China to launch world’s longest direct flight linking Shanghai and Buenos Aires

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2025 (FMC) – China announced that on 4 December it will inaugurate the world’s longest air route, connecting Shanghai and Buenos Aires with a stopover in Auckland, New Zealand, TV BRICS reported, citing its Chinese partner China Daily.

The journey will span 20,000 kilometres and reduce travel time between the two cities from 30 to 25 hours, establishing the first-ever commercial connection between two antipodal points on the globe.

Experts note that this development strengthens the global capacity of China’s civil aviation sector and consolidates the country’s presence in distant markets such as South America.

The new service is part of the internationalisation strategy of Chinese airlines, which are seeking to expand beyond the domestic market.

Until now, the record was held by the Beijing–Sao Paulo route via Madrid, but this new operation will position the carrier as a leader in ultra-long-haul services.

The twice-weekly route presents a logistical challenge in terms of transoceanic operations, aircraft maintenance, and extended crew shifts. However, it is expected to boost airline revenues while offering passengers benefits such as visa-free transit in Auckland and reduced jet lag.