Turkish Airlines has launched flights between Istanbul and Chengdu, adding its fourth destination in mainland China after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The new service began on 11 November 2026 and is operating three times a week with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The inaugural service, flight TK 226, operated on 11 November. Departures from Istanbul are scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with the return service from Chengdu operating on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights serve Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.
| Carrier | Origin | Destination | Start date | Weekly frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | Chengdu Tianfu International Airport | 11 November 2026 | Three | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner |
Fourth mainland China destination
Chengdu, a metropolitan centre with more than 21 million residents, is described as an important centre for trade, logistics and finance. Industries represented in the city include electronics, automotive, aviation, biotechnology and artificial intelligence.
The route also links Istanbul with a city recognised by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy. Chengdu’s tourism profile includes Sichuan cuisine and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which is described as a natural habitat and conservation centre for giant pandas.
“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.”
Prof. Murat Şeker, Turkish Airlines’ Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, said the Chengdu route would strengthen the carrier’s presence in China. The direct service gives Chengdu and Istanbul a new air link, while passengers travelling through the airline’s hub in Türkiye can connect with its wider international network.
Schedule and network role
- Flights from Istanbul operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- Return flights from Chengdu operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
- The service is operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The launch extends Turkish Airlines’ mainland China network to four cities and adds capacity between Türkiye and one of China’s major commercial and tourism centres. The airline said the service would support further commercial, cultural and tourism ties between the two countries.
