The world's most expensive flight costs £26,000 — and that's just one-way

Etihad Airways' 'The Residence' (Etihad Airways)

When Etihad Airways launched a new flight route between New York City and Mumbai via Abu Dhabi on May 1, it became the world's most expensive flight with the shortest connecting time. One-way tickets cost around $38,000 (£26,212), Mashable reports.

The costly journey is operated on Etihad's luxury suite "The Residence".

Technically, a pricier one-way journey aboard "The Residence" is possible between New York City and Sydney totalling $52,000 (£35,849) — but that requires a longer connecting time in Abu Dhabi, a spokesperson for Etihad Airways told Business Insider, adding that fares on the airline's website can vary based on taxes and currency exchange rates.

Far from economy class, “The Residence” is comprised of a bedroom, lounge, and shower room that look like they belong in a 5-star hotel room.

The cabin comes with a double bed with designer linen sheets, a spacious shower, leather sofa, a 32-inch flatscreen TV, and two dining tables, at which fliers can choose a gourmet meal (sometimes delivered personally by the chef). Passengers even get their own butler, a Cognac service, and a welcome glass of champagne.

On the ground, the ticket price includes chauffeured airport connections, a concierge service, and access to a private airport lounge, which makes the hefty cost slightly more understandable.

The extravagant cabin is housed on Etihad's five Airbus A380 aircraft, which service New York City, London, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, and now Mumbai, according to Mashable.

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