Chengdu becomes the airline’s fourth destination in mainland China, with three weekly flights commencing on 11 November 2026, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Istanbul: Turkish Airlines has expanded its network in mainland China with the launch of flights to Chengdu, making it the fourth city in the country served by the airline after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Home to more than 21 million people, Chengdu is one of China’s prominent metropolitan centres and an important hub for trade, logistics and finance. The city hosts several multinational companies across strategic industries, including electronics, automotive, aviation, biotechnology and artificial intelligence.
Recognised by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy, Chengdu also attracts millions of visitors annually for its Sichuan cuisine and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a natural habitat and conservation centre for giant pandas.
Turkish Airlines Strengthens Presence in China
Commenting on the launch, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Murat Şeker, 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 centers, 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.”
The new service will provide a direct connection between Chengdu and Istanbul, while offering passengers access to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network through its hub in Türkiye.
Three Weekly Flights on the Istanbul–Chengdu Route
Turkish Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Istanbul and Chengdu. Departures from Istanbul will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while return services from Chengdu will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Flights will serve Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The inaugural Istanbul–Chengdu service, TK 226, commenced on 11 November 2026, with the return service, TK 227, scheduled to begin on 12 November 2026.
Istanbul–Chengdu Flight Schedule
| Flight | Start date | Operating days | Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK 226 | 11 November 2026 | Wednesday, Friday, Sunday | Istanbul Airport–Chengdu Tianfu International Airport | 02:05 | 15:40 |
| TK 227 | 12 November 2026 | Monday, Thursday, Saturday | Chengdu Tianfu International Airport–Istanbul Airport | 00:45 | 05:55 |
All timings are local.
Promotional Fares for the New Route
To mark the launch of the new service, Turkish Airlines is offering special fares starting from USD 540 for travel between Istanbul and Chengdu.
The promotional fares are available through the airline’s official website. Prices may vary at Turkish Airlines sales offices and travel agencies.
The addition of Chengdu further expands Turkish Airlines’ connectivity in mainland China, linking another major commercial and tourism centre with Istanbul and the airline’s wider international network.
