These are the 5 Longest Routes Flown by British Airways

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When it comes to long-haul travel, British Airways operates some of the most extensive routes in the world. From bustling metropolises to far-flung destinations, BA’s long-haul network spans multiple continents, connecting the UK to key global markets.

But which flights stand out as the longest? Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or a frequent flyer looking for your next adventure, here are the five longest routes currently flown by British Airways.

British Airways and Its Long-Haul Fleet

Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner G-ZBJF. (Anna Zvereva, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

British Airways is one of the world’s leading full-service carriers, operating a vast international network from its primary hub at London Heathrow Airport. The airline’s long-haul fleet consists of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777, Airbus A350 and the iconic Airbus A380.

Now, let’s take a look at BA’s longest routes by distance:

1. London Heathrow (LHR) – Santiago, Chile (SCL)

• Distance: ~7,250 miles (11,670 km)
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
• Flight time: Around 14.5 hours
• Why it’s significant: This is British Airways’ longest direct route, connecting London to Chile’s vibrant capital. The flight crosses the Atlantic and much of South America before arriving in Santiago.

2. London Heathrow (LHR) – Buenos Aires (EZE)

• Distance: ~6,900 miles (11,100 km)
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
• Flight time: Around 14 hours
• Why it’s significant: Buenos Aires is a key South American destination for British Airways, and this ultra-long-haul flight provides a direct link between the UK and Argentina’s cultural capital. The journey is often operated alongside BA’s flights to São Paulo.

3. London Heathrow (LHR) – Singapore (SIN)

• Distance: ~6,750 miles (10,870 km)
• Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER / Airbus A380
• Flight time: Around 13.5 hours
• Why it’s significant: Singapore is a major business and travel hub in Southeast Asia, making this route one of BA’s most important. The flight is operated by a mix of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, offering a variety of premium and economy class options for long-haul travellers.

4. London Heathrow (LHR) – Los Angeles (LAX)

• Distance: ~5,440 miles (8,760 km)
• Aircraft: Airbus A380 / Boeing 777-300ER
• Flight time: Around 11 hours
• Why it’s significant: Los Angeles is a crucial transatlantic destination, with BA operating multiple daily flights to LAX. The Airbus A380 is often deployed on this route, providing one of the most comfortable ways to cross the Atlantic to the U.S. West Coast.

5. London Heathrow (LHR) – Johannesburg (JNB)

• Distance: ~5,635 miles (9,070 km)
• Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
• Flight time: Around 11 hours
• Why it’s significant: As one of British Airways’ most important routes to Africa, the London-Johannesburg flight serves both business and leisure travelers heading to South Africa. The route is consistently in demand and has been a mainstay of BA’s long-haul operations for decades.

A British Airways A380 at Johannesburg. Photo (c) Charles

Have You Flown One of These Routes?

Have you experienced one of these marathon journeys with British Airways? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!