Chinese Aviation Giant Aims to Break Global Record with World's Longest Non-stop Flight
China Eastern Airlines is set to make aviation history with the launch of the world's longest direct flight. Scheduled to take off on December 4, 2025, the flight will connect Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Shanghai, China, with a technical stop in Auckland, New Zealand.
The approximately 12,000-mile journey will take around 29 hours, making it the longest direct flight in terms of hours and miles travelled. This record-breaking route will surpass Air China's Beijing to São Paulo via Madrid route.
Passengers can already purchase tickets for the flight, with one-way economy seats starting around $1,500. However, some travelers have expressed skepticism about the ultra-long-haul flight. On Reddit, u/RamTank stated, 'This sounds like an awful experience,' while u/the_silent_redditor added, 'You could not pay me to sit on a plane for that long.'
The plane will be operated using a Boeing 777-300, and during the flight, passengers will be seated in either economy or business class. Economy class passengers will be seated in tighter seating for the duration of the flight, while business class passengers will have a bed that lies flat during the journey at a higher cost.
The flight will make a stop in Auckland for refueling and possibly crew changes, but passengers may not be able to leave the plane. This may be a concern for some travelers, and the prospect of sharing an airplane bathroom with other passengers is also a potential issue.
Long flights can lead to added stress, dehydration, jet-lag, and bloating. However, there are ways to mitigate these effects. Eating mild, healthy foods before the flight and drinking lots of water throughout the journey can help. Short naps after arriving at the destination can also help keep passengers refreshed.
Adjusting one's routine a few days before the flight to cross multiple time zones can help minimize jet-lag. It's also advisable to avoid indulging in any unusual food cravings in the airport before boarding.
Meanwhile, Australia's Qantas airline is reportedly planning to reclaim the title of the world's longest flight with two new flights in 2026. These flights will connect Sydney with both New York and London, and they are said to be non-stop. While the Qantas flights might be shorter in total trip duration (around 20 hours), they will be the first to make the journey without a fuel pitstop.
The duration of 29 hours is likely to limit opportunities for passengers to stretch, which may be a concern for some travelers. Despite this, the world's longest direct flight is set to be an exciting milestone in aviation history.
