World’s Longest Flight: Over 20,000 Kilometers
- China Eastern Airlines began operating the world's longest commercial flight on December 4,2025,connecting Shanghai with Mexico City.
- The shanghai to Mexico City flight (MU745) departs at 11:00 AM local time and arrives at 2:00 PM the following day, local time.
- According to China Eastern, the flight includes a stop in Amsterdam for crew rest and refueling, but passengers remain on board during the layover.
China Eastern Launches World’s Longest Flight
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China Eastern Airlines began operating the world’s longest commercial flight on December 4,2025,connecting Shanghai with Mexico City. The route, utilizing flight numbers MU745 and MU746, covers approximately 13,083 kilometers (8,131 miles) and takes nearly 29 hours.
Route Details and Duration
The shanghai to Mexico City flight (MU745) departs at 11:00 AM local time and arrives at 2:00 PM the following day, local time. The return flight (MU746) departs Mexico City at 4:00 PM local time and arrives in Shanghai at 7:00 PM the next day, local time.The total flight time is approximately 28 hours and 55 minutes,making it the longest non-stop commercial flight currently in operation.
According to China Eastern, the flight includes a stop in Amsterdam for crew rest and refueling, but passengers remain on board during the layover. CGTN news reported that the airline is using an Airbus A350-900 aircraft for the route.
Economic and strategic Implications
The launch of this route reflects growing economic ties between china and Mexico. The flight aims to cater to increasing demand for travel between the two countries, driven by both buisness and tourism.It also positions China Eastern as a leader in ultra-long-haul travel.
In 2023, trade between China and Mexico reached $167.1 billion, a 5.2% increase year-on-year, according to data from the Statista.This new flight route is expected to further boost economic exchange.
Competition and Future Expansion
Currently, Singapore Airlines operates the second-longest flight, connecting Singapore and New York (approximately 18 hours and 50 minutes). China Eastern’s new route considerably surpasses this duration.
China Eastern has indicated plans to explore other ultra-long-haul routes in the future, possibly connecting additional cities in Asia with destinations in North and South America. The airline’s success with the Shanghai-Mexico City route will likely influence these expansion plans. The airline reported a 12.5% increase in international passenger traffic in the first half of 2025, according to their official press release.