Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, has become one of China’s most important aviation gateways.
Famous for its giant pandas, fiery Sichuan cuisine, and cultural heritage, Chengdu is also a strategic hub for global travelers.
With Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), the city connects directly to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Flying direct to Chengdu eliminates the need for layovers in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, saving time and reducing travel fatigue.
Chengdu’s Airports for Direct Flights
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
- Handles domestic flights
- Located just 16 km from downtown Chengdu
- Hub for Sichuan Airlines and Air China
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
- Opened in 2021, designed for international flights
- Located 50 km southeast of Chengdu
- Hosts flights from Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East
- Features modern lounges, English signage, and high-speed rail links
Airlines Offering Direct Flights to Chengdu
Africa
- Sichuan Airlines – Cairo (CAI) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Ethiopian – Bangkok (BKK) → Chengdu (TFU)
Asia
- Air China – Bangkok (BKK) → Chengdu (TFU)
- China Eastern – Bangkok (BKK) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Sichuan Airlines – Bangkok (BKK) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Spring Airlines – Bangkok (BKK) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Thai Airways – Bangkok (BKK) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Thai AirAsia – Bangkok (DMK) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Thai Lion Air – Bangkok (DMK) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Loong Air – Bishek (DMK) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Chengdu Airlines – Chiang Mai (DMK) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Air China – Columbo (CMB) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Sichuan Airlines – Denpasar (DPS) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Chengdu Airlines – Hanoi (HAN) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Sichuan Airlines – Hanoi (HAN) → Chengdu (TFU)
- VietJet Air – Hanoi (HAN) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Sichuan Airlines – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Chengdu (TFU)
- VietJet Air – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Air China – Seoul (ICN) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Asiana Airlines – Seoul (ICN) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Sichuan Airlines – Seoul (ICN) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Singapore Airlines – Singapore (SIN) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Air China – Tokyo (NRT) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Sichuan Airlines – Tokyo (NRT) → Chengdu (TFU)
Europe
- Air China – Frankfurt (FRA) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Air China – London (LHR) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Sichuan Airlines – Madrid (MAD) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Air China – Milan (MXP) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Air China – Paris (CDG) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Sichuan Airlines – Rome (FCO) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Hainan Airlines – Vienna (VIE) → Chengdu (TFU)
Middle East
- Emirates – Dubai (DXB) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Qatar Airways – Doha (DOH) → Chengdu (TFU)
North America
- Sichuan Airlines – Los Angeles (LAX) → Chengdu (TFU)
- Sichuan Airlines – Vancouver (YVR) → Chengdu (TFU)
Sources: FlightConnections, DirectFlights.com
Popular Direct Routes to Chengdu
| Departure City | Airline | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt (FRA) ——–> Chengdu (TFU) | Air China | 10h |
| Paris (CDG) ——–> Chengdu (TFU) | Air China | 10h 10m |
| Dubai (DXB) ——–> Chengdu (TFU) | Sichuan Airlines | 7h 30m |
| Doha (DOH) ——–> Chengdu (TFU) | Qatar Airways | 7h 35m |
| Los Angeles (LAX) ——–> Chengdu (TFU) | Sichuan Airlines | 15h 40m |
| Vancouver (YVR) ——–> Chengdu (TFU) | Sichuan Airlines | 15h 40m |
| Singapore (SIN) ——–> Chengdu (TFU) | Singapore Airlines | 5h |
| Bangkok (BKK) ——–> Chengdu (TFU) | Thai Airways | 3h 20m |
| Tokyo (NRT) ——–> Chengdu (TFU) | Air China | 6h 15m |
Cost of Direct Flights to Chengdu
Asia-Pacific
- $200–$400 USD roundtrip
- Popular for short-haul business and leisure trips
Europe
- $600–$900 USD roundtrip
- Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris are main gateways
Middle East
- $500–$800 USD roundtrip
- Dubai and Doha often serve as stopover hubs
North America
- $1,100–$1,600 USD roundtrip
- San Francisco and Vancouver are the main direct routes
Best Time to Book Direct Flights to Chengdu
- Book 3–4 months in advance for Europe and North America routes
- Book 1–2 months in advance for Asia-Pacific and Middle East routes
- Avoid Chinese New Year (January/February) and Golden Week (Oct 1–7) when fares spike
Travel Tips for Direct Arrivals in Chengdu
At Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
- Designed for long-haul travelers
- Airport express train connects TFU to Chengdu East Railway Station in 40 minutes
- Modern lounges and duty-free shopping
At Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
- Closer to downtown, better for domestic flights
- Metro Line 10 connects directly to the city center
Things to Do After Your Direct Flight to Chengdu
- Panda Base: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Sichuan Hotpot: Experience Chengdu’s world-famous cuisine
- Jinli Ancient Street: Explore traditional architecture and street food
- Day Trips: Mount Qingcheng (Taoist site), Leshan Giant Buddha
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly direct to Chengdu?
KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, ANA, and Korean Air.
Which airport should I choose for direct flights?
- TFU for international flights
- CTU for domestic flights
How long is a direct flight from Europe to Chengdu?
- Frankfurt: ~10.5 hours
- Paris: ~11 hours
Conclusion
Direct flights to Chengdu make the city more accessible than ever.
With routes from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, travelers can reach Chengdu without layovers in Beijing or Shanghai.
Whether you’re flying for business, culture, or cuisine, Chengdu is firmly established as a global travel hub.
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