13 of the Most Fascinating Flights You Can Take on Earth

Around the world, certain flights stand out because of their unusual routes, challenging runways, breathtaking scenery, or record‑breaking distances. Some are quick hops that feel over in a blink, while others are marathon journeys that push the limits of modern aircraft. Here are 15 flights that turn travel itself into part of the adventure.

The Longest Nonstop Route on the Planet

Singapore Airlines operates a nonstop flight between Singapore and New York’s JFK that covers 9,527 miles in about 19 hours. The Airbus A350‑900ULR flies with only Business and Premium Economy cabins, which gives passengers extra space on this ultra‑long route.

A Hop That’s Over in Under Two Minutes

In Scotland’s Orkney Islands, Loganair runs the Westray to Papa Westray service. The entire distance is only 1.7 miles, and with favorable winds, the flight can finish in 53 seconds. This tiny aircraft carries just eight passengers, with the pilot separated by only a slim panel. Travelers often ride simply to say they’ve done the shortest scheduled flight in the world, complete with postcard views of the rugged coast.

The Scenic Runway Made of Sand

Barra Airport in Scotland uses the hard‑packed sand of Traigh Mhòr beach as its runway. Flight times adjust with tides, and pilots coordinate closely with ground staff to keep operations safe. Travelers can step off the plane directly onto the beach, making it the only regularly scheduled service in the world that lands on sand. Loganair operates short flights here from Glasgow, and the unique approach keeps cameras clicking.

Flying Over the North Pole

Some long-haul routes take a shortcut right over the top of the world. Airlines such as Emirates, SAS, and Air India use polar routes for flights like Dubai to Los Angeles or Delhi to San Francisco. These paths cut hours off older routings by using the curvature of Earth. While no longer rare, crossing the Arctic Circle at cruising altitude gives passengers a brag‑worthy entry in their travel diaries.

A Route Packed With Island Hops

United’s Island Hopper runs between Guam and Honolulu, with stops at places like Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Chuuk. The 737 often carries a mechanic and spare parts along with passengers. Onboard, it’s all open ocean until a small island comes into view. Each stop means something different for the people waiting on the ground.

Landing at a Himalayan Gateway

Adventurers often consider this flight itself as thrilling as the climb ahead, with steep valleys visible just beyond the wingtips. Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, Nepal, is perched at 9,383 feet with a runway only 1,729 feet long. Pilots undergo special training before operating there, because mountain winds and thin air make every landing demanding.

A Short Runway Above the Caribbean Sea

On Saba Island in the Caribbean, Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport claims the world’s shortest commercial runway at just 1,300 feet. Pilots need precision to touch down safely, as rocky cliffs frame both ends. The short hop from St. Maarten takes about 15 minutes, yet it’s one that aviation enthusiasts seek out.

A Domestic Journey That Feels International

Paris to Réunion covers over 5,800 miles, but it’s still a domestic flight. Réunion sits in the Indian Ocean but remains part of France. Air France and Air Austral run regular wide-body jets on the route. For a short time during the pandemic, a nonstop from Tahiti to Paris was even longer.

Helicopter Tours Above the Grand Canyon

Helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon start in Las Vegas or close to the park. These flights drop below the rim, passing sheer cliffs and tracing the canyon’s winding floor. Pilots highlight landmarks you’d never see from a lookout. Sunset flights are especially popular. Many travelers remember this quick ride more vividly than any hike or drive.

Soaring Above Milford Sound’s Peaks

Small planes linking Queenstown and Milford Sound in New Zealand provide a compact but dramatic flight. The route crosses Fiordland National Park, with steep mountains dropping into the sea. Passengers see waterfalls threading through valleys and snow‑capped ridges even in summer.

A Seaplane’s Window on the Maldives

Seaplane rides in the Maldives give passengers sweeping views of bright water and scattered islands. Planes skim low over reefs and sandbars, landing at floating docks near each resort. The flights are short but memorable, often planned by the hotels themselves. For many visitors, the seaplane ride ends up as the highlight of their stay.

A Helicopter Ride Over Kauai’s Coastline

Kauai in Hawaii features sea cliffs rising 3,000 feet and hidden waterfalls deep in Waimea Canyon. Most of these sights have no road access, so helicopters offer the best views. Pilots guide passengers over the Na Pali Coast’s rugged ridges and past Mount Wai’ale’ale, one of Earth’s wettest spots. Flights operate year‑round, and clear days show how volcanic activity shaped the island’s contours over millions of years.

Landing Amid Bhutan’s Mountain Peaks

Paro Airport in Bhutan requires pilots to navigate between steep ridges and houses perched on hillsides. Only a handful of pilots are certified to land there, and flights run only in daylight under clear conditions. The airport sits 7,300 feet above sea level, with dramatic Himalayan views on approach. Many visitors remember the descent as vividly as the temples and valleys they explore afterward.

Chasing the Southern Lights

In 2017, Air New Zealand launched special flights from Dunedin to witness the Aurora Australis. These eight‑hour journeys loop toward the Antarctic Circle so both sides of the plane see the lights. Photographers book months in advance, bringing cameras ready for long exposures. The plane crosses the international date line twice, adding to the novelty.

The Flight That Arrives Before It Departs

United Airlines Flight 133 crosses the international date line from Majuro in the Marshall Islands to Honolulu, Hawaii. Passengers board around 8 p.m. and land roughly 2 a.m. on the same calendar day. It feels like traveling back in time, and many travelers snap photos of their watches as proof. Airlines occasionally schedule special “double New Year’s” flights on similar routes.