Turkish Airlines launches Istanbul–Chengdu route

Turkish Airlines has strengthened its presence in China by adding Chengdu to its route network.

Chengdu will be Turkish Airlines’ fourth destination in mainland China, after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Turkish Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Istanbul and Chengdu, departing on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return flights from Chengdu to Istanbul will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The new route will provide a direct link between Chengdu and Türkiye, while connecting the Chinese city to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network. Flights to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Turkish Airlines is launching its Istanbul–Chengdu service today, 11 November 2026, with flight TK 226 departing Istanbul Airport at 02:05 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and arriving at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport at 15:40. The return service, TK 227, will begin on 12 November, operating on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It will depart Chengdu at 00:45 and arrive in Istanbul at 05:55.

Home to more than 21 million people, Chengdu is one of China's major metropolitan centres. It is an important hub for trade, logistics and finance, with several multinational companies operating in sectors such as electronics, automotive, aviation, biotechnology and artificial intelligence.

Recognised by UNESCO as a ‘City of Gastronomy’, Chengdu attracts millions of visitors each year with its renowned Sichuan cuisine. The city is also home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a conservation centre dedicated to giant pandas.

Commenting on the launch of flights to Chengdu, Prof. Murat Şeker, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, said, “China holds a strategically important position among Turkish Airlines’ key markets. With the launch of our flights to Chengdu, one of China's foremost tourism, technology, and aviation centres, and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, we are further strengthening our flight network in the country. We believe this new route will contribute to the continued growth of commercial, cultural, and tourism ties between Türkiye and China.”

To mark the launch of the new route, Turkish Airlines is offering special fares starting at USD 540 for travel between Istanbul and Chengdu. The fares are available through the airline's official website, although prices may vary at its sales offices and travel agencies.