Tuesday, March 25, 2025
As the global travel industry continues to recover and expand in 2025, long-haul flights are experiencing significant growth, with more than 370 airports worldwide now operating at least one scheduled long-haul passenger flight in April. These flights, typically defined as routes covering at least 2,650 nautical miles (3,050 statute miles; 4,908 km), are central to the operations of major international airports.
From the skies above bustling hubs like London Heathrow to the iconic New York JFK, airports worldwide are seeing a surge in long-haul departures. With nearly one in every 25 takeoffs now operating a long-haul service, the aviation landscape is evolving at an accelerated pace. As new markets open and established routes expand, long-haul travel is becoming an increasingly significant part of the global flight network.
Top 10 Airports for Long-Haul Flights: A Look at the Numbers
Based on April 2025 data, the following airports stand out as the leaders in long-haul travel, reflecting both a stable demand for international connections and the continuing recovery of the aviation sector. These airports not only dominate long-haul operations but are also experiencing significant growth in departures, as the global network of long-haul flights sees a 3% overall increase compared to April 2024.
- London Heathrow (LHR) – Europe’s premier hub and the undisputed global leader for long-haul flights, Heathrow continues to top the charts with an impressive 250 long-haul takeoffs per day in April 2025. This means nearly one in every two and a half departures at Heathrow will be flying long distances, cementing its position as the gateway to London and a key international transit point. Despite challenges like a chronic slot shortage, Heathrow remains a dominant force in global aviation, hosting flights from over 45 passenger airlines. British Airways, while not the sole operator, controls a significant share of long-haul traffic at Heathrow, accounting for about a third of all such services.
- New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK) – Despite a slight dip in long-haul flight numbers, New York’s JFK Airport remains a powerhouse for international travel. With flights to 57 destinations covering over 2,650 nautical miles, JFK handles a considerable amount of long-haul traffic, although its long-haul services have fallen by about 3% compared to last year. Delta Air Lines, the dominant carrier at JFK, operates a significant portion of the long-haul services, although a reduction in some international routes—such as departures by Aerolíneas Argentinas and Air Senegal—has contributed to the slight decline. Notably, the return of Xiamen Air and the addition of Arkia Airlines and potentially Israir offer a glimpse of the airport’s resilience and adaptability.
- Dubai International (DXB) – The UAE’s largest airport, Dubai International, ranks as the third busiest airport globally for long-haul departures. With an average of 200 daily long-haul takeoffs, DXB serves as a major hub connecting passengers from Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond to destinations across the globe. Emirates, the flagship carrier of Dubai, is the primary operator here, with its expansive network of flights to major destinations in Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The airport’s strategic location between East and West makes it a critical hub for travelers looking to connect across continents.
- Los Angeles International (LAX) – While Los Angeles International Airport may not boast the sheer volume of long-haul flights seen at some of its counterparts, it remains one of the busiest airports for international travel, with an ever-growing network of connections. Unlike JFK, LAX has a more diverse mix of airlines operating its long-haul routes. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines are all key players at LAX, with international departures to Asia, Latin America, and Europe. The airport’s diverse offering and its role as a gateway to the Pacific Rim help ensure it remains a crucial hub for transpacific travel.
Long-Haul Flights: A Key Driver in the Aviation and Tourism Industries
Long-haul flights, typically defined as flights covering distances greater than 2,650 nautical miles (4,908 km), play a crucial role in the global aviation industry. These flights connect continents, facilitate international trade, and enable travelers to explore far-flung destinations. As the aviation industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, long-haul routes have proven to be a vital component of this recovery, driving significant growth in global travel.
Importance of Long-Haul Flights in the Aviation Industry
Long-haul flights are the backbone of international connectivity. They link major global cities and hubs, creating a network that allows for seamless movement of passengers and goods across vast distances. In addition to offering direct connections between continents, long-haul flights help establish a hub-and-spoke system where passengers can easily transfer to regional flights, expanding the reach of smaller airports and boosting the efficiency of the airline network.
For airlines, long-haul routes are essential for profitability. These flights often carry a higher number of premium passengers, such as business travelers, who are willing to pay a premium for convenience and comfort. Long-haul services also contribute significantly to the airline’s bottom line due to the higher operational costs, but they are often offset by the lucrative fares from long-distance passengers. Airlines operating long-haul flights invest in modern aircraft to ensure fuel efficiency and better passenger experience, which further strengthens their competitive edge in the market.
Impact on the Travel and Tourism Industry
The expansion of long-haul flights has a direct impact on the travel and tourism industry. More accessible and affordable international air travel encourages tourists to explore new destinations, leading to increased demand for accommodations, tours, restaurants, and local attractions. As airlines introduce new routes and enhance existing services, international tourism is seeing a resurgence, especially in regions that were previously difficult to reach.
Long-haul flights also encourage cultural exchange, promoting cross-border tourism. For example, travelers from Asia flock to Europe, and vice versa, to experience diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. This has a lasting effect on local economies as tourism dollars flow into destinations that may have been underrepresented in global tourism trends.
Growing Long-Haul Routes Around the World
As of April 2025, numerous new long-haul routes have been introduced to meet the growing demand for international travel. Here are some prominent examples:
- London Heathrow to Sydney – British Airways has launched new direct services between Heathrow and Sydney, providing easier access to Australia for business and leisure travelers. This route is expected to boost tourism in Australia while connecting it to Europe’s key markets.
- New York JFK to Tokyo – Japan Airlines (JAL) and American Airlines have expanded their offerings from New York JFK to Tokyo, providing more options for travelers heading to Japan for both business and tourism.
- Dubai to Auckland – Emirates’ service from Dubai to Auckland opens up new opportunities for tourists exploring New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty. This route connects the UAE with the Pacific region, facilitating tourism and business exchanges.
- Los Angeles to Nairobi – Kenya Airways has introduced direct long-haul services from Los Angeles to Nairobi, tapping into the growing demand for African safari tourism. This route strengthens connections between North America and East Africa, promoting tourism and trade.
- Paris Charles de Gaulle to Santiago – Air France now operates direct flights between Paris and Santiago, Chile, offering a convenient connection for travelers looking to explore South America’s cultural and natural attractions.
As these long-haul routes continue to develop, they will play an increasingly pivotal role in connecting the world, fostering economic growth, and stimulating tourism across all continents. The availability of more long-haul services makes global travel more accessible and appealing, benefiting both the aviation and tourism sectors.
