World’s longest non-stop flight: Emirates airline announces Dubai-Panama flight, taking 17 hours
If you can’t get enough of flying, you’re in for a real treat: the world’s longest non-stop flight is about to take off.
Starting next spring, Emirates airline will fly non-stop between Dubai and Panama City, covering a cool 8,252 miles.
You’d better hope there’s decent in-flight entertainment on board, though, because the trip will take 17 hours and 35 minutes to cover the record-route.
Currently, the world’s longest commercial flight is Dallas-Sydney, covering the 8,578 miles in 17 hours.
The direct flight to Panama, connecting the Middle East and Latin America, marks the airline’s first destination gateway on the continent.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates commented:
We’re also pleased to be the only commercial airline to offer a daily, First Class service to travellers on what will be the world’s longest non-stop flight.
Panama City has two of Latin America’s biggest ports, and with the Panama Canal expanding, trade capacity is set to double by 2016.
These used to be an even longer flight: the 18-hour epic between Singapore and Newark, but since this was cancelled in 2013, longhaul flight enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Emirates’ flight taking 17 hours and 35 minutes is taking over the title.
After all, that’s plenty of time to watch a film. Or eight.