Air China Resumes Chengdu–London Gatwick Flights After Seven Years (2026) — What Travelers Must Know
Air China resumes nonstop Chengdu Tianfu to London Gatwick flights on July 12, 2026 after a 7-year gap. 4x A350-900 weekly flights through August, then 2x weekly to September.
Key takeaway
Air China resumes nonstop flights between Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) on July 12, 2026, restoring a route absent for seven years. The A350-900 service operates four times weekly through August 10, then reduces to two weekly flights from September 11 to 27, 2026. UK passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days under the unilateral visa exemption effective through December 31, 2026.
Full report
What Changed
Air China previously served London from Chengdu via Heathrow, but shifted all Chengdu–London operations to Heathrow several years ago. The Gatwick resumption restores a second London gateway for Sichuan Province travelers, offering an alternative to the congested Heathrow hub.
According to industry route tracker AeroRoutes, the initial schedule runs July 12 through August 10, 2026, with flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. After a brief operational pause, the service resumes at two weekly flights from September 11 through September 27, 2026. All flights use the Airbus A350-900, Air China's flagship long-haul wide-body aircraft configured with business, premium economy, and economy cabins.
Gatwick Airport confirmed the launch as its fifth new long-haul route of summer 2026, according to AirportRoutes. The route marks a strategic expansion for Air China, which already serves London from Beijing Capital (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG).
What to do next
- Search Air China website or preferred booking platform for July–August dates with the four-times-weekly schedule for maximum flexibility. 2. Verify passport validity (6+ months from entry) and confirm visa-free eligibility for your nationality. 3. If traveling after August 10, compare with Heathrow year-round service or connecting options via other Chinese hubs.
What may vary
The September schedule (September 11–27 at two weekly flights) has not published specific departure days as of July 11, 2026. Aircraft type may vary by specific flight date during shoulder season. The UK visa-free entry policy is confirmed through December 31, 2026, but could be extended or modified.
FAQ
Can UK citizens enter China without a visa on this new Chengdu to London Gatwick flight?
Yes. Since February 17, 2026, UK ordinary passport holders can enter China without a visa for stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchange programs, and transit. The policy is valid through December 31, 2026, as confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in London. You only need a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages.
Is the Chengdu–Gatwick route permanent or seasonal?
The route is seasonal as currently scheduled. It operates July 12–August 10 at 4x weekly, pauses, then resumes September 11–27 at 2x weekly. Air China has not announced winter 2026/2027 schedules for this route. Year-round Chengdu–London service remains available via Heathrow.
Which terminal at Gatwick does Air China use?
Air China typically operates from Gatwick's North Terminal. Terminal assignments can change — check your booking confirmation 24 hours before departure and allow extra time for inter-terminal transfers via the free 2-minute shuttle.
Can I use the 240-hour transit policy in Chengdu and fly to London on this route?
Yes, if you are a citizen of one of the 55 eligible countries and your itinerary is Country A to Chengdu to London (a different third country). Chengdu Tianfu is one of the 37 designated 240-hour transit ports. You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to London and leave mainland China within 240 hours.
Can UK citizens really enter China without a visa on this new Chengdu flight?
Yes. Since February 17, 2026, UK ordinary passport holders can enter China without a visa for stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchange programs, and transit. The policy is valid through December 31, 2026, and was confirmed by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United Kingdom. You only need a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages.
Can I use the 240-hour transit policy in Chengdu and then fly to London on this route?
Yes, but only if you are a citizen of one of the 55 eligible countries and your itinerary is Country A → Chengdu → London (third country different from your origin). The 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit allows entry through Chengdu Tianfu, which is one of the 37 designated ports. You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to London and leave mainland China within 240 hours.