New Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires Flights Launch December 2025

China Eastern Airlines will begin flights linking Shanghai, Auckland, and Buenos Aires in December 2025. The service will operate twice a week and will restore a direct option between New Zealand and Argentina for the first time since 2020.

The 777s will carry six first-class suites, 52 business-class seats, and 258 economy seats. As of 05 September 2025 (and subject to change), media sources have indicated that Flight MU745 will leave Shanghai at 2 AM on Mondays and Thursdays. It will land in Auckland at 6:30 PM and depart again at 8:30 PM. It will touch down in Buenos Aires at 4:30 PM the same day. The return flight, MU746, will leave Buenos Aires at 2 AM on Tuesdays and Fridays. It will arrive in Auckland the next day at 8:40 AM and continue on to Shanghai, landing at 6:30 PM. Total journey times range from 25 to 29 hours depending on direction.

The distance between Shanghai and Buenos Aires through Auckland is about 19,700 kilometres. That makes this one of the longest one-stop scheduled services in the world. The Auckland–Buenos Aires leg alone covers more than 10,000 kilometres. Few commercial routes cross such distances.

The connection matters for three regions. China gains its first direct air service to Argentina. New Zealand regains a direct link to South America. Argentina reconnects to Asia with only one stop. These flights close a gap that opened when Air New Zealand ended its Buenos Aires route at the start of the pandemic.

The drop in traffic since 2020 highlights the impact. In 2019, 30,800 passengers travelled directly between New Zealand and Argentina. With no direct service, that number fell to 10,500 in 2024. Between China and Argentina, the market reached 57,800 travellers last year despite no direct flights. The potential for growth is clear.

Auckland Airport expects the service to bring an extra NZ$48 million in visitor spending each year. That figure comes from projected hotel bookings, transport use, and other tourism activity. It also supports trade and education. More direct flights mean more opportunities for students, business people, and exporters to connect with two major markets.

Government leaders see value beyond tourism. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the route as a step that supports tourism, trade, and wider ties between Asia and South America. For New Zealand, the link improves access to two large economies. For Argentina, it provides new entry points to Asia and Oceania. For China, it expands its aviation footprint in Latin America.

The route also helps Auckland Airport advance its goal of becoming a southern transit hub. Officials refer to this as the “Southern Link.” The airport already handles about 700,000 transit passengers a year. Recent investments expanded transit processing space by 80 percent. The new service positions Auckland as a bridge for travellers moving between Asia and South America.

China Eastern has applied for fifth-freedom rights on the Auckland–Buenos Aires sector. If granted, passengers will be able to buy tickets just for that leg. That means you could fly Auckland to Buenos Aires without travelling to Shanghai, or Buenos Aires to Auckland without a connection in China. If approved, the flights will offer a direct option twice a week, filling a hole in New Zealand’s long-haul network.

This development follows months of planning. On June 18, 2025, China Eastern and Auckland Airport signed a cooperation agreement in Shanghai. Senior government officials attended, highlighting the political support behind the route. Agreements covered passenger services, logistics, and joint promotion of the flights. Around the same time, China announced visa-free entry for Argentine tourists for up to 30 days. New Zealand confirmed that Chinese passengers connecting through Auckland will not need transit visas. Those changes lower barriers for travellers and make the route more attractive.

The geography of the route is unusual. Most airlines that connect Asia and South America operate through North America or Europe. Routing through New Zealand creates one of the world’s southernmost long-haul connections. Aviation analysts note that the Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires service will set records for distance and position. It will be the longest one-stop flight and the southernmost operated under fifth-freedom rights.

For passengers, the appeal lies in simplicity. Instead of booking multiple airlines and facing long layovers in the United States or Europe, you can complete the journey with one carrier. You board in Shanghai and arrive in Buenos Aires. You can also stop in Auckland if you want to split the trip. For New Zealand travellers, the chance to fly directly to Argentina again will save time and reduce stress.

The comfort of the aircraft matters too. The Boeing 777-300ER on the Auckland–Buenos Aires leg offers long-haul cabins with upgraded seating. Six first-class suites provide a private space. Business-class passengers have lie-flat seats. Economy seats are standard, but the 777 layout allows for wider aisles and more room than some other models.

Cargo capacity adds another dimension. Air freight between China and South America has grown, driven by agricultural exports, technology goods, and consumer products. A direct route through Auckland provides faster connections and reduces transit times. Exporters in Argentina gain access to Chinese markets with one stop. Producers in China gain easier links to South American buyers. New Zealand firms can use the cargo space to move goods in either direction.

The business case rests on filling seats. Twice-weekly flights may sound modest, but they test the market. If demand proves strong, China Eastern could add more frequencies. The daily Shanghai–Auckland service already shows that the airline sees New Zealand as a reliable market. Extending two of those flights to Argentina adds capacity without overstretching resources.

You might ask whether ticket prices will reflect the convenience. Direct long-haul flights are often more expensive than multi-stop options. But the time savings can outweigh the cost. For business travellers, one-stop flights mean fewer delays and less risk of missed connections. For students and families, they mean shorter journeys and less fatigue.

The reintroduction of a South American route also raises competition questions. Air New Zealand has not returned to Buenos Aires since 2020. If China Eastern proves successful, will other carriers step in? LATAM once linked Santiago with Auckland and Sydney but ended that route. Could it reconsider? For now, China Eastern holds the advantage as the only airline linking South America with New Zealand.

Travel habits may shape what happens next. South America attracts New Zealanders seeking cultural exchange, study, and adventure. Asia attracts South American students and tourists. This route brings those flows together. The challenge is to maintain steady demand across all three markets.

The record-breaking nature of the flight will draw attention too. Aviation enthusiasts will want to experience one of the longest commercial routes in the world. At nearly 20,000 kilometres, the journey ranks with the toughest in scheduled aviation. That fact alone will keep the route in headlines as it begins.

Behind the headlines, operational details matter. Auckland Airport has been preparing for more transfer traffic. It has expanded its check-in, border control, and baggage systems. These investments are part of a NZ$6.6 billion infrastructure programme running to 2032. By the time the new flights begin, work on a new domestic jet terminal and airfield expansion will be well underway. The Shanghai–Buenos Aires service fits into a larger plan for Auckland to handle more global connections.

Safety and reliability will also shape passenger perception. China Eastern must prove it can run the long route without disruption. Any early delays or cancellations could damage confidence. The airline already flies to Auckland daily, giving it experience with the New Zealand market. Extending flights onward to Buenos Aires is a challenge, but one within reach if operations remain steady.

The cooperation of governments will be important. Visa rules, transit agreements, and bilateral aviation rights all influence success. Argentina, New Zealand, and China have signalled support. Policy stability will help airlines and passengers commit to the route.

For now, the facts are clear. Flights start December 4, 2025. They carry hundreds of passengers and cargo between three continents. They reconnect New Zealand and Argentina, create a one-stop China–Argentina link, and offer new choices for global travellers.

The questions are yours. Will you pay more for a direct route that saves time? Will you use Auckland as a stopover to split the journey? Will you book only the Auckland–Buenos Aires leg if fifth-freedom rights are approved? These decisions will decide whether the route expands or stays limited.

For New Zealand, the launch means stronger ties to both Asia and South America. For Auckland Airport, it means progress toward being a true transit hub. For China Eastern, it means testing the longest one-stop commercial route in history. For you, it means new options, less hassle, and the chance to cross half the globe with a single flight number.

If you are planning to use the new Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires service, you will need to think about your time on the ground in Auckland. Flyaway Airport Parking offers secure parking close to the terminals, with shuttle transfers that run on your schedule. Booking through flyaway.co.nz gives you a simple way to sort your parking before you travel, so you can focus on the long journey ahead without worrying about where to leave your car.