China will launch the world’s longest direct flight between Shanghai and Buenos Aires, spanning nearly 20,000 km. The route includes a technical stop in Auckland but shortens travel time by five hours. It reflects China’s ambition to expand aviation links and boost global connectivity.
China is set to launch the world’s longest direct flight route connecting Shanghai and Buenos Aires. Covering a distance of nearly 20,000 kilometers, the new route will significantly reduce current travel times between the two cities from about 30 hours to 25 hours. It marks the first commercial air link between two cities located almost directly opposite each other on the globe.
The route will include a technical stop in Auckland, New Zealand, but will be operated as a direct connection between China and Argentina. This development highlights China’s growing role in global aviation and its ability to expand connectivity with distant markets, particularly in South America.
The project reflects China’s broader strategy to internationalize its airline industry, improve global accessibility, and create new pathways for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. It positions Shanghai as a key hub linking East Asia with Latin America, strengthening cooperation across continents.