In a milestone, Air connectivity will reach a new record in December 2025, when Buenos Aires becomes the departure point for the world's longest direct flight.
China Eastern Airlines has already begun selling tickets for its new service between Shanghai (PVG) and Buenos Aires (EZE), which will become the longest scheduled air route in the world. Operations are scheduled to begin on December 4, according to the Chinese Embassy in Argentina.
The new milestone in air travel will be set this December, as China Eastern Airlines launches a direct flight between Shanghai and Buenos Aires, set to become the longest non-stop route in history by both duration and distance.
The new air travel route spans more than 19,000 kilometres and takes around 29 hours to complete. Scheduled to launch on 4 December.
Outbound (Shanghai → Buenos Aires): departs Mondays and Thursdays at 2:00 a.m., arrives in Auckland at 6:30 p.m., departs again at 8:30 p.m., and lands in Ezeiza at 4:30 p.m. the same day.
Return (Buenos Aires → Shanghai): Departs Tuesdays and Fridays at 2:00 a.m., arrives in Auckland at 8:40 a.m., departs again at 10:40 a.m., and arrives in Shanghai at 6:30 p.m. the following day.
The estimated price of the ticket from Buenos Aires to Shanghai is USD 1,983.80 , while the price in the opposite direction is estimated at USD 1,746.10 .
Although the aircraft makes a stop in Auckland, New Zealand, passengers will not be required to leave the plane or change aircraft.
The outbound journey from Shanghai lasts approximately 26 hours, including a two-and-a-half-hour layover in New Zealand, while the return leg stretches close to 29 hours.
China Eastern’s flight beats the previous record by a wide margin: the current leader, Singapore Airlines’ Singapore–New York flight, takes “only” 18 hours.
The previous longest nonstop flight between Beijing and São Paulo (which no longer operates) also pales in comparison to the current one with its 25 hours, according to Drive.hu. The ultra-long-haul route will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER, an aircraft specifically designed for extended flights.Travellers will have a choice of First, Business, or Economy class.
The service will run twice weekly: departing China on Mondays and Thursdays, and leaving Argentina on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The fares reflect the exceptional nature of the flight: tickets from Shanghai to Buenos Aires start at GBP 1,280 (EUR 1,480), while Buenos Aires to Shanghai tickets begin at GBP 1,400 (EUR 1,620).
This direct connection between South America and China opens up new commercial, political and diplomatic opportunities. It also offers an alternative for passengers wishing to avoid transit through North America or Europe, or flights over conflict regions.\
With this route, the international aviation map adds a challenge that combines technical challenge, innovation, and ambition.
This new service is equal parts adventure, challenge, and landmark: a 29-hour flight aboard a single aircraft, symbolising the possibilities of modern technology and global connectivity. While not an everyday experience, it offers world travellers a truly unique opportunity.
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