Turkish Airlines launches Chengdu flights, expanding its China network - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Turkish Airlines has expanded its network in mainland China with the launch of scheduled flights between Istanbul and Chengdu. The new service began on November 11, 2026, making the capital of Sichuan province the airline's fourth destination in mainland China after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The route strengthens connections between Türkiye and one of western China's most important economic and tourism centres.

The airline operates three weekly flights between Istanbul Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Departures from Istanbul are scheduled for Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while return flights leave Chengdu on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The new connection provides passengers travelling between western China and Türkiye with a direct service and access to Turkish Airlines' wider international network through Istanbul.

Chengdu is an important addition to the carrier's Asian operations. With a population exceeding 21 million, the city is a major commercial, logistics and financial centre, attracting international businesses from sectors including electronics, automotive manufacturing, aviation and biotechnology. At the same time, Chengdu has developed a distinctive tourism profile through its culinary traditions, cultural attractions and internationally recognised giant panda conservation facilities.

Strengthening connections between Türkiye and China

The launch reflects the strategic importance of China within Turkish Airlines' international network. By adding Chengdu, the carrier extends its presence beyond the country's established eastern and southern aviation markets into the rapidly developing western region.

Speaking at an event following the inaugural flight, Turkish Airlines Chairman Murat Seker highlighted Chengdu's economic and tourism significance.

“We are further strengthening our flight network in the country with the services we have launched to Chengdu, one of China’s most important tourism, technology and aviation centers and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy,” he said.

Seker also emphasised the broader potential of the connection for bilateral relations.

“We believe this new route will contribute to the development of commercial, cultural and tourism relations between Türkiye and China.”

For business travellers, the new route provides access to an important industrial and technology centre. Chengdu hosts companies involved in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and other high-value industries, making it a significant destination for international corporate travel.

The connection also creates additional opportunities for tourism flows in both directions. Passengers from Chengdu can travel directly to Istanbul, while travellers originating elsewhere in Turkish Airlines' network can use the carrier's Istanbul hub to reach Sichuan province.

Chengdu offers distinctive tourism experiences

Beyond its commercial importance, Chengdu is one of China's most recognisable cultural and culinary destinations. The city is internationally associated with Sichuan cuisine, known for its aromatic spices, distinctive peppercorns and complex flavours.

Its culinary heritage has earned Chengdu recognition as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, an identity that supports its appeal to international visitors interested in regional food traditions.

Another major attraction is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which has become one of the city's best-known tourism landmarks. The facility provides opportunities to learn about giant panda conservation and observe the animals in specially designed environments.

Chengdu also serves as a gateway to other destinations in Sichuan province, making the new air connection relevant for travellers planning broader itineraries in western China.

The city's combination of cultural attractions, natural experiences and modern urban infrastructure creates opportunities for both leisure and business travel. For international tour operators, the direct Istanbul connection adds another option for incorporating Sichuan into multi-destination China programmes.

Turkish Airlines is promoting the new route with introductory round-trip fares starting at USD 540. According to the airline, the promotional prices are available through its official website, although fares may differ when booking through sales offices or travel agencies.

Istanbul hub gains another Asian destination

The Chengdu service forms part of Turkish Airlines' broader international network strategy, which relies on Istanbul's position as a connecting hub between Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Adding a fourth destination in mainland China expands the airline's geographic coverage in a market where passenger demand includes tourism, business travel and international connections.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner deployment also places the route within the carrier's long-haul operation, linking Chengdu with Istanbul and onward destinations across its network.

Founded in 1933, Turkish Airlines is a member of Star Alliance and operates a fleet of 571 passenger and cargo aircraft, according to figures provided by the company.

Its network currently comprises 359 destinations in 133 countries, including 306 international and 53 domestic destinations.

With the addition of Chengdu, Turkish Airlines strengthens its position in the China market while providing western China's travellers with another direct connection to Türkiye and the airline's extensive international route network.

Image Credit: AI generated illustration