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China Eastern Airlines announces a record-setting Shanghai to Buenos Aires flight, billed as the world’s longest direct route—yet it includes a two-hour Auckland stop.
A New Contender for the World’s Longest Direct Flight
China Eastern Airlines has launched ticket sales for a bold new route: Shanghai to Buenos Aires direct flight. The airline promotes it as the world’s longest direct flight, covering nearly 19,000 kilometers and taking up to 29 hours on the return leg.
Departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and landing at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), this twice-weekly service begins December 4 aboard a Boeing 777-300ER.
The “Direct” but Not Nonstop Reality
While marketed as a direct journey, the flight features a two-hour stop in Auckland, New Zealand. Passengers can deplane for a brief stretch, but the aircraft remains the same, allowing the airline to maintain its “direct” designation even though it is not nonstop.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Ultra-Long Routes
To understand where China Eastern stands, here’s a comparison with other major long-haul flights:
| Route & Airline | Approx Distance | Typical Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai–Buenos Aires (China Eastern) | ~19,000 km | 25.5–29 hrs | 1 (Auckland, tech stop) |
| Singapore–New York (Singapore Airlines) | 15,349 km | ~18 hrs | Nonstop |
| Sydney–London (Qantas, planned) | ~16,100 km | ~20 hrs | Nonstop (planned) |
This table highlights the unique selling point: the longest direct route connecting antipodal cities—destinations located on opposite sides of the Earth.
Strategic Significance: The “Air Silk Road”
China Eastern describes the Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires route as a new Air Silk Road, strengthening air links between Asia-Pacific and South America.
The southerly flight path, skirting Antarctica, is expected to cut at least four hours compared with typical northern connections.
Competitive Landscape and Traveler Takeaways
Other airlines, such as Air France and Lufthansa, currently offer Shanghai–Buenos Aires flights averaging 31 hours with layovers in Europe. The new China Eastern service shortens total travel time while providing a unique scenic path over some of the world’s most remote waters.
However, Singapore Airlines still holds the title for the world’s longest nonstop flight with its Singapore–New York route. Meanwhile, Qantas’ Project Sunrise aims to challenge that crown with future nonstop Sydney–London flights.
Bottom Line
For travelers seeking a Shanghai to Buenos Aires direct flight, China Eastern Airlines now offers the fastest scheduled option—albeit with a technical stop.
This move not only strengthens global connectivity but also adds a fresh chapter to the ongoing race for the world’s longest flight, where every hour and every mile counts.
