29 hours stuck on a plane: the world's longest direct flight arrives

This airline is pushing the boundaries of long-haul connections with this new flight.

Bigger planes, more passengers, ever more luxurious business classes... The race for records continues in the world of aviation. A new world record is about to be set. This one is about to be broken in the air. A new air route will connect two iconic cities on the other side of the world. Get ready for a 29-hour adventure that will undoubtedly test even the most seasoned travelers!

This will be the world's longest "direct" commercial flight, both in distance (19,700 kilometers) and duration (25 hours 30 minutes outbound and approximately 29 hours return). Until now, the Singapore (SIN)-New York (JFK) route operated by Singapore Airlines (route SQ24) held the title with its 15,300 kilometers covered and a duration of between 18 hours 30 minutes and 19 hours.

So get ready to embark on the world's new longest flight, which will bridge Asia and South America, operated by China Eastern Airlines: the route will connect Shanghai in China to Buenos Aires in Argentina, and will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.

Technically, it's important to note that this new flight, while retaining the same number, won't truly be a "non-stop flight" since it will make a technical stop (refueling and crew change) in Auckland, New Zealand, without passengers being allowed to disembark. It is still the longest direct flight, however, covering approximately 4,300 kilometers more than the previous longest direct flight between Singapore and New York.

This new flight, connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport in China to Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires (formerly Ministro Pistarini Airport), will operate twice weekly starting December 4th. Those departing from China will benefit from an outbound flight of just over 25 hours; however, the return flight could take up to 29 hours due to headwinds. Tickets are available from approximately €1,400 in economy class and up to €4,500 for business class seats.

It is worth noting that this new ranking can change rapidly as many airlines want to push the boundaries, such as Project Sunrise by the Australian company Qantas which plans to connect Sydney or Melbourne non-stop to London and New York by 2027: a future flight in an extraordinary Airbus A350 equipped with an additional fuel tank which would break all records for distance (more than 17,000 kilometers) and time (between 18 and 22 hours truly non-stop).