If you thought a flight from Israel to New York was long, think again: the Chinese airline China Eastern will launch the world’s longest direct flight in December, connecting Shanghai to Buenos Aires in Argentina, with only a technical stop in Auckland, New Zealand, without disembarking the aircraft.
Over 29 Hours and 19,300 km in the Air
The new route, set to inaugurate on December 4, 2025, will last 29 hours and cover an astonishing distance of 19,300 kilometers. During the stop in Auckland, passengers will remain on board, making it officially a direct flight.
Flights in the opposite direction, from Buenos Aires to Shanghai, will be slightly shorter (approximately 25.5 hours), thanks to favorable jet streams.
The Aircraft for the Journey
The flight will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER in a three-class configuration. This is one of the most advanced and comfortable aircraft in China Eastern’s fleet, offering an enhanced flying experience for such an extended duration.
What is the Longest Flight in the World?
It is important to distinguish: China Eastern’s route becomes the longest direct flight in terms of time and distance, but not the longest non-stop flight. That title is currently held by Singapore Airlines, with a non-stop flight of 19 hours from Singapore to New York. For the article on Singapore’s longest flight, click here
In 2027: Qantas Aims to Break the Record
The Australian airline Qantas is expected to launch in 2027 the “Project Sunrise” flights – non-stop flights from Sydney to London spanning approximately 17,800 km and lasting around 20 continuous hours. The aircraft for these flights will be new Airbus A350-1000 featuring suites and especially spacious seats, designed to tackle the physical and mental challenge of such prolonged air time.
Conclusion – Not for the Impatient
The flight from Shanghai to Buenos Aires will indeed make history, but it is certainly not for everyone. It is a long journey that requires mental readiness, careful planning, and a lot of movies in the entertainment library. On the other hand, for those who want to travel halfway around the world without changing planes, it is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
