Islamabad: Modern air travel, since its beginning in the early 20th century, has captivated aviation enthusiasts.
But a flight from Hong Kong to Los Angeles in the US turned heads when it almost travelled back in time.
Passengers aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX880 departed from Hong Kong on January 1, 2025, only to land in Los Angeles on December 31, 2024.
This apparent journey back in time is not science fiction—it is the result of crossing the International Date Line and navigating a 16-hour time difference.
What actually happens?
When a flight takes off from Hong Kong in the early hours of January 1, it spends about 12 hours in the air to land in Los Angeles in the final hours of December 31, covering over 7,200 miles.
The phenomenon spot lights on a fascinating interplay between global time zones and the practical realities of long-haul travel.
On arrival at a Los Angeles airport, the local clock rewinds to the evening of December 31, allowing passengers to ring in the New Year twice.
It also reflects the unique nature of time— fluid and relative.
Nevertheless, the passengers aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX880 were able to enjoy a second countdown to midnight!
