China Eastern Airlines announced a major development:
Starting this December, the airline will launch a new Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires route, operating twice weekly.
While the flight includes a stopover in Auckland, passengers will not need to change planes. From a traveler's perspective, this marks the first direct service from Shanghai to South America, and the only scheduled route between China and Argentina.
On the same day, the New Zealand government announced a visa-free transit update:
From November 2025, Chinese travelers transiting via New Zealand airports will no longer need a transit visa—only a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) will be required.
This move clearly aligns with China Eastern’s new route launch, enhancing Auckland Airport’s competitiveness while deepening cross-border cooperation with China.
Why is this route special?
According to aviation bloggers, this new route will become the world’s longest flight (including stopover), surpassing Air China’s current Beijing–Madrid–São Paulo route.
From a market perspective, the route could reshape South Pacific aviation dynamics by reducing dependency on Sydney as the primary transfer hub between Australasia and South America.
In recent years, South America’s natural beauty and cultural attractions have increasingly drawn Chinese travelers. Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, often dubbed the “Paris of South America,” is a top destination.
According to the Argentine Tourism Board, China is among South America’s fastest-growing source markets. In 2019, over 80,000 Chinese tourists visited Argentina, and the number is expected to exceed 100,000 with the new route in place.
Moreover, New Zealand’s newly introduced transit facilitation for Chinese travelers will further boost Auckland’s role as a key transfer point, supporting the route’s passenger growth.
Beyond Chinese travelers, Shanghai’s status as a major Asia-Pacific hub is likely to attract regional travelers heading to South America.
Auckland Airport’s CEO noted that Shanghai Pudong, as a global aviation hub, will not only bring more Chinese and European transfer passengers to Auckland, but also serve New Zealand’s South American diaspora, estimated at around 40,000 people.
