Aviation

Turkish Airlines Expands East Asian Reach with New Direct Route to Chengdu

Mohamed Imam

— 2 min read
Turkish Airlines Expands East Asian Reach with New Direct Route to Chengdu

Turkish Airlines has announced the addition of Chengdu to its global flight network, strengthening its presence in East Asia and marking its fourth destination in mainland China.

Beginning November 11, 2026, the flag carrier will launch direct flights connecting Istanbul Airport (IST) with Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) in Sichuan Province. The new route joins existing Turkish Airlines services to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Flights will operate three times weekly utilizing a modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner configured with 30 Business Class and 270 Economy Class seats.

Home to over 21 million residents, Chengdu serves as a key commercial and technological hub in southwestern China. The metropolitan region hosts major global enterprises in electronics, automotive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Beyond its corporate landscape, Chengdu is internationally recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and home to the renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

"China holds a strategically important position among Turkish Airlines' key markets," stated Turkish Airlines CEO Ahmet Olmuştur. "With the launch of our flights to Chengdu, one of China's foremost tourism, technology, and aviation centers, we are further strengthening our network and contributing to growing commercial, cultural, and tourism ties between Türkiye and China."

Flight Schedule & Launch Fares

Outbound service under flight number TK226 will depart Istanbul Airport at 02:05 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving at Chengdu Tianfu at 15:40 local time. Return service under flight number TK227 will depart Chengdu at 00:45 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, landing in Istanbul at 05:55.

To mark the launch, special introductory fares are available on the official Turkish Airlines Website, starting from $540 round-trip for Economy Class and $1,991 for Business Class. Travelers can also explore regional travel guidelines via the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

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