Wedoany.com Report-Jun 25, China Eastern Airlines’ flight with over 200 passengers arrived at Istanbul Airport at around 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Tuesday, marking the start of a new direct route from Xi’an, southwestern China, to Istanbul, Türkiye. This is the airline’s second direct link between China and Türkiye, following its Shanghai-Istanbul route.

Passengers check in at the China Eastern Airlines counters to board the first direct flight from Istanbul to Xi'an at Istanbul Airport in Türkiye, on June 24, 2025. A China Eastern Airlines flight carrying over 200 passengers touched down at Istanbul Airport at around 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Tuesday, marking the launch of the airline's new direct route between Xi'an in southwestern China and Trkiye's Istanbul.

Using Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, the Xi’an-Istanbul service operates three weekly round-trips on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, per the Shanghai-based airline. The route enhances connections between western China and Türkiye, supporting trade, cultural exchange, and tourism.

At the inaugural return flight ceremony in Istanbul on Tuesday, Wu Jian, China’s deputy consul general, stated: “The opening of the new route is a significant step in building a convenient ‘air Silk Road’ between the two historic cities.” Firat Ocak, Istanbul Airport’s aviation development director, said: “The airport is committed to the Chinese market, and we are confident that the new route will provide Chinese travelers with more efficient transit options to Europe and beyond via Istanbul.”

Li Ge, general manager of China Eastern’s Istanbul branch, noted: “The launch of the direct flight not only enhances connectivity between western China and Türkiye but also serves as a convenient bridge for bilateral cooperation in trade, culture, and tourism.” The service supports stronger economic and cultural ties.