Recently, the Civil Aviation Administration of China announced the approval of new international air routes. The released information on operating licenses for international air routes in the third quarter of 2025 indicates that Chengdu has secured approval for seven new international direct passenger and cargo routes. This means Chengdu will soon launch multiple new international air routes.

 

 

The seven approved international air routes are:

 

A new direct passenger and cargo route from Chengdu to Vladivostok, Russia, applied for by Chengdu Airlines, operating three weekly flights;

 

A new direct passenger and cargo route from Chengdu to Jeju, the Republic of Korea, applied for by Chengdu Airlines, operating three weekly flights;

 

A new direct passenger and cargo route from Chengdu to Brussels, Belgium, applied for by Air China, operating five weekly flights;

 

A new direct all-cargo route from Chengdu to Zurich, Switzerland, applied for by Air China Cargo, operating four weekly flights;

 

A new direct all-cargo route from Chengdu to Kolkata, India, applied for by IndiGo of India, operating three weekly flights;

 

A new direct passenger and cargo route from Chengdu to Istanbul, Türkiye, applied for by Turkish Airlines, operating four weekly flights;

 

A new direct passenger and cargo route from Chengdu to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, applied for by Uzbekistan Airways, operating two weekly flights.

 

Additionally, Singapore Airlines has received approval to extend its operation of the direct passenger and cargo route from Chengdu to Singapore, which operates seven weekly flights.

 

Currently, domestic airlines are operating the Chengdu-Istanbul and Chengdu-Tashkent direct routes. The participation of international airlines will significantly increase flight frequency and facilitate travel for passengers.

 

The specific launch dates for the aforementioned approved international air routes have yet to be determined. Industry experts noted that the license approval for international flights is a crucial prerequisite for their launch. Airlines typically base their launch timelines on factors such as the approval of overseas civil aviation authorities, flight capacity, and market demand. However, airlines are required to commence operations within a stipulated period after obtaining the license.

 

Since the beginning of this year, Chengdu has actively expanded its international air network. To date, the two major airports in Chengdu operate 99 international (regional) passenger and cargo air routes and 82 regular direct routes, including 57 passenger routes and 25 cargo routes. As these routes connect Chengdu with 43 countries worldwide, a core intercontinental air network linking Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa has taken shape. Looking ahead, Chengdu will continue to develop its international air routes to provide efficient connectivity for international economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchanges, and other activities.

 

Edited by Zhang Yuanlin

Source: Chengdu Discovery