A direct flight in the aviation industry is any flight between two points by an airline with no change in flight numbers, which may include one or more stops at an intermediate point(s). A stop may either be to get new passengers (or allow some to disembark) or a technical stop over (i.e., for refuelling).

A direct flight is often confused with a "non-stop" flight, but they are technically different in the aviation industry. A "non-stop" flight flies from Point A to Point B without landing anywhere in between. A direct flight, however, maintains a single flight number for the entire journey, but it may include one or more intermediate stops where the plane lands to refuel or pick up/drop off passengers. For example, a "direct" flight from New York to Sydney might stop in Los Angeles; you would stay on the same plane (or occasionally change to a different plane with the same flight number) during the layover. For 2026 travelers, the "direct" label is a relic of older ticketing systems; you should always check the "Stops" section of your booking to see if your flight is actually non-stop. While a direct flight is more convenient than a "connecting flight" (which requires a change of flight number and often a frantic dash through a different terminal), a "non-stop" remains the gold standard for speed and simplicity in air travel.