Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), otherwise known as SeaTac, is one of the world’s most important hubs today. It is also one of the busiest and most popular airfields on the West Coast of the United States. Home to the booming Alaska Airlines, the airport hosts numerous international carriers as well that fly even longer itineraries than Alaska does.
We will go down the list of the absolute longest flights from SeaTac scheduled between January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. Thanks to data from Cirium.com, we break it down by carrier, aircraft, as well as distance. So let’s get down to the numbers and discover the longest of the long-haul routes Seattle has to offer.
10
Munich Airport, Germany
8,503 Kilometers
Lufthansa operates the first entry on this list of exceptionally long air corridors. The airline flies one of its newer models on the route, choosing the A350-900. It only recently stopped flying A340 quadjets between the two cities, upgrading both the ease of operating and the passenger experience. 
Munich Airport (MUC) is also one of Lufthansa’s home base hubs, making it a convenient option for flyers heading out of Germany to the United States.
Each airport represents not only historic centers of culture, food, and art, but two of the strongest economic centers in each of the city’s respective corner of the map. SeaTac is also a gateway for international travelers to reach further final destinations along the West Coast and the Pacific Northwest, which makes it an important jumping-off point for European travelers heading to America.
9
Beijing Capital International Airport, China
8,703 Kilometers
As one of the largest, busiest, and most important airports in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Beijing Capital (PEK) is a vital link across the Pacific Ocean. The air bridge serves as a major artery of business and trade, not only in terms of the passengers carried by Hainan Airlines’ 787 Dreamliners, but also for precious cargo including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods. The hub at PEK serves one of the largest cities on the planet, which also means that demand is steady for this transoceanic lifeline.
Flyers from Seattle can enjoy a nonstop ride aboard one of Boeing’s latest designs, with the modern cabin’s spacious atmosphere, lower pressure altitude, and adaptive LED lighting leaving travelers more refreshed upon touchdown. That extra energy will make the hike along the Great Wall or touring the Forbidden City, or Summer Palace all that much more enjoyable. Beijing’s sightseeing is among the best in the world, but so is its cuisine, with local specialties like Peking Duck, hot pot, and steamed buns to satisfy every foodie.
8
Shanghai Pudong International Airport, China
9,208 Kilometers
Delta Air Lines ferries lovers of Sichuan cuisine, tech moguls, and adventurous vacationers to this historic metropolis in Southern China. Delta’s ride of choice to make the trek between Seattle and 
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the A330-900neo. The widebody Airbus features the Airspace cabin architecture with more interior room, better overhead stowage, and more comfortable lighting as well.
Delta has scheduled over 360 flights this year, with more than 100,000 seats available on the insatiably popular route.
Shanghai is one of the oldest cities in China and the world. It is home to an incredible host of food and art, as well as a distinct dialect of the Chinese language called Cantonese. The city has evolved into an epicenter of technology and industry over the past few decades. The skyline boasts some of the tallest buildings in the world, yet the historic downtown area retains the charm, traditions, and roots of the history of the city.
7
Istanbul Airport, Türkiye
9,771 Kilometers
Turkish Airlines replaced its Boeing 777 with Boeing 787 this year to meet the expectations of its customers who fly between SeaTac and 
Istanbul Airport (IST). The new jet features the latest clean-sheet design Boeing has to offer, providing the best experience possible, including the largest windows on any jet. These make it easy to take in the breathtaking aerial views of the majestic skyline of Istanbul, historic crossroads of the world, boasting four UNESCO world heritage sites.
Turkish Airlines has one of the largest widebody fleets in the world, and its hub at Istanbul has seen large investments in recent years to modernize and increase capacity, making the travel experience more enjoyable than ever before. The local aerospace industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, supporting Turkey’s growing demand for air travel.
Turkish has almost 1000 flights scheduled for the year, with 30,000 seats available on its big Boeing twinjet. The high quality flying experience, high business travel demand, and world-class leisure travel destination make this route steady year-round.
6
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan
9,775 Kilometers
Serving as the capital city of Taiwan, Taipei, Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) frequently sees Starlux, Delta, and China Airlines jets ferrying back and forth from Seattle. The combined operations represent nearly 1,000 flights for the year, with Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s flying around the clock. The total seat count available for the year is approximately 450,000, accommodating the large number of tech business travelers and globe-trotting foodies.
Taipei is home to TSMC, the world’s leading semiconductor foundry, as well as major international design company MediaTek, and the semiconductor equipment supplier ASE Group. The semiconductor business has become one of the most profitable industries in the world as well as a critical element of national economies in our era where every device requires a litany of computer controls inside it.
The city is also home to some of the most beautiful traditional temples, architecture, and art from millennia of Chinese culture. The food is world-renowned, featuring a diverse range of dishes, from dim sum and boba to roasted pork and noodles. Any trip to Taipei is sure to be as fun and stomach-filling as it is productive and scenic.
5
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, China
10,159 Kilometers
Scheduled for 53 flights in 2025, Hainan Airlines will ferry as many as 15,000 flyers from Seattle to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG). The city is an industrial powerhouse of China, and a crucial economic partner to the United States. Hainan flies the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to serve this high-density, transoceanic artery of international air travel.
Hainan Airlines has nearly 40 787 Dreamliners in its fleet now. It also offers extensive coverage of cities inside China’s domestic network with nearly 140 737 narrowbody airliners as well. The carrier serves a critical role in supporting China’s powerful economic engine, but it also provides a reliable and convenient option for recreational travelers who would like to experience the diverse landscapes, culture, and history of the ancient and grand country.
4
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippines
10,719 Kilometers
Philippine Airlines will fly nearly 170 times in 2025 between the capital city of Manila in the Philippines and Seattle. The jets going to and from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and SeaTac will move as many as 63,000 flyers on their journeys. To accomplish this mission, the carrier employs the Boeing 777. The widebody, twinjet can easily make the long-haul across the Pacific Ocean in comfort.
The Philippines is a tourism hotspot second to none with incredibly beautiful nature across thousands of islands to explore. Year-round tropical weather makes it the ultimate snowbird destination for chilly Seattleites. Local food is renowned for its savory and sweet dishes alike. Some of the world’s most famous buffets are located just beyond the airport fences.
3
Hamad International Airport, Qatar
11,926 Kilometers
Looking to the Middle East’s Gulf region, 
Qatar Airways has a busy flight log from SeaTac to 
Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha this year. Scheduled for over 360 flights, the total number of flyers could reach 130,000 along this air corridor before the year is out. The Boeing 777 is serving Qatar faithfully on this mission and offers some of the most luxurious cabin options in the sky for travelers.
Doha blends world heritage with ultra-modern technology and architecture seamlessly. The ancient, historic city is well-served by its flag carrier, Qatar Airways, which boasts one of the largest flight lines of widebody jets in the world, including Boeing 777s, 787s, Airbus A350s, and the double-decker A380.
2
Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates
11,949 Kilometers
Dubai’s mega-hub at 
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is near the top of the list for distance traveled in this review. The Boeing 777 employed by 
Emirates is famed for its luxury cabins and stellar service both in the air and on the ground. Similar to Qatar, Emirates plans to fly over 360 round trips between the two cities and carry as many as 120,000 customers.
Dubai is a rapidly growing global capital of international business and trade with strong connections in multiple industries that make it an exceptionally high-demand destination. The flag carrier, Emirates, is also the largest widebody jet operator in the world with 140 Boeing 777s and 116 Airbus A380 “Super Jumbos,” according to Planespotters.net data.
1
Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
12,989 Kilometers
The final and longest entry on this list is 
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). Half a world away, 
Singapore Airlines flies the Airbus A350-900 to make the long voyage over the Pacific to SeaTac. The carrier has 240 round trips on the books this year for this route, which can accommodate as many as 60,000 flyers total.
Another crucial center of business and economic exchange, Singapore also offers one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Asia-Pacific sphere. The city-state is equally famed for its decadent, luxurious experiences as it is for its affordable yet delicious street food. A clean, scenic destination with a unique blend of city and nature delivers the perfect backdrop for any visit.
