Can You Fly As Long As A Day? This Is The New Longest Nonstop Flight In The World

For most travellers, even a six-hour flight can feel endless. But imagine being on a plane for nearly 20 hours straight. The world's new longest nonstop passenger flight, operated by Xiamen Air, now connects New York's JFK Airport to Fuzhou, China, clocking 19 hours and 20 minutes in the air. This record-breaking journey beats Singapore Airlines, which had long held the title for the world's longest nonstop flight. Interestingly, the route itself isn't new - Xiamen Air previously operated it between 2017 and 2020 before resuming service in 2024. However, this is the first time its official block time has crossed the 19-hour mark.

Why It Takes Nearly 20 Hours For The Longest Flight

The route between New York and Fuzhou spans around 12,505 kilometres (6,752 nautical miles). What makes this flight even longer is that Xiamen Air does not fly through Russian airspace, leading to an indirect route that adds more hours to the journey. The airline uses advanced long-range aircraft for these ultra long-haul operations, designed to carry extra fuel while maintaining passenger comfort.

Also Read: World's Longest Non-Stop Flight Between Sydney And London To Launch In 2027

The World's 10 Longest Flights For 2025

According to travel magazine Afar, these are the top 10 longest nonstop commercial flights currently operating:

1. New York (JFK) - Fuzhou (FOC): 19h 20m
2. Newark (EWR) - Singapore (SIN): 19h 10m
3. New York (JFK) - Singapore (SIN): 18h 55m
4. New York (JFK) - Auckland (AKL): 17h 45m
5. London (LHR) - Perth (PER): 17h 45m
6. Auckland (AKL) - Doha (DOH): 17h 20m
7. Dallas (DFW) - Melbourne (MEL): 17h 35m
8. Paris (CDG) - Perth (PER): 17h 20m
9. Dubai (DXB) - Auckland (AKL): 17h 15m
10. Johannesburg (JNB) - Atlanta (ATL): 17h 00m

The Benefits Of Taking Ultra Long-Haul Flights

In recent years, airlines around the world have been pushing the limits of long-distance flying. With new aircraft technology, planes are able to hold more fuel and ultra long-haul flights are no longer rare.

Some passengers prefer to take a long, non-stop flight to save time and avoid a long layover. These longer flights also skip the stress of a missed connecting flight.

Also Read: How To Survive Long Flights Without Back And Neck Pain

How To Comfortably Travel In A Nonstop, Long-Distance Flight

For travellers attempting one of these marathon journeys, preparation makes all the difference. Here are a few practical tips to make the flight more bearable:

• Move your body beforehand: Walk or stretch the day before flying to reduce stiffness and fatigue.
• Get enough rest before boarding: Don't deprive yourself of sleep in hopes of crashing on the plane.
• Dress comfortably: Wear loose, layered clothing to adapt to changing cabin temperatures.
• Carry a multi-purpose scarf or shawl: It can double up as a blanket, pillow, or even an eye mask.
• Bring comfort essentials: A neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs, and noise-cancelling headphones can greatly improve your experience.
• Check your gadgets: Keep all devices charged and carry a power bank for backup.
• Plan your entertainment: Download movies, shows, music, or bring a book to keep boredom away.
• Pack your own snacks: Even though meals are served, it's good to have something familiar to eat.

As aircraft technology evolves and global travel demand surges, ultra long-haul flights are likely to become even more common. For travellers, that means more direct connections and fewer layovers between continents.