Turkish Airlines launches direct route to Chengdu, China
Turkish Airlines (THY) has announced that it will commence flights to Chengdu, a significant city in China, effective from 11 November 2026.
This new route will operate three round-trip flights per week, marking a major expansion of the airline' s offerings within the Chinese market.
For travellers, this signifies improved access to China via Istanbul, which already serves as a central hub for international aviation.
The route will be particularly relevant for Nordic travellers and other Europeans who utilise Istanbul as a transit point for Asia, further strengthening the city' s position as a global aviation hub. Chengdu is renowned for its rich history, unique culinary culture, and as the home of the giant panda, making the city a popular destination for tourists.
Simultaneously, Chengdu is a growing economic centre, which also makes the route attractive to business travellers.
The inclusion of Chengdu will increase the total number of Turkish Airlines destinations in China to four.
The increase in the number of routes to China could potentially lead to greater capacity and, consequently, more competition regarding airfares, which benefits the consumer.
The flexibility of travel planning will also be improved as travellers are provided with more options for both entry and exit points within China. This expansion underscores the strategy of Turkish Airlines to strengthen its presence in key global markets and leverage Istanbul' s geographical location as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
For passengers from countries such as Norway and Sweden, who often fly via Istanbul to destinations in the East, the new route means a practical and direct connection to a new and exciting region in China.
The new route to Chengdu not only improves travel opportunities to China but also confirms Istanbul' s growing role as a preferred transit hub for international travellers.
This may help to stimulate both tourism and business travel between Turkey, Europe, and China in the years to come.
Source: Turizmguncel
