London Gatwick gets another new airline as Air China launches Chengdu flights

Air China has launched a new service between London Gatwick and Chengdu Tianfu, adding further capacity between the UK and China.

The route launched on 12 July and will operate through the 2026 summer season from Gatwick’s North Terminal. London Gatwick said the service will run three times per week, giving passengers a direct link to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and a major economic and cultural centre in western China.

The launch strengthens Air China’s presence at Gatwick, where the carrier already operates services to Beijing and Shanghai. Chengdu becomes Air China’s third destination from the airport.

Gatwick builds China network momentum

The new Chengdu service follows the recent return of Beijing Capital Airlines’ Qingdao route, which resumed on 26 June and re-established direct links between Gatwick and the coastal city in Shandong province.

At peak this summer, Gatwick said it will offer 61 weekly flights to six Chinese destinations, served by Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Beijing Capital Airlines.

Jonny Macneal, head of aviation development at London Gatwick, said: “We’re delighted that Air China is expanding its successful operation here at London Gatwick. This new service to Chengdu delivers even more choice for passengers travelling between the UK and China.

“Coming shortly after the return of services to Qingdao with Beijing Capital, the route demonstrates the continued growth of our China network and the strong demand we’re seeing for travel between the UK and Asia.”

The launch comes during a wider period of network growth at Gatwick. Earlier this year, the airport added new or returning airline services from carriers including Jet2, Condor, Air France, Eurowings and AnimaWings, while Air Arabia has also launched its twice-daily Sharjah service.

Additional long-haul growth has included new connectivity from Air Transat to Ottawa, Beijing Capital Airlines to Qingdao and AirAsia X’s planned Kuala Lumpur service via Bahrain, as Gatwick continues to expand its role across Asian, Middle Eastern and North American markets.