‘29-hour journey’: Chinese airline announces world’s longest flight route

China Eastern plans a 29-hour “direct” flight, the longest in the world

China Airlines is about to roll out a route that really stretches the meaning of “long haul.” Starting December 4, 2025, the Chinese airline will connect Shanghai with Buenos Aires on a single flight number that lasts close to 29 hours. That makes it the longest scheduled direct route in the world.

It is not nonstop though. The plane will make a quick two-hour stop in Auckland, New Zealand, mostly for refueling. Passengers apparently would not get off, which might make that break feel less like a relief and more like a refueling pit stop you just watch through the window.

The numbers

The distance is about 12,500 miles, nearly half the circumference of the Earth. Heading east from Buenos Aires to Shanghai takes the full 29 hours, while the return trip shaves off a few hours because of tailwinds. China Eastern will fly it twice a week in each direction with a Boeing 777-300ER.

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Tickets are not cheap. Economy seats are going for roughly $1,500 to $2,300, and business class is closer to $5,000.

Why it matters

This route beats out a lot of existing long hauls, though it doesn’t steal the crown from Singapore Airlines’ nonstop Singapore–New York flight when it comes to true nonstop distance. Still, the Shanghai–Buenos Aires link is a big deal. Right now, getting between China and South America usually means changing planes in Europe or the US. Having a direct option, even with that Auckland pause, cuts out a lot of hassle.

What it means for travelers

Spending more than a full day on one plane is a serious test of patience. Even with a decent entertainment system and meals spaced out, that’s a long time to be strapped in. Crew fatigue, passenger comfort, and fuel loads are all major challenges for flights like this. The two-hour stop in Auckland might help the airline with logistics, but passengers won’t exactly feel refreshed.

The bigger picture

Airlines have been pushing into these marathon flights for a while. Qantas is still working on its “Project Sunrise” nonstop flights from Sydney to London and New York, which would also be in the 20-plus-hour range. China Eastern’s move shows there’s demand for ultra-long travel without layovers, even if it comes with a technical stop.

It will be interesting to see if people actually warm up to a 29-hour journey. For some, cutting out multiple connections will be worth it. For others, the idea of two back-to-back long hauls in one sitting might sound unbearable.