” trilogy (original cuts), “Goodfellas,” “Casino,” and “The Departed” and still have a little under an hour to ponder the morality of your life choices.
• Mileage-wise, you could make the trip between Little Italy in New York City to Las Vegas nearly 3.5 times. Don’t forget to take the cannoli!

Scheduled flight time:  17 hours, 40 minutes Flight number: AI 175 Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR Best business class redemption: 100,000 Air Canada points plus about $35 in taxes and fees (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch all 5 movies in the “Die Hard” franchise, plus “The Fifth Element,” “The Sixth Sense,” and “12 Monkeys” for a Bruce Willis festival. Then, top it off with “Over the Hedge,” in which Willis plays a raccoon.
• Distance-wise, you could recreate the real-life trajectory of Bruce Willis by driving from his hometown of Carney’s Point, New Jersey, to Hollywood, California — 3 times.

The ancient Indian city of Bangalore officially changed its name back to its traditional, non-Anglicized Kannada name, Bengaluru, in November 2014, though many still refer to it by its colonial name.

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 35 minutes Flight number: UA 101 Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Best business class redemption: 250,000 United miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

United resurrected this route on October 28, 2023, after putting it on hold for 2 years because of the pandemic.

• Watch all 5 movies in the “Scream” franchise, then all 5 movies in the “Scary Movie” franchise.
• Mileage-wise, drive from the northern Illinois suburbs (where the granddaddy of slasher flicks, “Halloween,” was set) to Santa Rosa, California (the hub of most of the original “Scream” filming locations), and back. And then, like any horror franchise, do it all over again.

We ranked flights by distance rather than flight time because flight time can vary significantly for many reasons. Please note that because flight times vary so widely from flight to flight, the actual time you spend in the air will likely differ from the listed time if you take one of these trips.

We listed flights by the shortest distance between 2 points on the Earth’s surface, also known as the great circle distance. This can also differ from the actual distance for reasons including wind, severe weather, and the need to avoid closed airspace. 

Need trivia to throw out at your next AvGeek party? The record for the longest nonstop commercial flight in terms of time in the air is held by Qantas for its August 30, 1943, flight in a Consolidated PBY Catalina seaplane from what is now Sri Lanka to Australia.

It took 32 hours and 9 minutes to travel 3,512 statute miles. The route was nicknamed “The Double Sunrise” because it experienced 2 sunrises per flight — scheduled that way so that it flew through Japanese-occupied territory at night.

About the Aircraft

As planes become more fuel-efficient and fuel costs remain relatively low, we’ll continue to see big competition for a spot on the leaderboard for the longest nonstop flights in the world.

Boeing and Airbus continue to find new ways to increase the range and passenger capacity of their aircraft, allowing airlines to turn a profit from these ultra-long-haul flights.

These aircraft (currently) make up the roster for the longest nonstop flights in the world:

• Boeing 777-200LR — Air India
• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — Air New Zealand, Qantas, United
• Airbus A350-900ULR — Singapore Airlines
• Airbus A350-1000 — Qatar Airways, Qantas (by 2025)
• Airbus A380 — Emirates

Range: 9,845 miles/8,555 nautical miles/15,843 kilometers Capacity: 317 passengers Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.89/683 mph Engine:  GE90-115B turbofan

The Boeing 777 commercial series is made up of 3 long-range, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliners. Boeing says that the 777 aircraft provides considerably improved reach and increased revenue potential.

In 2015, General Electric proclaimed the GE90-115B turbofan engine the most powerful engine in the world . The GE90 series held the title of history’s largest aviation engine until the introduction of the GE9X, which began flight testing in 2018. The Boeing 777 series has also won several awards for its interior cabin design and passenger satisfaction.

The 777-200LR (the “LR” is for “Long Range”) is the aircraft of choice for Emirates’ Dubai-to-Auckland route and Air India’s Bengaluru-to-San Francisco route. Air India flies a 777-200LR previously flown by Delta Air Lines for this journey.

Range:  8,786 miles/7,635 nautical miles/4,140 kilometers Capacity: 290 passengers Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.85/652 mph Engine: GEnx-1B/Trent 1000

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner series comprises 3 midsize, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliners. Combined, the 787 series currently services over 170 nonstop flights worldwide. The 787-9, however, is the only Dreamliner to make it on the list of longest nonstop flights in the world.

Boeing says that its 787 series provides advantages. including higher distance range and fuel efficiency, more cargo volume, lower operating costs, and a more reliable aircraft.

The 787-9 is the aircraft of choice for all Qantas Perth-to-London and Melbourne-to-Dallas routes, and United’s Houston-to-Sydney flight.

Range:  11,163 miles/9,700 nautical miles/17,964 kilometers Capacity: 161 (SQ configuration — premium economy and business class only) Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.89/683 mph Engine: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84

Airbus introduced the A350 series in response to the success of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, and the A350-900 is the first member of the company’s Extra Wide Body, or XWB, a family of next-generation, high-efficiency, high-capacity passenger jets for long-haul flights.

The A350-900’s first test flight was in 2013, and it flew its first commercial flight (with Qatar Airways) in 2015. Currently, however, Singapore Airlines is the only airline to fly the A350-900ULR version of the -900.

That A350-900ULR variant (“ULR” for “Ultra Long Range”) is a lighter aircraft that can fly farther and is more cost-efficient than large double-decker jets like the 747 or A380. Because of the materials used, there’s also less maintenance required — an important aspect for global airlines. Passengers find the engine noise substantially quieter , too.

The main feature of the ULR is that the fuel tanks hold more fuel, critical for ultra-long-haul flights. In addition to extra fuel storage, there are aerodynamic improvements that allow the aircraft to serve routes that previously would have required a technical stop.

The A350-900ULR is the aircraft of choice for Singapore Airlines’ routes from Singapore to New York, Newark, and Los Angeles.

Range:  10,001 miles/8,700 nautical miles/16,112 kilometers Capacity: 480 passengers maximum (327 on Qatar Airways) Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.89/683 mph Engine: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97

Qatar Airways launched the first A350-1000 route in February 2018, traveling from Doha, Qatar, to London with 46 Qsuites and 281 economy seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.

Measuring 23 feet longer than the A350-900, the fuel-efficient A350-1000 is the largest version of the A350. It can squeeze in more dedicated passenger space, has a more powerful engine, and fits in more comfort-focused technology like climate zones, improved air circulation and filtration, and ambient lighting designed to reduce jet lag.

With a maximum range that’s 1,000 nautical miles shorter than the A350-900ULR’s, the A350-1000 hasn’t received Airbus designation as a ULR model.

Qantas has ordered A350-1000s that it plans on putting into service starting in 2025 . Singapore, which has today’s largest fleet of A350s, has standing orders with Airbus for dozens of A350s, with a clause that allows it to pick from either the -900 or -1000 variants closer to delivery.

Range:  9,206 miles/8,000 nautical miles/14,800 kilometers Capacity: 555 passengers maximum (489 on Emirates) Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.88/675 mph Engine: Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or GE-Pratt & Whitney GP-7200 turbofans

Also called the Super Jumbo, the Airbus A380-800 is the largest commercial passenger airplane in the world. It’s a double-decker that began development all the way back in the 1990s as a direct challenger to the then-dominant Boeing 747 when it came to long-haul flights. Early company visions of the plane even included the possibility of onboard shops, restaurants, and casinos.

The A380-800, sometimes called the A388, was the passenger variant of the 2 A380 models Airbus originally offered. The other option was the freighter version, the A380F.

Singapore Airlines was the first airline to fly the A380 in October 2007, with Emirates eventually amassing the largest fleet of A380s and becoming the leading A380 customer by far, accounting for nearly half of all orders of the A380.

But the shifting realities of the industry didn’t mesh well with a jet even larger than the 747, and the last A380 rolled off the production line in 2021, eclipsed by smaller, more efficient planes like the A330, A350, and 787.

The competition for the top spot on the list of the longest nonstop flights in the world won’t end any time soon. The only question is: How will the airlines choose to get there?

Within the past few years, we’ve seen the final flight of the last U.S. carrier-operated Boeing 747, once the hallmark of long-haul flights. In 2021, we saw several carriers announce plans to move away from the behemoth A380 to save on fuel and match current passenger demands. Moving forward, will airlines shy away from enormous jets in search of slimmer, more efficient aircraft? Or will the so-called superjumbos also evolve, eventually providing a more efficient and profitable means of carrying passengers around the world?

From a points perspective, we certainly hope jumbo jets make a comeback at some point. The optimized business and first class cabins of the more upscale carriers are every miles chaser’s dream.

Rewarding your hard-earned miles with 17 hours in business class on a 787-9 is unbeatable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the longest flight time in the world.

The longest nonstop commercial flight in the world is usually scheduled to last 18 hours and 50 minutes from Singapore (SIN) to New York City (JFK), serviced by Singapore Airlines.

What is the longest flight in the world by distance?

The longest flight in the world by distance is Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK) on Singapore Airlines, officially measuring 9,537 miles.

What plane can fly the farthest in the world?

The current record for the longest-distance commercial flight is held by a Boeing 777-200LR for a journey in 2005. This flight from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to London Heathrow (LHR) took the long way (vs. great circle distance) and was logged at 21,602 km (13,423 miles/11,664 nautical miles).

What is the largest plane in the world?

The largest commercial jet airliner in the world by capacity is the double-decker Airbus A380-800, which can hold up to 863 passengers. It’s also the biggest in terms of wingspan, at 261.7 feet. But the Airbus Super Jumbo loses out in length to the Boeing 747-8I (“I” for “Intercontinental”), which is 250 feet long, compared to the A380’s 238 feet.

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About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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The 15 Longest Flights in the World

From New York to Singapore and Perth to London, these are the longest flight routes in the world.

If you’re looking to maximize your time in the sky, you might consider taking the current longest flight in the world — just board a Singapore Airlines plane in New York City and disembark in Singapore 9,537 miles (and nearly 19 hours) later.

While that flight holds the current record, it isn’t the longest flight ever flown — the longest nonstop commercial flight ever operated happened back in March 2020. Air Tahiti Nui flew nonstop from Papeete, Tahiti to Paris, traveling 9,765 miles, bypassing its usual stopover in Los Angeles due to pandemic-related travel restrictions in place at the time. That record, however, will be surpassed by Qantas in 2025, when the airline launches its 10,573-mile flights between Sydney and London and its 9,950-mile flights between Sydney and New York.

Here is the current list of the top 15 longest flights in the world that are in operation. They are ordered according to distance, since this metric remains constant, as opposed to flight timing, which can vary according to season, weather, and airport conditions at different times of the year.

Of the below flights, the shortest estimated flight time clocks in at a whopping 14 hours and 30 minutes, so you’ll need to come prepared for the long haul. Wear a comfortable airplane outfit, grab your best travel pillow , and queue up your favorite TV shows and movies — you’ve got time to kill. And if there was ever a time to upgrade to first class , this is it.   

1. New York City (JFK) – Singapore (SIN)

Airline: Singapore Airlines

Distance: 9,537 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 18 hours, 50 minutes

2. Singapore (SIN) – Newark (EWR)

Distance: 9,523 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 18 hours, 45 minutes

3. Perth (PER) – London (LHR)

Airline: Qantas

Distance: 9,010 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 15 minutes

4. Melbourne (MEL) – Dallas (DFW)

Distance: 8,992 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 35 minutes

5. Auckland (AKL) – New York (JFK)

Airline: Air New Zealand and Qantas

Distance: 8,828 miles

6. Dubai (DXB) - Auckland (AKL)

Airline: Emirates

Distance: 8,824 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 10 minutes

7. Singapore (SIN) - Los Angeles (LAX)

Distance: 8,770 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 50 minutes

8. Bangalore (BLR) - San Francisco (SFO)

Airline: Air India

Distance: 8,701 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 40 minutes

9. Houston (IAH) - Sydney (SYD)

Airline: United Airlines

Distance: 8,596 miles

10. Sydney (SYD) - Dallas (DFW)

Distance: 8,576 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 15 hours, 20 minutes

11. Manila (MNL) - San Francisco (SFO)

Airline: Philippine Airlines

Distance: 8,520 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours

12. Singapore (SIN) - San Francisco (SFO)

Airline: Singapore Airlines and United Airlines

Distance: 8,446 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 14 hours, 30 minutes

13. Atlanta (ATL) - Johannesburg (JNB)

Airline: Delta

Distance: 8,439 miles

14. Mumbai (BOM) - San Francisco (SFO)

Distance: 8,406 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 16 hours

15. Dubai (DXB) - Los Angeles (LAX)

Distance: 8,339 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 16 hours, 20 minutes

On Board the Longest Flight in the World: What It's Like to Fly 19 Hours Nonstop

By Ramsey Qubein

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Airlines are pushing boundaries to connect far-flung global cities every year. The longest flight in the world, currently flown by Singapore Airlines , is proof. For travelers who want to visit loved ones—not to mention frequent fliers looking for new ways to earn and burn miles and points —this 19-hour journey from John F. Kennedy is a gem in the crown of ultra-long-haul travel. But even in first and business class, the prospect of such a long journey can be daunting. 

To see what the experience was really like, I recently hopped on Singapore Airlines’ nonstop route from New York to Singapore . On Singapore’s specially designed Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra long range) I was seated in business class, which takes up most of the plane ( premium economy occupies the back third of the aircraft—in a merciful move, the airline opted to not offer traditional economy class on such a long journey). True to Singapore's style, there were plenty of comfortable touches. Likewise, there were things I wish I knew about before, and would plan ahead for in the future. 

From the in-flight menu to the best seats in the house, this is exactly what it's like on the longest flight in the world, plus what to know before boarding it yourself.

What is the longest flight in the world really like?

Gearing up for a flight that stretches 19 hours takes mental preparation. I started by thinking about how I planned to spend time on board and what I wanted to do when I landed—and slowly adjusting my sleep pattern days before the flight.

Once on board, I settled into my seat, which is one of the widest business class thrones in the sky . I prepared my new home, laying out what I’d need during the flight and finding all the charging ports. The amenity kit and lavatories have some thoughtful products like a wrinkle-reducing spray for clothes (important after a long flight). Because this flight departs in the evening, some people opted to change into pajamas or loose-fitting clothing to help them get better rest—I committed to the spray.

Donning Pierre Balmain-designed sarong kebayas, flight attendants introduce themselves while I perused the nearly 1,000 entertainment options. The crew addresses every passenger by their last name, and by the end of the flight, they have memorized every passenger, even as they say goodbye one by one at the departure door.

After takeoff, it was time for drinks and a movie. Singapore flight attendants are masters at the craft of hospitality. Wine and Champagne are poured at the seat with an explanation of the vineyard and how each pairs well with dishes from the menu.

The multi-course meal was served with great fanfare and includes appetizers and main dishes from the airline’s partnership menu with Golden Door Spa . Served atop linens and tableware, the impressive meals specifically created for these super-long flights are served course by course. The menu and beverage list (including mocktails, juices, and smoothies) are designed for passengers to choose between more rest or energy before arrival. Some are high in anti-inflammatory properties while others are rich in free radicals and antioxidants.

Menu dishes include Hudson Valley-sourced trout with greens from the airline’s own aeroponic farm , or a braised short rib with cornbread pudding. Flight attendants told me that the Singaporean chicken rice is one of the most popular pre-order dishes.

Later in the flight, the mood lighting changes, even pulsing a bit at times. It’s all been thoughtfully designed to help ease jet lag as much as possible en route. The bathrooms are immaculate, and flight attendants typically clean them between passengers.

Singapore serves a meal after takeoff, but unlike most airlines, the second meal is mid-flight rather than before landing. It’s not a dine on demand service, like Qatar Airways , either. This is meant to follow peoples’ body clocks, but may interrupt your sleep. Midway through the flight, the lights come on, and flight attendants (still as immaculate as after takeoff) present another multi-course meal service. The airline’s famous satay and peanut sauce arrived with great fanfare, which was enough to make me feel ok about having to get up in the middle of my sleep.

After that, there is no other formal meal service, but the crew can deliver a range of menu items like sandwiches, soups, and salads, at any time. Luckily, this presents another chunk of time for sleeping: On the 19-hour flight, I slept for 11 hours in varying intervals, in large thanks to the meticulous turn down with linens and pillows.

What I wish I had known before departure

Singapore Airlines has two flights a day from the New York area (JFK and Newark). Technically, the JFK flight is just a bit longer at two miles more than Newark (9,527 miles versus 9,525).

The Singapore flight from JFK leaves in the evening, which means you can eat and then sleep hours after takeoff without needing to reset your internal clock . About halfway through the flight, you can wake up and enjoy more food, movies, and drinks (or catch up on work). Since the flight is so long, you still have time for another several hours of sleep before landing in Singapore in the morning, with the whole day ahead of you.

When departing Newark , the flight leaves in the morning. This means the reverse is true: you’re up for at least the first half of the flight and then naturally ready to sleep after that. But because the Newark flight lands in the evening, you probably don't want to sleep much mid-flight if you hope to rest on arrival.

My tips? Ask before takeoff for the exact meal service timing to mentally prepare your own sleeping and eating timetable. Also, don’t forget about Singapore’s Book the Cook service that allows you to order your preferred dish before takeoff. You’ll be able to select from more than a dozen options, which is more than what is offered on board. Lobster Thermidor? Thai or Indian curry dishes? Laksa soup? It’s all on offer (including for premium economy passengers), but only if you choose in advance.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

If you’re curious about the menu, the airline makes it available within the reservation page online about one week before departure. There’s also unlimited, free Wi-Fi for business class passengers. If I had known, I wouldn’t have downloaded so much work in advance, but I was grateful for the option to stay productive.

If you are flying premium economy, you’ll want to choose one of the solo window seats at the very back of the plane, which have extra space due to the curvature of the aircraft. But act fast: there are only six. Luckily, in business class, all seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration with maximum privacy.

Some travelers will prefer making a stop somewhere rather than such a long flight, but Singapore Airlines has a highly sought after product. On several days this summer, the cheapest roundtrip airfare was about $2,700 in premium economy and $6,600 in business class. But, don’t be surprised to see the premium cabin reach into the five-digit range on many dates of the year. On the longest flight in the world, many fliers may want to trade cash for decent rest and more time at their destination. After all, that’s the benefit of a nonstop ultra-long-haul flight.

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These Are the Longest Flights in the World

On these flights, you could watch the entire “jurassic park” franchise and still take a five-hour nap..

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During the world’s longest flights, sometimes fliers will experience more than one sunrise.

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As flight technology advances (such as being able to hold more and burn less fuel) and long-haul carriers make improved efforts to provide a more comfortable journey (be that with jet lag–reducing lighting, serving healthier food , and enhancing business-class and economy seats for a more comfortable journey), the longest flights in the world are gradually getting even longer. The lengthiest now connect cities on opposite sides of the globe and are upwards of 17 hours.

When Australia’s national carrier Qantas debuts its Project Sunrise routes in 2025 (which will include nonstop service between Sydney and both London and New York, at 10,573 and 9,950 miles, respectively), they will be the longest flights in the world ; the longer flight (London) will clock in at a staggering 20 hours.

What is the world’s longest flight?

Currently, the world’s longest flight is the 9,585-mile route between New York City and Singapore, operated by Singapore Airlines with a flying time of 18.5 hours. The flight takes place on an Airbus A350-900ULR, which is configured with 67 pod-style business-class seats and 94 premium economy seats—there are no regular economy seats.

As of fall 2023, the world’s longest flight is between New York City and this city-state in Asia.

Courtesy of Hu Chen/Unsplash

The longest flights in the world

Whether you love the idea of knocking out most or all of your travel time (and likely a few seasons of your favorite show) in one go or would rather avoid an ultra-long-haul journey and break it up with a layover ( stopover programs are a great way to sneak in added sightseeing between two legs of a trip), here are the 10 current longest flights in the world by miles.

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On board the longest flight in the world: what it's like to fly 19 hours nonstop

By Ramsey Qubein

Airlines are pushing boundaries to connect far-flung global cities every year. The longest flight in the world, currently flown by Singapore Airlines , is proof. For travellers who want to visit loved ones this 19-hour journey from John F. Kennedy is a gem in the crown of ultra-long-haul travel. But even in first and business class, the prospect of such a long journey can be daunting.

To see what the experience was really like, I recently hopped on Singapore Airlines’ nonstop route from New York to Singapore . On Singapore’s specially designed Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra long range) I was seated in business class, which takes up most of the plane ( premium economy occupies the back third of the aircraft – the airline opted to not offer traditional economy class on such a long journey). True to Singapore 's style, there were plenty of comfortable touches. Likewise, there were things I wish I knew about before, and would plan ahead for in the future.

From the in-flight menu to the best seats in the house, this is exactly what it's like on the longest flight in the world, plus what to know before boarding it yourself.

What is the longest flight in the world really like?

Gearing up for a flight that stretches 19 hours takes mental preparation. I started by thinking about how I planned to spend time on board and what I wanted to do when I landed – and slowly adjusting my sleep pattern days before the flight.

Once on board, I settled into my seat, which is one of the widest business-class seats in the sky . I prepared my new home, laying out what I’d need during the flight and finding all the charging ports. The amenity kit and lavatories have some thoughtful products, like a wrinkle-reducing spray for clothes (important after a long flight). Because this flight departs in the evening, some people opted to change into pyjamas or loose-fitting clothing to help them get better rest – I committed to the spray.

Donning Pierre Balmain-designed sarong kebayas, flight attendants introduce themselves while I perused nearly 1,000 entertainment options. The crew addresses every passenger by their last name, and by the end of the flight, they have memorised every passenger, even as they say goodbye one by one at the departure door.

After takeoff, it was time for drinks and a movie. Singapore flight attendants are masters at the craft of hospitality. Wine and Champagne are poured at the seat with an explanation of the vineyard and how each pairs well with dishes from the menu.

The multi-course meal was served with great fanfare and included appetizers and main dishes from the airline’s partnership menu with Golden Door Spa. Served atop linens and tableware, the impressive meals specifically created for these super-long flights are served course by course. The menu and beverage list (including mocktails, juices, and smoothies) are designed for passengers to choose between more rest or energy before arrival. Some are high in anti-inflammatory properties, while others are rich in free radicals and antioxidants.

Menu dishes include Hudson Valley-sourced trout with greens from the airline’s own aeroponic farm or a braised short rib with cornbread pudding. Flight attendants told me that Singaporean chicken rice is one of the most popular pre-order dishes.

Later in the flight, the mood lighting changes, even pulsing a bit at times. It’s all been thoughtfully designed to help ease jet lag as much as possible en route. The bathrooms are immaculate, and flight attendants typically clean them between passengers.

Singapore serves a meal after takeoff, but unlike most airlines, the second meal is mid-flight rather than before landing. It’s not a dine-on-demand service, like Qatar Airways, either. This is meant to follow peoples’ body clocks but may interrupt your sleep. Midway through the flight, the lights come on, and flight attendants (still as immaculate as after takeoff) present another multi-course meal service. The airline’s famous satay and peanut sauce arrived with great fanfare, which was enough to make me feel ok about having to get up in the middle of my sleep.

After that, there is no other formal meal service, but the crew can deliver a range of menu items like sandwiches, soups, and salads, at any time. Luckily, this presents another chunk of time for sleeping: On the 19-hour flight, I slept for 11 hours in varying intervals, in large thanks to the meticulous turn down with linens and pillows.

What I wish I had known before departure

Singapore Airlines has two flights a day from the New York area (JFK and Newark). Technically, the JFK flight is just a bit longer at two miles more than Newark (9,527 miles versus 9,525).

The Singapore flight from JFK leaves in the evening, which means you can eat and then sleep hours after takeoff without needing to reset your internal clock . About halfway through the flight, you can wake up and enjoy more food, movies, and drinks (or catch up on work). Since the flight is so long, you still have time for another several hours of sleep before landing in Singapore in the morning, with the whole day ahead of you.

When departing Newark, the flight leaves in the morning. This means the reverse is true: you’re up for at least the first half of the flight and then naturally ready to sleep after that. But because the Newark flight lands in the evening, you probably don't want to sleep much mid-flight if you hope to rest on arrival.

My tips? Ask before takeoff for the exact meal service timing to mentally prepare your own sleeping and eating timetable. Also, don’t forget about Singapore’s Book the Cook service which allows you to order your preferred dish before takeoff. You’ll be able to select from more than a dozen options, which is more than what is offered on board. Lobster Thermidor? Thai or Indian curry dishes? Laksa soup? It’s all on offer (including for premium economy passengers), but only if you choose in advance.

If you’re curious about the menu, the airline makes it available on the reservation page online about one week before departure. There’s also unlimited, free Wi-Fi for business-class passengers. If I had known, I wouldn’t have downloaded so much work in advance, but I was grateful for the option to stay productive.

If you are flying premium economy, you’ll want to choose one of the solo window seats at the very back of the plane, which has extra space due to the curvature of the aircraft. But act fast: there are only six. Luckily, in business class , all seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration with maximum privacy.

Some travellers will prefer making a stop somewhere rather than such a long flight, but Singapore Airlines has a highly sought-after product. On several days this summer, the cheapest roundtrip airfare was about $2,700 in premium economy and $6,600 in business class. But, don’t be surprised to see the premium cabin reach into the five-digit range on many dates of the year. On the longest flight in the world, many fliers may want to trade cash for decent rest and more time at their destination. After all, that’s the benefit of a nonstop ultra-long-haul flight.

The world’s longest nonstop flights, updated

Ultra-long-haul flights are back in the air after a brief pause during the pandemic. These flights, which can take as long as 19 hours, connect some of the world's biggest cities without a stop in an intermediate hub.

Singapore Airlines has long been known for operating some of the world's longest flights. The carrier connects Singapore with two New York City-area airports on a daily basis, and both routes top the list of the world's longest flights.

Other carriers have recently launched new and interesting ultra-long-haul routes, including Air New Zealand's new flight from New York to Auckland, New Zealand , which took off last September.

While Air New Zealand was a newcomer to the top 10 list last year, Qantas is giving the airline a run for its money by launching its own route from New York to Auckland this week. At 8,829 miles, it will tie with Air New Zealand's service as the world's fifth-longest flight.

Qantas is no stranger to ultra-long-haul flying. (It's just too bad its existing wide-body fleet doesn't yet feature Wi-Fi.) The airline also holds the title for the world's third, fourth and 10th longest flights; in a few years, it might also hold the record for the longest.

That's because Qantas' "Project Sunrise" routes will include nonstop service from Sydney to both London (10,573 miles) and New York (9,950 miles). Although the airline ran proof-of-concept tests in 2019, those flights are not expected to launch until at least 2025 , so they don't make the list yet.

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So, what are the world's longest routes right now?

Here are the top 10 longest routes operating in June 2023 measured by statute miles as calculated by travel data firm OAG. (Note: For consistency, all mileage calculations come courtesy of OAG. Other data providers may show slightly different mileage calculations depending on their methodology.) Duration of flight data comes from Cirium, an aviation data service.

We've listed the flight that typically has the longest scheduled flying time, normally the one that flies in the direction of typical head winds. Given geopolitical tensions associated with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, some actual flight times might be considerably longer than what is listed as airlines avoid Russian airspace. Other routes that might not normally make the cut — such as Cathay Pacific's New York-to-Hong Kong route — are flying longer-than-normal flight paths as they also seek to avoid Russian airspace.

Additionally, keep in mind that the listed times are those that are blocked in airline schedules; during actual travel, flights can be shorter or longer depending on the winds.

Scroll down to see the full list, and we'll update it regularly as new routes begin and suspended ones resume.

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1. Singapore Airlines: New York to Singapore

• Route: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
• Flight number: SQ 23/24.
• Aircraft flying: Airbus A350-900ULR .
• Calculated distance: 9,527 miles.
• Duration of flight: 18 hours, 50 minutes.

2. Singapore Airlines: Newark to Singapore

• Route: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to SIN.
• Flight number: SQ 21/22.
• Calculated distance: 9,525 miles.
• Duration of flight: 18 hours, 45 minutes.

3. Qantas: Perth, Australia, to London

• Route: Perth Airport (PER) to Heathrow Airport (LHR).
• Flight number: QF 9/10.
• Aircraft flying: Boeing 787-9 .
• Calculated distance: 9,009 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 20 minutes.

4. Qantas: Dallas to Melbourne, Australia

• Route: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Melbourne Airport (MEL).
• Flight number: QF 21/22.
• Calculated distance: 8,990 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 35 minutes.

5. Air New Zealand: New York to Auckland

• Route: JFK to Auckland Airport (AKL).
• Flight number: NZ 1/2.
• Calculated distance: 8,829 miles.

5. Qantas: New York to Auckland

• Route: JFK to AKL.
• Flight number: QF 3/4.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 30 minutes.

6. Emirates: Dubai to Auckland

• Route: Dubai International Airport (DXB) to AKL.
• Flight number: EK 448/449.
• Aircraft flying: Airbus A380-800 .
• Calculated distance: 8,819 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 5 minutes.

7. Singapore Airlines: Los Angeles to Singapore

• Route: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to SIN.
• Flight number: SQ 35/36/37/38.
• Calculated distance: 8,759 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 10 minutes.

8. Air India: San Francisco to Bengaluru, India

• Route: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR).
• Flight number: AI 175/176.
• Aircraft flying: Boeing 777-200LR.
• Calculated distance: 8,688 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 55 minutes.

9. Qantas: Dallas to Sydney

• Route: DFW to Sydney Airport (SYD).
• Flight number: QF 7/8.
• Calculated distance: 8,576 miles.
• Duration of flight: 16 hours, 45 minutes.

10: Philippine Airlines: New York to Manila, Philippines

• Route: JFK to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
• Flight number: PR 126/127.
• Aircraft flying: Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER.
• Calculated distance: 8,507 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours.

The longest non-stop flights in the world

Sydney (AFP) – Qantas has revealed plans for the world's longest-duration commercial flight by the end of 2025, ferrying passengers between Sydney and London on Airbus A350s in just over 19 hours.

Issued on: 02/05/2022 - 11:32 Modified: 02/05/2022 - 11:30

Only a handful of airlines fly non-stop over such vast distances, which present a host of challenges including the capability of planes, commercial viability, and even the health of crew and passengers.

Here are some of the longest-duration flights in the world today:

Singapore to New York: 18 hrs 40 min

Singapore Airlines Flight SQ24 to New York's John F. Kennedy International airport is currently the longest commercial journey in the world, taking passengers more than 15,000 kilometres (9,300 miles) from the city-state to the eastern United States on Airbus A350-900s.

It also operates the second-longest journey -- Flight SQ22, also on A350-900s, to Newark in the US state of New Jersey is scheduled at 18 hours and 25 minutes.

Qantas will use the A350-1000 variant for its planned Sydney-London flights.

Darwin to London - 17 hrs 55 min

The longest current Qantas route -- QF9 -- connects Darwin in northern Australia with London daily, with passengers covering almost 14,000 km on Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The flights were originally operated between London and the western city of Perth, but were moved to Darwin because of Covid-linked travel restrictions in Australia.

Qantas has said it will resume the Perth-London route this year.

Los Angeles to Singapore - More than 17 hrs

Singapore Airlines Flight SQ35 takes passengers more than 14,000 km over the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles on the US West Coast to the Asian city-state in 17 hours and 10 minutes.

The carrier's San Francisco-Singapore flight is scheduled at 16 hours and 40 minutes.

New York-Hong Kong in 16-17 hrs?

Cathay Pacific said in March that it was planning to alter its New York-Hong Kong route over the Atlantic instead of the Pacific Ocean, making it a longer journey than Singapore Airlines Flight SQ24 to JFK.

The flight path will cover "just under 9,000 nautical miles" (10,357 miles) -- or 16,668 kilometres -- in 16 to 17 hours, the airline told AFP in a statement.

It declined to be drawn why its flight path gave a wide berth to Russia's airspace, which it has previously flown through, according to Bloomberg.

Many airlines have cancelled routes to Russian cities or are avoiding Russian airspace over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Cathay Pacific said the decision was taken because "strong seasonal tailwinds" made the new route more favourable.

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• What Is The Longest Flight In The World?

The phrase "longest flight" can refer to various things, among them being the distance and the duration between the origin and destination. In our article, we will be focusing on the longest non-stop flights in the world by flight duration. The longest flight currently available is the Singapore Airlines flight that travels from Newark to Singapore, with a maximum scheduled flight duration of 18 hours and 45 minutes. Interestingly, the Newark to Singapore flight is also the world's longest flight by distance covering 9,534 miles (15,344 km).

The World's Longest Flights By Duration

1. newark to singapore - 18 h, 45 m.

The longest non-stop flight in the world is Flight SQ 21 from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey , United States to Singapore Changi Airport in Singapore . The flight covers a distance of 9,534 miles (15,344 km) and is scheduled to take 18h 30m to 18h 45m. SQ 21 is flown by Singapore Airlines on an Airbus A350-900. The plane has a fuel capacity of 165,000 liters (44,000 US gal) and a maximum range of 11,185 miles (18,000 km). The first flight took place on October 11, 2018 (this route was previously operated from June 2004 to November 2013 but was discontinued).  

2. Auckland to Doha - 18 hrs, 20 min

The second-longest non-stop flight by both duration and distance is from Auckland, New Zealand to Doha, Qatar . The flight was introduced on February 5, 2017 by Qatar Airlines and covers a distance of approximately 9,032 miles (14,535.6 km). The airline uses a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft for this non-stop route to Qatar. 777-200LR (long-range) is a C-market model which is designed to work as a long distance commercial airline. Boeing 777-200LR was introduced in 2006. It takes over 18 hours and 20 minutes to travel from Auckland to Doha making it the longest flight by great-circle distance.

3. Los Angeles to Singapore - 17 hrs, 50 min

The third longest route is the flight from Los Angeles, California , United States to Singapore. United Airlines introduced this non-stop flight on October 9, 2017, with its main aim being to save about two hours. The first aircraft to fly this route took off on October 27, 2017, and it reached Singapore after 17 hours and 50 minutes. The journey is approximately 8,770 miles long. It is the second longest non-stop flight from the United States .

4. San Francisco to Singapore - 17 hrs, 35 min

Before the introduction of the non-stop direct flight from San Francisco, California, United States to Singapore, passengers had to take the longer route through one of the Asian countries and then board a direct flight to Singapore. The direct non-stop flight shaved off some few hours on this trip thus making it possible for the aircraft to cover 8,446 miles within 17 hours and 35 minutes. United Airlines was the first to launch their direct flight on June 1, 2016, followed by Singapore Airlines on October 23, 2016, which guaranteed the passengers two aircraft flying this route daily. United Airlines is using a Boeing 787-9 aircraft while Singapore Airlines have Airbus A350-900 model.

Influence of Jet Streams on Flight Times

As discussed above, Flight SQ 21 from Newark to Singapore is the longest flight by both duration and distance. The original flight in June 2004 covered 9,534 mi (15,344 km) in approximately 18 hours. Interestingly, the return flight, Flight SQ 22 from Singapore to Newark, covered an even longer distance of 10,315 mi (16,600 km) but took only 17 hours and 45 minutes due to high-altitude winds.

The Longest Flights in the World By Duration

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Top 10 world’s longest flight routes

Over the decades, the aviation industry has reached nearly every corner of the globe. And with the growth of the sector has come increased competition among aircraft industry manufacturers to produce the finest and most technologically advanced commercial aircraft.

The demand for flying longer and longer distances shows no sign of abating. And as more people take advantage of long-haul flights, airlines have employed varying marketing tactics to attract passengers, from cabin upgrades and comfortable seats to non-stop flights over large distances.

When it comes to flights, the length of them can be defined in various ways, Typically, the Great-Circle  distance between the origin and destination is used, but alternative benchmarks include the duration of the flight as well as the actual distance flown.

The term ‘longest flight’ is often used for flights that are passenger planes, with the schedules published in advance and tickets available to purchase.

The longest scheduled commercial passenger first recorded took off in 1914 and covered a distance of 34 kilometers between the Florida cities of St. Petersburg and Tampa carrying only one passenger other than the pilot, the flight lasted for about 20 minutes.

Today, long-haul flights last considerably longer. To many people,18 hours on a plane may sound awful. But for others, jetting around the world and spending long periods in the air is an adventure not to be missed.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 longest non-stop flights in 2022 and how they attract passengers.

1 – Singapore Airlines Singapore-New York flight

First place is taken by Singapore Airlines ( SIA1 ) ( SINGY ) flying from Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK) under call sign SQ23 on an Airbus A350 covering a journey of 9,537 miles with a scheduled flight duration of 18 hours, 50 minutes. Plenty of time to watch movies and enjoy all those lovely air miles.

2 – Singapore Airlines Singapore – Newark flight

Second place is also occupied by Singapore Airlines ( SIA1 ) ( SINGY ) with a journey of 9,523 miles from Singapore (SIN) to Newark (EWR) on an Airbus A350. The flight is scheduled under call sign SQ21 and takes approximately 18 hours, and 45 minutes. The flight crosses 10 time zones.

3 – Qantas Airways Perth – London flight

In at third is Qantas Airways flying from Perth (PER) to London (LHR) – a journey of 9,010 miles on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner scheduled under flight number QF 9. The maximum flight time is 17 hours, 15 minutes.

4 – Qantas Airways Melbourne – Dallas flight

In fourth place is a trip from Melbourne (MEL) to Dallas (DFW) on Qantas Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner, traveling 8,992 miles and flying under call sign QF 22. The approximate flight duration is 17 hours and 35 minutes. The airline awards Alaska miles to its business class and first-class passengers. The flight is scheduled to launch on December 2, 2022.

5 – Air New Zealand Auckland – New York flight

Number five is Auckland (AKL) to New York (JFK) on Air New Zealand, The journey spans 17 hours, 50 minutes over 8,828 miles. The airline will fly its Boeing 787 Dreamliner under the scheduled call sign NZ 1, and the flight is planned to launch on September 17, 2022.

6 – Emirates Dubai – Auckland flight

Sixth on the list is Emirates, flying from Dubai (DXB) to Auckland (AKL). The flight covers a distance of 8,824 miles in around 17 hours, and 10 minutes. Flight EK 449 will resume on December 2, 2022. Emirates plans to operate on Boeing 777 aircraft.

7 – Singapore Airlines Singapore – Los Angeles flight

In at seven is Singapore Airlines ( SIA1 ) ( SINGY ) operating an Airbus A350 from Singapore (SIN) to Los Angeles (LAX). It covers 8,770 miles in 17 hours, and 50 minutes under the call sign SQ 37.

8 – Air India Bangalore – San Francisco flight

Air India is eighth, going from Bangalore (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO) on a Boeing 777, traversing 8,701 miles in 17 hours, 40 minutes, and registered under flight number UA 152. The airline offers Air Canada ( ADH2 ) points to its business class passengers.

9 – Qantas Airways Darwin – London flight

Number nine is from Darwin (DRW) to London (LHR) with Qantas Airways which flies its passengers some 8,620 miles in 17 hours and 55 minutes on its Dreamliner Boeing 787.

10 – United Airlines Houston – Sydney flight

The tenth longest non-stop direct flight is offered by United Airlines and goes from Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD). United Airlines operates on Boeing 787 over 8,569 miles in around 17 hours and 35 minutes. The flight is scheduled and expected to be operative through the same route again on October 28, 2022.

The flights listed here are ranked by the shortest routes between two destinations on the earth’s surface. Flights are customarily rated by distance rather than flight duration as there are several factors involved when it comes to flight time.

Flying non-stop is sometimes confused with flying the shortest distance to a specific destination, but that’s not always an accurate picture. Flight duration can be significantly affected by weather, headwinds, the routes adopted, and the capabilities of the aircraft in operation.

In the future, Qantas Airways plans to conduct the longest commercial flight between Sydney (SYD) and London (LHR) on Airbus A350. The flight may last more than 19 hours, breaking and setting new world records. The airline plans to start flights by the end of 2025.

Who knows what else will happen in the 21st century?

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• world record

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The 10 longest routes in the world flown by airlines, ranked by distance

• Singapore Airlines currently holds the title for operating the world's two longest flights at over 9,500 miles each.
• The pandemic forced some one-off long-haul records, like Air Tahiti Nui's 9,765-mile trek from Papeete to Paris.
• Air New Zealand recently joined the ranks when it launched its new 8,828-mile route between New York and Auckland.

During the pandemic, airlines worldwide were forced to pause dozens of long-haul routes due to border restrictions and low international demand.

This meant ultra-long-haul routes, like Qantas' Perth to London service and Delta Air Lines' Atlanta to Johannesburg flight, were suspended. However, since COVID-era restrictions have lifted in most nations, carriers are once again ferrying passengers on flights 15+ hours on routes stretching nearly 10,000 miles.

Historically, Singapore Airlines held the title for the world's longest flight , which traveled a whopping 9,534 miles nonstop between Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Singapore.

Although the nonstop Newark route was restored in March 2022, Singapore actually returned to New York City in November 2020 but instead flew to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The carrier said the decision was made "to better accommodate a mix of passenger and cargo traffic on its services to New York in the current operating climate." The route became the new world's longest flight by just two nautical miles over Newark and still holds the record, according to aviation data analytics firm Official Airline Guide (OAG)

Today, Singapore flies to both New York-JFK and Newark and has made efforts to ensure the journey is comfortable. Specifically, the airline has installed luxurious business and premium economy seats onboard and created a "wellness" menu that has "farm-to-plane" meals to help with things like indigestion.

The latest airline to make the list is Air New Zealand, which flew a nearly 18-hour flight from New York to Auckland on September 17 . The route between the two cities stretches 8,828 miles, becoming the world's new fourth-longest flight and kicking Saudia's flight between Jeddah and Los Angeles to number 11.

With airlines reinstating and introducing new long-haul flying, the list of the world's 10 longest flights has changed over the years. The outlined routes are excruciatingly long, varying from 15 hours to nearly 19 hours.

Take a closer look at the world's top 10 longest flights by distance as of August 2022:

10. From Dubai to Los Angeles

Airline: Emirates

Aircraft: Airbus A380

Distance: 8,324 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 50 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 20 minutes

9. From Atlanta to Johannesburg

Airline: Delta Air Lines

Aircraft: Airbus A350-900

Distance: 8,434 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 30 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 50 minutes

8. From San Francisco to Singapore

Airlines: United Airlines and Singapore Airlines

Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (United) | Airbus A350-900 (Singapore)

Distance: 8,435 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 15 minutes (United) | 16 hours and 40 minutes (Singapore)

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 25 minutes (United) | 15 hours and 25 minutes (Singapore)

7. From Manila to New York

Airline: Philippine Airlines

Distance: 8,507 miles

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Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 15 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 55 minutes

6. From Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Airline: Qantas

Aircraft: Boeing 787-9

Distance: 8,576 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 20 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 45 minutes

5. From Singapore to Los Angeles

Airline: Singapore Airlines

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 55 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours and 10 minutes

4. From Auckland to New York

Airline: Air New Zealand

Distance: 8,828 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours and 35 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 15 minutes

3. From Perth to London Heathrow

Distance: 9,009 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours and 15 minutes

2. From Newark, New Jersey to Singapore

Distance: 9,525 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours and 45 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours and 25 minutes

1. From New York to Singapore

Distance: 9,527 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours and 50 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours and 40 minutes

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Simple Flying

Explored: the world's 5 longest flight routes until december 2023.

They include one that returns in September.

The average flight currently covers 893 miles (1,437 km) and has a block time (what is shown in schedules) of 2h 29m, according to OAG data. But what about the world's five longest non-stop routes? They are more than 10x the distance of a typical flight. Note that United's coming San Francisco to Manila is nowhere near long enough to qualify , while Auckland-JFK – by Air New Zealand and Qantas – is just short of being included .

5 Melbourne to Dallas Fort Worth

In fifth place is Qantas between Melbourne and Dallas, which mainly exists to feed fellow oneworld partner American over its busiest hub. At 8,973 miles (14,440 km), the route runs three weekly using the three-class, 236-seat Boeing 787-9 . It only launched in December 2022 and is Qantas' second route to Dallas.

Click here for flights .

In August, QF21 leaves Melbourne at 12:45 and arrives in Texas at 13:45 the same day. It has a block time of 16h, which includes taxi time, flight time, and time for short delays. Returning, QF22 leaves at 20:50 and returns two days later at 05:25, some 17h 35m. The schedule and frequency mean it needs one aircraft for the route.

4 Perth to London Heathrow

Launched in March 2018, the 9,009-mile (14,499 km) route is, of course, also by Qantas and the 787-9. Operating daily, the entire operation is Melbourne-Perth-Heathrow. As it has one flight number and a stop, it is the definition of a 'direct' route. When Perth-Heathrow launched, it was the only non-stop service between Australia and Europe.

Flight QF9 departs Western Australia at 18:45 and arrives in the UK at 05:05 (17h 20m). QF10 leaves Heathrow at 11:55 and returns back at 11:40 the next day (16h 45m). The UK Civil Aviation Authority shows that it carried 11,387 passengers in May 2023 and filled 78% of the available seats.

3 Doha to Auckland

Covering 9,032 miles (14,535 km), the world's third-longest route is Doha to Auckland. Qatar Airways launched it in February 2017, aptly using the 777-200LR. Due to the pandemic, it ended in April 2020. It returns from Doha on September 1st, 2023, with the daily service to see the 327-seat A350-1000 .

Flight QR920 will leave Qatar at 08:20 and arrive in New Zealand at 09:15 the next day (15h 55m). Returning, QR921 will depart at 15:00 and arrive back at 23:15 (17h 15m). The schedule is, of course, designed to maximize connectivity over Doha. In 2019, London Heathrow was the top market, then Gatwick, Manchester, Munich, and Paris CDG.

2 Singapore to Newark

Until the coronavirus appeared, this was the world's longest non-stop route. Still operating, it is 9,534 miles (15,344 km) and second globally, meaningfully ahead of number three, Doha-Auckland. Obviously, it uses Singapore Airlines ' 161-seat A350-900ULRs. These have 67 business seats and 94 in premium economy – there is no bog-standing economy offering.

Running daily, SQ22 departs from Changi at 23:25 and arrives in New Jersey at 06:00 the following day (18h 25m). Returning, SQ21 goes at 10:00 and returns at 17:10 the next day (19h 10m). Ouch.

According to the US DOT, it had 71,542 roundtrip passengers in 2022, with an 83% load factor (down from 98,767 and 85% in 2019). Four times as many passengers transited in Singapore than in Newark, with Newark-Singapore-Manila the most popular market.

1 Singapore to New York JFK

Continuing to be the world's longest non-stop by distance , Singapore-JFK covers 9,537 miles (15,348 km) as the crow flies, almost the same as Newark. It started in November 2020.

Daily by the A350ULR, SQ24 leaves Changi at 12:10 and arrives at JFK at 18:50 the same day (18h 40m). It is seen en route in the image above. SQ23 then leaves at 22:30 and arrives in Asia two days later at 05:20 (18h 50m). You will notice that the max block time is less than from Newark (19h 10m) – which is, therefore, the longest in this sense.

Have you flown any of these five? If so, let us know in the comments.

Sources of information: OAG, UK CAA, Flightradar24, US DOT.

On board the longest flight in the world: what it's like to fly 19 hours nonstop

By Ramsey Qubein

Airlines are pushing boundaries to connect far-flung global cities every year. The longest flight in the world, currently flown by Singapore Airlines, is proof. For travellers who want to visit loved ones — not to mention frequent fliers looking for new ways to earn and burn miles and points —this 19-hour journey from New York's John F. Kennedy is a gem in the crown of ultra-long-haul travel. But even in first and business class, the prospect of such a long journey can be daunting. 

To see what the experience was really like, I recently hopped on Singapore Airlines’ nonstop route from New York to Singapore . On Singapore’s specially designed Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra long range) I was seated in business class, which takes up most of the plane (premium economy occupies the back third of the aircraft — in a merciful move, the airline opted to not offer traditional economy class on such a long journey). True to Singapore's style, there were plenty of comfortable touches. Likewise, there were things I wish I knew about before, and would plan ahead for in the future. 

From the in-flight menu to the best seats in the house, this is exactly what it's like on the longest flight in the world, plus what to know before boarding it yourself.

What is the longest flight in the world really like?

Gearing up for a flight that stretches 19 hours takes mental preparation. I started by thinking about how I planned to spend time on board and what I wanted to do when I landed — and slowly adjusting my sleep pattern days before the flight.

Once on board, I settled into my seat, which is one of the widest business class thrones in the sky. I prepared my new home, laying out what I’d need during the flight and finding all the charging ports. The amenity kit and lavatories have some thoughtful products like a wrinkle-reducing spray for clothes (important after a long flight). Because this flight departs in the evening, some people opted to change into pajamas or loose-fitting clothing to help them get better rest — I committed to the spray.

Donning Pierre Balmain-designed sarong kebayas, flight attendants introduce themselves while I perused the nearly 1,000 entertainment options. The crew addresses every passenger by their last name, and by the end of the flight, they have memorised every passenger, even as they say goodbye one by one at the departure door.

After takeoff, it was time for drinks and a film. Singapore flight attendants are masters at the craft of hospitality. Wine and Champagne are poured at the seat with an explanation of the vineyard and how each pairs well with dishes from the menu.

The multi-course meal was served with great fanfare and includes appetisers and main dishes from the airline’s partnership menu with Golden Door Spa. Served atop linens and tableware, the impressive meals specifically created for these super-long flights are served course by course. The menu and beverage list (including mocktails, juices and smoothies) are designed for passengers to choose between more rest or energy before arrival. Some are high in anti-inflammatory properties while others are rich in free radicals and antioxidants.

Menu dishes include Hudson Valley-sourced trout with greens from the airline’s own aeroponic farm, or a braised short rib with cornbread pudding. Flight attendants told me that the Singaporean chicken rice is one of the most popular pre-order dishes.

Later in the flight, the mood lighting changes, even pulsing a bit at times. It’s all been thoughtfully designed to help ease jet lag as much as possible en route. The bathrooms are immaculate, and flight attendants typically clean them between passengers.

Singapore serves a meal after takeoff, but unlike most airlines, the second meal is mid-flight rather than before landing. It’s not a dine on demand service, like Qatar Airways, either. This is meant to follow peoples’ body clocks, but may interrupt your sleep. Midway through the flight, the lights come on, and flight attendants (still as immaculate as after takeoff) present another multi-course meal service. The airline’s famous satay and peanut sauce arrived with great fanfare, which was enough to make me feel ok about having to get up in the middle of my sleep.

After that, there is no other formal meal service, but the crew can deliver a range of menu items like sandwiches, soups, and salads, at any time. Luckily, this presents another chunk of time for sleeping: On the 19-hour flight, I slept for 11 hours in varying intervals, in large thanks to the meticulous turn down with linens and pillows.

What I wish I had known before departure

Singapore Airlines has two flights a day from the New York area (JFK and Newark). Technically, the JFK flight is just a bit longer at two miles more than Newark (9,527 miles versus 9,525).

The Singapore flight from JFK leaves in the evening, which means you can eat and then sleep hours after takeoff without needing to reset your internal clock. About halfway through the flight, you can wake up and enjoy more food, films, and drinks (or catch up on work). Since the flight is so long, you still have time for another several hours of sleep before landing in Singapore in the morning, with the whole day ahead of you.

When departing Newark, the flight leaves in the morning. This means the reverse is true: you’re up for at least the first half of the flight and then naturally ready to sleep after that. But because the Newark flight lands in the evening, you probably don't want to sleep much mid-flight if you hope to rest on arrival.

My tips? Ask before takeoff for the exact meal service timing to mentally prepare your own sleeping and eating timetable. Also, don’t forget about Singapore’s Book the Cook service that allows you to order your preferred dish before takeoff. You’ll be able to select from more than a dozen options, which is more than what is offered on board. Lobster Thermidor? Thai or Indian curry dishes? Laksa soup? It’s all on offer (including for premium economy passengers), but only if you choose in advance.

If you’re curious about the menu, the airline makes it available within the reservation page online about one week before departure. There’s also unlimited, free wi-fi for business class passengers. If I had known, I wouldn’t have downloaded so much work in advance, but I was grateful for the option to stay productive.

If you are flying premium economy, you’ll want to choose one of the solo window seats at the very back of the plane, which have extra space due to the curvature of the aircraft. But act fast: there are only six. Luckily, in business class, all seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration with maximum privacy.

Some travellers will prefer making a stop somewhere rather than such a long flight, but Singapore Airlines has a highly sought after product. On several days this summer, the cheapest roundtrip airfare was about $2,700 in premium economy and $6,600 in business class. But, don’t be surprised to see the premium cabin reach into the five-digit range on many dates of the year. On the longest flight in the world, many fliers may want to trade cash for decent rest and more time at their destination. After all, that’s the benefit of a nonstop ultra-long-haul flight.

Former flight attendant's 300-mile journey: Honoring 9/11 crew members with every step

A former flight attendant is traveling 300 miles over 30 days as a tribute to the flight crew members who tragically lost their lives on 9/11.

Paul Veneto, a 64-year-old former flight attendant, is pushing an airline cart all the way from Newark-Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

His mission is to ensure that the flight crews working on 9/11 will not be forgotten.

The day before the attacks, Veneto had been working as a flight attendant on Flight 175.

The next day, he lost several of his coworkers in the attacks.

Veneto expressed, “They were the first first responders of 9/11. They fought terrorism. They were our last line of defense that morning.”

On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Veneto finally set off on his first journey of pushing an airline cart with images of the flight crew.

The first year, Veneto traveled from Boston's Logan International Airport to the World Trade Center site.

The following year, he traveled by foot from Dulles International Airport to the Pentagon.

This year is his longest trek yet.

His progress is tracked on his website, and as of now, he has just reached Harrisburg, staying on track to reach Shanksville, PA by September 11th.

For Veneto, this year's journey holds a special meaning to him because of the courageous actions of the flight crew and passengers who stopped Flight 93 from reaching its intended target.

“I could picture that chaos going on,” shared Veneto. “I could just picture it and I’ve never met anybody more heroic. These are regular citizens that fought trained terrorists at 30,000 feet in the air. They couldn’t call the police or the fire department.”

Through his journey, he is able to educate and connect with many passersby.

“I push that cart to open people’s eyes, to make them look and say what’s this guy doing,” he explained.

As he began this latest trip, he met a survivor of 9/11 who has been battling depression for the past 22 years.

“This guy came out and walked with me in the street, crying, both of us crying,” stated Veneto. “I knew how he felt and he said it’s the first time he ever felt like someone understood what was going on in his head. It was unbelievable.”

Despite blistering heat, heavy rain, and any other obstacles, he is determined to make it to the memorial in Shanksville, PA by September 11th.

Those interested in tracking his progress or donating to his non-profit 'Paulie’s Push' can find more information here .

The Long Wait

There was a long delay between Flight 52 and Flight 53, and a deviation from the published Flight 53 plan. I will address both in this blog post. First, the Flight 53 delay was the direct result of a decision by the team to fly Ingenuity out of telecom communications range with the rover. One may question the wisdom of this, but there are good reasons to do so.

When plotting a traversal path through a given area, the team identifies a series of smooth, flat regions referred to as “lily pads” where the helicopter can safely land without significant risk of damage to the vehicle. Because the helicopter’s laser altimeter is fairly sensitive to large terrain variations, the team also generally tries to plan flight paths over the smoothest and flattest terrain available. These terrain types also happen to be the areas favored by rover planners as they are more easily traversable and contain fewer obstacles that might impede rover progress. The result is that in difficult terrain, the two vehicles generally compete for the same narrow path.

Roughly speaking, the Ingenuity team’s top mission priorities are:

1 – Avoid significant interference with, or delay of, rover operations

2 – Maintain vehicle health and safety

3 – Perform scouting for tactical planning and science assessment

4 – Perform experiments to inform mission and vehicle design for future Mars rotorcraft, or collect data for discretionary science

In difficult terrain, the first two priorities result in an emphasis on staying well ahead of Perseverance. Staying only slightly ahead of the rover while providing good data transfer rates is risky since the helicopter may inadvertently block the rover’s path. Staying just behind the rover is also a challenge, as the flight paths of the helicopter would need to be too close to the rover for safety or incorporate energy-sapping diverts to maintain adequate distance. Staying to the side of the rover is often not possible due to communications and landing-site constraints. Staying far behind the rover obviously risks loss of telecom, which would force the rover to reverse (violating priority #1) or leave the helicopter behind (violating priority #2). Thus, the helicopter frequently operates in a narrow slice of terrain several hundred meters ahead of the rover’s position. When telecom permits, the team will try to land at locations parallel to Perseverance’s planned strategic route, but this has been the exception, not the rule over the last year of the mission.

This balancing act require careful planning to maximize operational flexibility, agile replanning of flights/activities on short notice, and a high number of operations shifts focusing on file transfers to compensate for the poor data transfer speeds at the fringes of the radio’s range. Slow data transfer turnaround reduces the achievable flight cadence and operational effectiveness of the helicopter.

Flying slightly ahead of telecom range is one strategy to cope with this environment, as it buys time, reducing the risk of rover interference and/or reducing the demand on the operations team to execute short-notice flights. This, however, has some drawbacks: 1) It further retards operation cadence, as it forces the helicopter to spend more time in regions with poor telecom. 2) It can potentially strand the helicopter beyond comms range if the rover encounters any delay or makes tactical decisions that deviate from the strategic route. This latter vulnerability came into play almost immediately after Ingenuity executed its 52nd flight.

A Waiting Game

Flight 52 was planned as a long-distance, out-of-telecom flight, which was executed on Sol 776 with the expectation that the rover was nearing the end of its exploration at Echo Creek and would be approaching the helicopter’s resting spot near Mt. Julian within a few sols. The flight was performed exactly as planned, with Ingenuity losing radio link at approximately 8 meters (matching our telecom models). Still, the lack of successful landing confirmation meant that the downlinked telemetry for this flight was somewhat less reassuring than typical post-flight downlinks. The team settled in for what was supposed to be a brief but suspenseful wait for Perseverance to catch up and provide confirmation that the intrepid helicopter had landed safely.

Roughly a week later, the rover began moving, but instead of heading southeast toward Mt. Julian as planned, the science team had decided to perform an investigation of the area around Powell Peak. The Ingenuity team members, thankful for the unplanned break but still worrying about the unknown state of the helicopter, prepared for another week or two of waiting. Weeks soon turned into months as the rover overcame various challenges to its schedule. The poor structural integrity of the rock in the area foiled two sampling attempts before the rover team was able to successfully capture a sample on Sol 822 and successfully seal it 10 sols later. People following the rover’s activities will know that this campaign proved to be far more challenging than anyone imagined. Finally, after another week of activities, Perseverance was close enough to re-establish communications with Ingenuity on Sol 837.

In total, Ingenuity had been out of contact for 61 sols, an eternity when the outcome of the flight was unknown to the team. This marked the longest period of helicopter inactivity since Perseverance and Ingenuity landed on the planet. During this time, the Ingenuity team had largely deactivated, with members reallocating their time to work on other projects.

As the team dusted off the cobwebs and started bringing down log files and images from the flight, it became apparent that the helicopter had spent the last two months parked on something truly remarkable. Sitting directly under Ingenuity’s feet, spread over the fractured rock of the riverbed, was a collection of cobbles and pebbles unlike any that scientists had seen before. Many were partially eroded and exhibited a vesicular texture more reminiscent of fresh basalt. These rocks immediately garnered a powerful reaction from project scientists, who requested that Ingenuity perform a dedicated science scouting flight as soon as possible.

The Science Flight That Wasn’t

The team jumped at the rare opportunity to provide valuable and exciting advanced science reconnaissance, but the flight would eventually pan out in a very different way. Flight 53 was to be an extremely interesting flight with extensive RTE (color camera) imagery at low altitude to return a plethora high-resolution ground scans covering portions of the riverbed slightly north of the original landing location. Partway through the flight on Sol 864, however, a synchronization issue with the time-critical navigation camera triggered the “LAND-NOW” fault protection routine in the guidance navigation and control (GNC) subsystem. As the name implies, this caused Ingenuity to abort the flight and land immediately where it was.

Ingenuity corrects its spatial orientation estimate by tracking the movement of ground features within these navcam images, but these data must be perfectly time-synchronized with measurements from the inertial guidance system to provide valid corrections. In the case of Flight 53, this synchronization step mysteriously failed in a way that hadn’t been observed on any of the prior 52 flights on Mars or during the years of ground testing that preceded them. As of this writing, the precise cause is strongly suspected but has not been conclusively proven.

During the development phase of the mission, many fault responses were considered, but with a system as inherently unstable and time sensitive as a helicopter, the best response is almost always to land as soon as possible. Following the R8.0 software update in October of 2022, the fault response had been subtly changed. R8.0 included a new and valuable hazard-divert capability, allowing the helicopter to intelligently shift its landing target to avoid areas that appeared dangerous to its cameras. This update also applied the hazard-divert behavior to the LAND-NOW response. In what was surely a fortunate twist of fate, the GNC team had discovered a peculiar and potentially fatal interaction between these two behaviors just one month prior to flight. By the time of Flight 53, operational changes had been put in place mitigate the issue (preventing the use of hazard-diverts during emergency landings). The Flight 53 LAND-NOW executed precisely as designed, getting the helicopter on the ground quickly and safely. This event was unprecedented and is Ingenuity’s first emergency landing on Mars.

By the time the team had assessed the issue, Perseverance had caught up to the helicopter and passed it on Sol 871, removing the need to complete the imaging planned for Flight 53. Ingenuity returned to the skies of Mars with a short pop-up Flight 54 to get a fix on its location and then resumed its scouting duties at a new location with Flight 55 on Sol 881.

Parting Thoughts

The team is in a constant battle with minimizing and balancing various risks. Ingenuity was flown out of comms range to guard against the very likely possibility that project scientists would opt to head west immediately. This illustrates the difficulty in making effective plans when the ability to execute those plans is entirely dependent on another vehicle, itself subject to unexpected events. This is doubly true since the science mandate of Perseverance rightly dictates that its plans should change as new discoveries are made and new data become available. Even without these inherent coordination challenges, sometimes unexpected events can derail even the most well-laid plans as they did in Flight 53. No one on the project could have predicted the eventual outcome that resulted in the loss of two months of helicopter mission time and the unfortunate loss of one of the most exciting scouting flights in recent memory. Nevertheless, the helicopter will continue up the ancient river delta, balancing risks and providing scouting for the rover where possible. The two Mars vehicles will soon reach an area where the rover is scheduled to loiter for several months. This should significantly relax planning constraints and provide an opportunity for the helicopter to engage in a wider variety of activities.

Written by Travis Brown, Chief Engineer Ingenuity Mars Helicopter at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Related Terms

• Perseverance (Rover)

Explore More

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Sols 4164-4165: What’s Around the Ridge-bend?

Sols 4161-4163: Double Contact Science

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