China Eastern Airlines will launch a direct flight connecting Xi’an, the historic capital of Shaanxi province, and Istanbul, Türkiye, on June 24, marking a significant step in enhancing air travel between China and nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. The new service will be the airline’s second direct route linking China and Türkiye.
According to China Eastern, the flight will operate three times weekly—on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—between Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and Istanbul Airport. Tickets are now available on China Eastern’s official website and mobile app.
Istanbul, uniquely straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, serves as a vital cultural and economic hub. Xi’an, known as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, brings a wealth of historical significance to this new air corridor. The route is expected to bolster economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between northwest China and Türkiye, where China remains Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Asia.
Strengthening Central Asia Ties: Shanghai-Shymkent Flight Launches
The Xi’an-Istanbul route is part of a broader initiative to increase China’s global air connectivity. On May 30, Scat Airlines—Kazakhstan’s national carrier—began operating the first direct passenger flight from China to Central Asia, linking Shanghai and Shymkent.
The new route departs from Shanghai Pudong International Airport every Tuesday and Friday and returns from Shymkent on Mondays and Thursdays, significantly reducing travel time between the Yangtze River Delta and Central Asia to under six hours.
Scat Airlines is the first Central Asian carrier to begin direct operations from Shanghai, a move expected to deepen bilateral relations, especially in business, tourism, and cultural sectors. The timing aligns with the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Kazakhstan, further supported by mutual visa-free policies that have boosted travel and economic cooperation.
Shanghai Expands International Flight Network
The launch of these new routes is part of Shanghai Airport Group’s broader strategy to transform the city into a comprehensive international aviation hub. Since early 2025, the group has intensified efforts to expand its international network by increasing flight frequencies, restoring suspended routes, and introducing new destinations.
In the coming months, additional direct flights from Shanghai will connect to cities such as Geneva (Switzerland), Almaty (Kazakhstan), and Kumamoto (Japan), offering travelers more diversified and efficient international options.
These developments align with China’s ongoing commitment to building stronger links through the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting connectivity, and fostering global cooperation in trade, culture, and tourism.
