Longest Non‑Stop Flight Takes 22 Hours: Qantas Launches Sydney‑London Route

Tue Jun 23 2026 23:08:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Qantas announces a 22‑hour non‑stop Sydney‑London flight, 20% pricier than layovers. Ask: Will travellers pay extra for ultra long‑haul?

Qantas is set to launch the world’s longest commercial non‑stop flight, taking a journey from Sydney to London in up to 22 hours starting in October 2027. The airline will charge roughly 20% more than standard stop‑over fares, prompting questions about passenger willingness to pay for a shorter, direct route. In a BBC interview, presenter Harry Sekulich asks viewers whether they would voluntarily pay the premium for ultra‑long‑haul travel, highlighting the trade‑off between price, convenience and endurance. The new service could fundamentally shift how airlines plan long‑haul routes, and how passengers weigh cost against the experience of an extremely long flight.

Would you choose to take a 22‑hour non‑stop flight?

Qantas has announced the world’s longest nonstop commercial flight, linking Sydney and London in up to 22 hours, a route that will launch in October 2027.

The new service will cost travellers around 20% more than the usual fares for a flight with a layover, a price that may shake up how people choose long‑haul flights.

BBC presenter Harry Sekulich is asking the public whether they would willingly tack on the premium for the chance to avoid an extra stop‑over, and what 22‑hour endurance means for travel planning.

The move highlights how airlines are pushing the limits of passenger comfort and the trade‑offs between price, convenience and flight duration.