You can stop rubbing your eyes – you read that right. China Eastern Airlines has just announced a new service that’s claimed the crown for the world’s longest direct flight, clocking in at a whopping 29 hours in the air.
Set to take off on December 4, 2025, this epic journey will link Shanghai and Buenos Aires, with a brief stopover in Auckland. Covering more than 10,600 nautical miles, the route pushes well past some of today’s longest-haul contenders, including Singapore Airlines’ famed Singapore-New York service and Air China’s Beijing-Sao Paulo connection. For the uninitiated, one nautical mile measures roughly 1,852m, and is traditionally used at sea and in aviation for accuracy over long distances.
The Shanghai to Buenos Aires leg is expected to take around 25 hours, but the return trip stretches to 29 hours due to headwinds – so passengers should pack plenty of entertainment, snacks and patience to make the journey more bearable.
Flights will operate twice a week, with departures from Shanghai to Buenos Aires on Mondays and Thursdays, and returns on Tuesdays and Fridays. Economy fares for December currently start from around SGD1,640 one way, which is fairly competitive considering the sheer distance covered.
While this flight might not be for the faint of heart, it opens up a new option for travellers flying between Asia and South America.
Did you know? China is now home to the world’s largest train station, 5 times bigger than NYC’s Grand Central
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox.