The world’s longest direct flight route is set to launch this December The world’s longest direct flight route is set to launch this December

A Chinese airline is set to launch the world’s longest direct flight route – and those undertaking the journey will spend up to 29 hours on board.

Launching 4 December, China Eastern Airlines’ new flight will carry travellers between Shanghai and Buenos Aires. Covering 12,500 miles – almost half of the circumference of the planet – the planned route surpasses the current record holder, the Singapore Airlines flight between Singapore and New York which covers 9,500 miles.

China Eastern Airlines said this will be the world’s first commercial route that connects antipodal cities, aka cities on opposite sides of the planet. The airline will not claim the title of the longest non-stop flight route, however, as the plane will make a two-hour stop in Auckland, New Zealand.

A ‘direct’ flight means that passengers do not change planes and have only one flight number, whereas a ‘non-stop flight’ refers to journeys with no layovers. A press release from Auckland Airport about the news noted that the airport has been investing in ‘airside dwell spaces’ for transit passengers, although it is not clear if passengers will be allowed to disembark during the two-hour layover.

The flights will operate twice-weekly between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Buenos Aires’ Ministro Pistarini Airport.

The departing flight from Shanghai to Argentina will take just 25 hours, four hours fewer than the return leg. Both flights will layover in New Zealand.

According to Skyscanner, the quickest available journey currently stands at 31 hours.

Tickets are already on sale already, with one-way fares from Shanghai starting at around £1,280 and £1,400 for the return journey. Business-class fares begin at around £4,700 and offer lie-flat beds for the 29-hour flight.

Australia’s flag carrier Qantas hopes to take the title of longest non-stop flight route in 2027 with the launch of a route connecting Sydney to New York.

More information: uk.ceair.com

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