It will once again be possible to fly around the world with Singapore Airlines as the airline is set to resume its fifth freedom route from Frankfurt to New York. It will now be theoretically possible to fly from Singapore to New York to Frankfurt to Singapore, and vice versa.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, swathes of routes around the world were suspended. This affected both long and short-haul flights. However, not all flights were resumed equally. On the whole, short-haul flights recovered far quicker than their long-haul counterparts. With increasing vaccination rates, it seems as though long-haul flights are finally becoming more accessible.

Frankfurt to New York

If there's something that we love at Simple Flying, it is a fifth freedom route. New York is no stranger to such routes, with Emirates offering a flight from Dubai via Milan, which is soon to be upgraded to an Airbus A380. While Singapore's Airbus A380s remain grounded for the time being, the airline won't be stopped from relaunching its Singapore to New York route via Frankfurt.

Singapore Airlines, Frankfurt, New York
A return trip will take over two days. Photo: Cirium

As spotted by One Mile At A Time, Singapore Airlines will relaunch the route from November 1st, with flights operating to the following schedule,

  • SQ 26 - Singapore (SIN) 23:55 - Frankfurt (FRA) 06:20+1 - 13 hours 25 minutes
  • SQ 26 - Frankfurt (FRA) 08:20+1 - New York (JFK) 12:15+1 - 8 hours 55 minutes
  • SQ 25 - New York (JFK) 21:15+1 - Frankfurt (FRA) 09:50+2 - 7 hours 35 minutes
  • SQ 25 - Frankfurt (FRA) 11:40+2 - Singapore (SIN) 06:50+3 - 12 hours 10 minutes

A flight departing just before midnight on Monday thus arrives back in Singapore on Thursday morning, with an entire rotation lasting two days, six hours, and 55 minutes. As the flight is scheduled daily, the airline will need at least three Boeing 777 aircraft for the route.

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Around the world with Singapore Airlines?

Passengers meeting all relevant COVID-19 travel requirements will once again be able to take a true "around the world" trip with Singapore Airlines by tying up the fifth freedom route with the world's longest flight. Traveling east-bound to take advantage of typical prevailing winds, the itinerary could look as follows,

  • SQ24 - Depart Singapore 01:25 - Arrive New York JFK 07:30 - Airbus A350 - 18h05m
  • SQ25 - Depart New York JFK 21:15 - Arrive Frankfurt 09:50+1 - Boeing 777 - 07h35m
  • SQ25 - Depart Frankfurt 11:40+1 - Arrive Singapore 06:50+2 - Boeing 777 - 12h10m
Singapore Airlines, Frankfurt, New York
The Airbus A350 also flies direct from Singapore to New York. Photo: Vincenzo Pace - Simple Flying

Direct vs. via Frankfurt

Of course, the route also opens new opportunities for those traveling between Singapore and New York. Previously, the direct flight was the only option, using the airline's Ultra Long Range (ULR) Airbus A350s. To save on weight, these are only fitted with two cabins, the lowest being premium economy.

Singapore Airlines, Frankfurt, New York
While three hours longer, the stopping route is half the price. Photo: Google Flights

On November 2nd, the non-stop service from JFK to Singapore is currently listed as starting at $1,012. While it stops off in Frankfurt for almost one hour and 50 minutes, the stopping service only takes two hours and 55 minutes longer than the non-stop service. However, it offers an economy cabin, meaning that fares on the same day are available for $519.

Are you excited to see the return of Singapore-Frankfurt-New York flights? Let us know what you think and why in the comments.