
Flying from New York or London to Australia without a stop has long sounded impossible. Starting in 2027, Qantas plans to make it a reality.
The airline will launch nonstop flights between Sydney and London, followed by Sydney and New York, using specially designed Airbus A350 aircraft. The flights will last up to 22 hours, making them the longest commercial flights in the world.
Qantas says the new routes will cut up to four hours off current one-stop itineraries and eliminate layovers altogether. To make the marathon journey more comfortable, the aircraft will feature premium cabins, upgraded economy seating, and a dedicated wellness zone where passengers can stretch and move throughout the flight.
The convenience comes at a price. Qantas expects fares to cost as much as 30% more than traditional one-stop options.
For now, no other airline has announced plans to compete on these ultra-long-haul routes, giving Qantas a unique position in one of aviation's most ambitious projects.
The Takeaway: If you fly between Australia, Europe, or the U.S. regularly, the era of nonstop 20+ hour flights is almost here. Whether travelers embrace spending nearly a full day in the air remains to be seen, but eliminating layovers will be a major selling point for many.
