The world's longest commercial flight is currently the route between New York City (JFK) and Singapore, operated by Singapore Airlines. This flight covers over 15,000 kilometers and takes approximately 19 hours, depending on weather conditions. Multiple sources, including AFAR, NerdWallet, Travel + Leisure, and CNN, corroborate this information.
Understanding the "World's Longest Flight"
It's important to clarify that the title of "world's longest flight" can be interpreted in a few ways:
- Longest by Distance: The New York to Singapore flight wins this category, clocking in at over 15,000 km.
- Longest by Duration: While the distance is a major factor, actual flight time can vary due to wind and other atmospheric conditions. The New York to Singapore flight typically takes around 18-19 hours.
- Longest Historically: While current commercial flights hold the record for distance and duration, a 1959 flight lasted 64 days! This record, however, involved a much smaller plane and different circumstances than typical commercial flights. This information comes from CNN's report on the 64-day flight.
Several websites, including OAG, Cabin Zero, and Upgraded Points list the New York to Singapore route among the top ten longest flights globally.
Key Considerations:
- The "longest flight" title can change as airlines add new routes and optimize existing ones.
- Flight duration is impacted by various factors, making exact times approximate.
