The World’s Longest 1-Stop Flight: Shanghai to Buenos Aires via Auckland
China Eastern Airlines is set to launch a new service on December 4th, establishing the world’s longest one-stop passenger flight. The route will extend from Shanghai Pudong to Buenos Aires with a stop in Auckland, encompassing a maximum journey time of up to 29 hours, perfectly timed for the Southern Hemisphere’s peak travel season around Christmas.
New Longest Route Exceeds Previous Longest by More than 3 Hours
This new service supersedes the former longest one-stop route operated by Aircalin, spanning 25 hours and 30 minutes from Nouméa to Paris Charles de Gaulle via Bangkok. Prior to this, Singapore Airlines held the title with its Singapore to Houston route via Manchester until its discontinuation in March 2025.
Details of the New Route
China Eastern’s twice-weekly flights will utilize a Boeing 777-300ER, an aircraft well recognized for its high capacity of 316 seats and significant freight capabilities. Notably, this represents the airline’s inaugural passenger service connecting to South America. Additionally, the new route features fifth freedom rights between Auckland and Buenos Aires, introducing nonstop flights between the cities for the first time since 2020. Interesting departure timings are set at 02:00 from both route ends.
Passenger Demand and Market Impact
According to booking data up until July 2025, approximately 90,000 round-trip passengers traveled between China and Buenos Aires. With Shanghai emerging as the second most favored destination, this two-stop service is anticipated to attract portions of the broader Chinese market, facilitated by competitive fare pricing. Shanghai tourism is further incentivized by Argentina’s visa-free policy for Chinese visitors for up to 30 days.
| Days | Route To Argentina; Local Times | Days | Route From Argentina; Local Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays, Thursdays | Shanghai Pudong-Auckland (MU745): 02:00-18:30 (same day arrival) | Tuesdays, Fridays | Buenos Aires-Auckland (MU746): 02:00-08:40+1 |
| Mondays, Thursdays | Auckland-Buenos Aires (MU745): 20:55-16:55 (same day arrival) | Wednesdays, Saturdays | Auckland-Shanghai Pudong (MU746): 10:40-18:00 (same day arrival) |
| Total block time (incl. turn time) | 25h 55m | 29h | |
Auckland to Buenos Aires Market Revival
Passenger travel between Auckland and Buenos Aires declined from 31,000 in 2019 to around 11,000 after nonstop flights ceased in 2020. The reintroduction of this service by China Eastern is expected to rejuvenate the market significantly.
Previously, Aerolíneas Argentinas operated flights to Auckland, which continued to Sydney. The service ended in 2012, leaving the Auckland-Buenos Aires route unserved until Air New Zealand initiated flights in 2015 using the 777-200ER and later the 787-9. Unlike China Eastern, Air New Zealand partnered with Aerolíneas Argentinas for connectivity within South America.
Expansion of Service from East Asia to South America
China Eastern’s Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires operation joins Air China’s route from Beijing Capital to São Paulo via Madrid as one of only two through services between East Asia and South America. Complementary services from the Middle East offer additional routes to the region.
