Cathay to conduct world's longest passenger flight in avoiding Russia

Cathay Pacific is planning to conduct the world's longest passenger flight covering 10,357 miles in 16 to 17 hours by rerouting its New York to Hong Kong service to steer clear of Russia.

The flight, which will be over the Atlantic instead of the Pacific, will surpass a Singapore Airlines flight traveling from Singapore to New York, which flies 9,534 miles in 18 hours.

Cathay Pacific joins many other airlines that have canceled routes to Russia or are avoiding its airspace over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last month.

Last month, Russia closed its skies to several European countries and all UK-linked flights in response to a similar ban on them.

The airline is currently seeking an overflight permit for the flight which will pass the Atlantic, Europe, and Central Asia.

According to Hong Kong's flagship carrier, the trans-Atlantic option is more favorable than the trans-Pacific route due to seasonal tailwinds.

Before the pandemic, Cathay conducted three round trips between New York and Hong Kong every day.