World’s Longest Nonstop Flight: Sydney to London Set for 2027 Launch by Qantas

A Direct Link from Sydney to London

According to УНІАН — Туризм: Qantas has unveiled plans for what will become the world’s longest nonstop commercial flight, connecting Sydney and London. Scheduled to begin in October 2027, the journey will last up to 22 hours. To make this ultra-long-haul route possible, the airline will deploy Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, each fitted with an extra 20,000-liter fuel tank. These planes are capable of covering over 16,000 kilometers without stopping.

This Sydney–London service will be the first nonstop flight linking Australia’s east coast with the United Kingdom. Travelers will save roughly four hours compared to existing one-stop itineraries. Pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff are already undergoing specialized training for these extended operations.

Qantas’ Vision and Future Plans

Qantas intends to take delivery of 12 Airbus A350-1000ULR jets, configured to carry 238 passengers across four cabin classes. Tickets for the direct Sydney–London route will go on sale in February 2027. Surveys show that 70% of Australians would consider booking such a long flight, with interest among premium-class passengers climbing to 80%.

Dubbed Project Sunrise, this initiative was first announced by Qantas back in 2017. Notably, the airline’s original “Kangaroo Route” to London launched in 1947 with multiple stopovers.

As Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson remarked: 'Since we first flew the Kangaroo Route in 1947, stopping seven times on the way to London, each new generation of aircraft has cut the journey by one stop. Today, we’re removing the last one.'

The next targeted route will be Sydney–New York, underscoring Qantas’ ambitions to expand its long-haul network. In the winter of 2023, the airline already operated a record-breaking passenger flight lasting 29 hours, highlighting its drive for innovation in aviation.

The launch of the Sydney–London service in 2027 marks a major milestone for Qantas as it seeks to strengthen its position in the global airline market. Project Sunrise reflects growing demand for ultra-long-haul nonstop flights that cut travel time. It also promises to boost tourism and business opportunities in both Australia and the UK.

As Qantas prepares for this groundbreaking nonstop service, it's worth noting the impressive capabilities of the Airbus A350-1000ULR, which recently set a new flight distance record. The advancements in aircraft technology not only enhance passenger comfort but also make such long-haul journeys feasible. To learn more about this remarkable achievement, check out the details in our article on the new flight distance record.