Complaining about a three-hour flight might seem ridiculous after finding out that there is a direct flight route that takes more than 19 hours. Yes, you read that right: almost an entire day on the plane, with no stops, for what just became the longest plane ride in the world.
The new record belongs to Xiamen Air
A new world record for the longest direct flight was set in October 2025. According to what was reported by Simple Flying, the Chinese company
This route is not an absolute novelty: it was already operational between 2017 and 2020, then suspended and reinstated in 2024. The substantial difference compared to the past lies in the duration of the flight, which had never before reached this large block of time.
The distance covered is 11,387 kilometers, equal to 6,752 nautical miles. An impressive figure, but which alone does not explain the almost 20 hours of flight. The main reason for this record duration lies in a strategic choice by the airline.
Because the flight takes so long
Xiamen Air has decided not to cross Russian airspace during flights between the United States and China. This choice forces the planes to take a longer route, completely bypassing Russian territory. The result is a significant increase in travel time.
Other airlines have different policies. Cathay Pacific, for example, flies over Russia on occasion. For this reason, a Cathay flight from New York to Hong Kong can take up to 16 hours and 25 minutes, about three hours less than the route to Fuzhou.
The ten longest flights in the world
The travel magazine Afar has compiled a ranking of the longest direct flights currently
operational. Here is the complete list, ordered by duration:
First place goes to New York-Fuzhou with 19 hours and 20 minutes. In second place we find Newark-Singapore with 19 hours and 10 minutes, followed by New York-Singapore with 18 hours and 55 minutes. Fourth position is occupied by New York-Auckland with 17 hours and 45 minutes, the same time as the London-Perth route which ranks fifth.
In sixth place is Auckland-Doha at 17 hours 20 minutes, while Dallas-Melbourne takes 17 hours 35 minutes. Paris-Perth takes 17 hours and 20 minutes, Dubai-Auckland 17 hours and 15 minutes. Johannesburg-Atlanta closes the ranking with exactly 17 hours.
Because these flights are increasingly common
Ultra-long direct flights are becoming more frequent thanks to technological advances in the aviation industry. Newer aircraft models can carry larger quantities of fuel, making routes possible that were once unthinkable.
But there is also a reason linked to passengers’ preferences. Many travelers prefer to take a very long flight rather than having to deal with extended stopovers. Transit airports can be stressful and there is always the risk of missing a connection, with all the consequences that come with it: delays, lost luggage, unplanned hotel nights.
How to deal with such a long flight
Sitting in a confined space for almost 20 hours is certainly no walk in the park. Industry experts suggest starting your preparation well before you get on board.
Flight attendants recommend exercising the day before departure. A gym session, a brisk walk or even just stretching can make a difference, as suggested by the Travel Insider magazine of the Australian Qantas Arirlines. Equally important is to rest well: showing up at the airport already exhausted could prove to be a mistake.
Clothing also plays a fundamental role: comfortable, layered clothing allows you to adapt to changes in cabin temperature. A scarf can double as an eye mask, blanket or makeshift pillow.
Other useful accessories include a travel neck pillow, earplugs and noise canceling headphones. It is essential to have all electronic devices fully charged and to bring along chargers and alternative entertainment such as a book.
Hydration is very important, because when the body is dehydrated, mood worsens, energy drops and even cognitive abilities are affected. Dehydration also causes dry skin, headaches and irritability.
To feel at ease during the entire trip, it is useful to bring a small kit with brush, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, without forgetting skin care products, which can help, as long as you use them hygienically.
