Sixth China route from Gatwick opened amid ‘strong demand’

A new direct airlink with China from Gatwick has been opened with flights to Chengdu.

The country’s fifth largest city becomes the third destination to be served from the London airport by Air China.

The summer-only route complements the Chinese flag carrier’s services to  Beijing and Shanghai.

Flights to Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan province, have started operating three times a week.

The start of the route came despite Air China issuing a profit warning.

The airline said: “While the company recorded substantial profits in the first quarter, jet fuel prices stayed elevated due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, drastically squeezing profit margins of airline companies.

“Accordingly, the company expects to post a loss in its operating results for the first half of 2026.”

The new service follows the return of Beijing Capital Airlines’ Qingdao route and gives Gatwick 61 peak summer flights a week to six Chinese destinations, served by Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Beijing Capital Airlines.

Gatwick head of aviation development Jonny Macneal 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."

Meanwhile, the airport’s busiest days this summer are expected to be the first, second and third Sundays of August, with around 900 flights scheduled on peak dates.