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29-Hour Journey: New Flight Connects Continents
22 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A new 29-hour flight covers 12,400 miles between Shanghai and Buenos Aires.
- The route includes a two-hour stopover in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Ultra-long flights, over 16 hours, are becoming increasingly common.
A groundbreaking 29-hour flight, covering 12,400 miles, has commenced its service between Shanghai and Buenos Aires. This new route, initiated on December 4, offers travelers a direct connection between the two antipodal cities, significantly reducing travel time compared to previous journeys exceeding 30 hours and multiple layovers. While not entirely non-stop, a two-hour breather in Auckland, New Zealand, allows passengers to experience one of the world's most extensive commercial air routes.
The inaugural flight utilized a 316-seat Boeing 777-300ER and is scheduled to operate twice weekly year-round. China Eastern Airlines views this as a crucial step in establishing a new 'Air Silk Road' connecting Asia-Pacific and South America. This expansion aims to bridge a gap in direct flights, creating a 'southbound corridor' that reshapes intercontinental air travel and connects three continents.
This development aligns with a broader industry trend towards ultra-long-haul flights, defined as journeys exceeding 16 hours. Australian airline Qantas is also preparing to launch its Project Sunrise in 2026, featuring non-stop routes from Sydney to London and New York, further demonstrating the growing feasibility and demand for extended aerial journeys.
